Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent the cookies from sticking.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, flour, baking soda, and salt. Whisk them together to evenly distribute the ingredients. This mixture forms the base of your cookies and provides a great source of fiber and whole grains.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a separate medium-sized bowl, mix the almond butter, honey, melted coconut oil, egg, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth and creamy. If your almond butter is too thick, you can warm it slightly in the microwave to make it easier to stir.

Step 4: Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients

Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir with a spatula or wooden spoon until the dough is well combined. The dough should be thick and sticky, with no visible streaks of flour.

Step 5: Add the Trail Mix Ingredients

Fold in your chopped nuts, seeds, dried fruit, chocolate chips, and any other add-ins you’re using, like shredded coconut or chia seeds. Be careful not to overmix, as you want to ensure the trail mix ingredients are evenly distributed without making the dough too dense.

Step 6: Form the Cookies

Using a cookie scoop or a tablespoon, scoop out the dough and form it into balls. Place the dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Gently press down on each ball with your fingers or the back of a spoon to flatten them slightly, as these cookies won’t spread much during baking.

Step 7: Bake the Cookies

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cookies are golden brown around the edges and set in the center. Be careful not to overbake them, as you want the cookies to remain soft and chewy.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Once the cookies are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. These cookies are delicious when slightly warm, but they also taste great at room temperature.