No Bake Peanut Butter Cornflake Cookies (5 ingredients!)
Cornflake Cookies are super addictive, with an absolutely irresistible mix of crunchy cereal flakes, sweet sugar and salty peanut butter! These simple no bake cookies are quick and easy to whip up with just 5 ingredients. They are full of nostalgic flavor and chewy goodness! The perfect treat for kiddos and adults!
We are so in love with these childhood favorite, Cornflake Cookies. Not only are they incredibly tasty, but you can whip them up so fast – just a few minutes on the stovetop, then plop them down on some wax paper and let them set (or don’t!). As an added plus, you’ll only need 5 simple ingredients. Easy, delicious recipes like this one are the BEST!!
These are a family favorite, my grandma made this cornflake cookie recipe all the time when we were growing up and I continue to make it for my kids.
Traditionally, no bake cookies have an oatmeal base, but for this recipe, Corn Flakes are the base of the cookie! Actually, my grandma always used Special K cereal, not Corn Flakes. Special K is a bit puffier and sweeter than Corn Flakes cereal. It pairs especially well with the creamy peanut butter to create a wonderfully sweet and salty cookie!
These cookies are so delicious! The whole family loved them and we can’t stay out of them!
— Cara
Ingredients needed
Just 5 simple ingredients is all you need! You might even have everything in your pantry right now. If that’s the case, I recommend you go make some asap. Trust me, you’re going to love them! Here’s the list:
- Sugar. Regular, granulated sugar is a must! It helps them cook and set with the best texture.
- Light Karo corn syrup. Karo syrup is a brand of corn syrup, which gives these extra sweetness and a chewy, moist texture. Be sure to use light!
- Peanut butter. The creamy type works best. I don’t recommend using a natural peanut butter or one that’s runny. We like to use Jif or Skippy peanut butter. Consider adding a pinch of salt if your peanut butter does not contain any.
- Cereal. Special K cereal flakes are puffy, sweet and have the perfect crunch! They remind me of a flat version of Rice Krispies. I prefer to use them instead of Corn Flakes, which tend to be a bit sharp and bland. If you prefer to use cornflake cereal, simply use 2 extra cups.
- Vanilla. For extra delicious flavor!
How to make this recipe
Grab the ingredients, your healthiest appetite (and by healthy I mean BIG), and get ready for some awesome no-baking! No need to turn on the oven! Here’s the simple process for making these easy cookies:
For the full, printable recipe see the recipe card.
- Combine sugar and light corn syrup. In a large saucepan, bring sugar and syrup to a boil; stirring with a spatula frequently.
- Stir in peanut butter. Once the mixture begins to boil, remove the pan from heat and stir in peanut butter until smooth.
- Mix in cereal and vanilla. Stir the cereal and vanilla into the peanut butter mixture.
- Drop cookies onto parchment paper. Once cereal is fully coated in peanut butter mixture, use a cookie scoop or spoon to drop spoonfuls onto parchment or wax paper. We like to do this on baking sheets.
- Cool. After about 30 minutes and when the peanut butter cornflake cookies are completely cool and set, enjoy! Store at room temperature for up to about one week.
Expert tips
- This recipe moves quickly! Have all ingredients measured out and ready before you start cooking.
- You can make these treats whatever size you desire. However, I usually make them around 2 inches in size for easier storage and snacking.
- Once you drop the cookies on the parchment paper, go back and shape each one together for perfect form.
- When storing, add a piece of wax or parchment paper in between each layer of cookies so that they don’t stick together.
Frequently asked questions
If you don’t have corn flakes, feel free to use rice krispies, lightly crushed Chex, special k cereal or frosted flakes cereal.
Special K was introduced by the Kellogg Company in 1955 and was originally marketed as a way to lose weight. It is made mainly from grains such as rice, wheat, and barley, while Corn Flakes’ main ingredient is, rightfully so, made with flakes of corn. Special K is more light and airy, and also sweeter than cornflakes.
Yes, a few brands of corn flakes are certified gluten free, including Nature’s Path Organic Fruit Juice Corn Flakes and Nestle Gluten-Free Corn Flakes. Most other popular brands of corn flakes are not gluten free because they contain malt barley, which has gluten in it.
Variations
We love these as-is, but there are lots of ways you can get creative and customize this recipe. Here’s some ideas:
- Once set, drizzle melted chocolate over the tops for a pretty presentation and yummy chocolate flavor.
- Feel free to use other nut butters, especially if you have a peanut allergy.
- You can stir in a variety of favorite add-ins! Try mixing in about 1/2 cup shredded coconut, mini M&Ms, mini marshmallows, mini chocolate chips or chopped nuts.
- Customize these for any holiday by adding fun and festive sprinkles. Choose a color or sprinkle fitting for the occasion and you’ve got an easy no-bake treat to match your event. Before setting and while still warm, add sprinkles over the tops.
Storing and freezing
Once completely cooled and set, store in an airtight container or bag for up to about one week, maybe slightly longer. You can also store them in the fridge, which extends their shelf life to about two weeks. However, I don’t think they would ever last that long.
They also freeze well. Once they’re completely cooled and set, add them to a freezer bag or container and store in the freezer for up to 1 month. When ready to enjoy, remove from freezer about 10 to 15 minutes beforehand.
My grandma’s recipe for Special K cookies have always had a special place in my Christmas cookie tins. It’s one of my absolute favorites to enjoy during the holiday season. These also are perfect for cookie exchanges and they make a fabulous addition to any dessert table. They disappear quick! And everyone will be asking for the recipe!
If you try these, let me know! Leave a comment and if your family loves them as much as mine does, be sure to give it a five star ⭐️ rating! Also, tag @kimscravings on Instagram with a picture of your creation. Be sure to subscribe to our mailing list to receive more healthy delicious recipes straight to your inbox.
Cornflake Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup light Karo corn syrup
- 1 cup peanut butter*
- 4 cups Special K Cereal or Corn Flakes Cereal**
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a large saucepan, bring sugar and syrup to a boil over medium heat. Do not over cook.
- Take the pan off the burner and blend in peanut butter. Once smooth, stir in cereal and vanilla.
- Once cereal is fully coated, use a spoon to drop the cookies onto parchment or wax paper to cool.
- Once completely cool, store in an airtight container at room temperature for about a week.
Notes
Did you make this recipe?
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I substituted corn syrup with 3/4 cup of honey and I found the result very very good. I would make this again for sure. Thank you Kim
So happy your substitution worked and they turned out delicious! Thanks for sharing your feedback!
I have a similar recipe except it has corn flakes and rice krispies. Every one loves these. They are easy and quick to make.
I was unable to find light karo syrup, I was only able to get regular. How would you adjust the sugar or syrup ratio so that they don’t become overly sweet? Thanks for help, I am hoping to make these for our 4th of July bbq for the kids, but it sounds like the adults will have a hard time staying out of these too!
Hi Rebecca, Karo light and dark corn syrups perform similarly in recipes and can usually be used interchangeably. I think the regular will work just fine without any adjustments. Let us know how it turns out and enjoy!
Hi..
Any substitute for corn syrup?
Unfortunately, no. I’m not sure that anything else would work as well.
These were so addicting! Will definitely be making again. So good!
These cookies are so delicious! The whole family loved them and we can’t stay out of them!
Oh my goodness… these are super delicious and a bit addicting! We could not stop eating these cookies! Thanks for an easy, yummy recipe that I’ll make again and again!