If your sweet tooth had a favorite childhood memory, this cookie would be it! Marshmallow Peanut Butter Cornflake Cookies are gooey, crunchy, sweet, and salty-basically everything you want in a no-bake treat.
This is one of those classic recipes that doesn't need a fancy twist to impress!
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What makes this recipe irresistible
I've been making a version of this cookie for years, and with just a few small tweaks, it's now less crumbly, more peanut buttery, and officially irresistible!!!
These cookies are made for cookie trays. They a different texture from all the soft, baked goodies. That mix of crispy cornflakes, creamy peanut butter, and chewy marshmallow makes them stand out in the best way!
Plus, they're a total time-saver-no oven, no chilling, and ready in under 30 minutes. What more could you ask for during the holiday hustle?
Ingredients
Please refer to the printable recipe card for the exact measurements for the Peanut Butter Cornflake Cookies.
Marshmallow Peanut Butter Cornflake Cookies
Ingredients
- 10 ounce bag mini marshmallows
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup creamy or crunchy peanut butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup roasted peanuts coarsely chopped
- 5 cups cornflake cereal
- ¼ cup holiday sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Line a baking sheet with parchment or wax paper. Lightly spritz a spoon or cookie scoop with non-stick spray.
- In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter.
- Add the peanut butter and marshmallows. Stir constantly until silky smooth.
- Pull the pot off the heat and stir in vanilla. It will bubble and hiss a bit.
- Fold in the chopped peanuts, then gently fold in cornflakes until everything is coated.
- Quickly drop heaping tablespoonfuls onto the prepped pan.
- Immediately top with holiday sprinkles (if using).
- Refrigerate until the cookies are set - 30 to 40 minutes.
Notes
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Nutrition
Frequently asked questions (FAQ's)
Yes! They keep well in an airtight container for up to 5 days at room temperature. You can even freeze them for up to a month.
Sure thing-try Rice Krispies or Special K for a fun twist, though the texture will be a bit different. Cornflakes give the best balance of crunch and structure. Frosted Flakes would be too sweet for this recipe.
Cookie variations
These cookies are delicious year-round, so don't limit yourself to just making them during the holidays!
- Topping them with a pinch of seasalt takes them to the next level.
- Adding food coloring and varying the sprinkles to coincide with the holidays; i.e. red and green for Christmas or orange with black sprinkles for Halloween - fun!!
- Drizzling the cookies with melted chocolate OR dipping the bottom of the cookies into melted makes them extra special. 😋
Deb's top tips
Work fast. Once the marshmallow mixture is ready, move quickly-this stuff sets up faster than a kid spotting Santa. Have your parchment-lined tray and scooping tools ready to go.
- Use cooking spray. A little spritz on your spoons (or hands!) helps with shaping the cookies without sticking.
- Don't overheat the marshmallows. Melt them just until smooth. Overheating makes the mixture too stiff and the cookies too firm.
More Christmas cookie recipes
Looking for more treats for Santa and your cookie trays? How about baking Triple Chocolate Cookies! Rich, chewy, chocolatey and decadent, they are so satisfying!
Another great choice would be Santa's Whiskers. These are so fun and festive! And using a cake mix, makes them even easier and just as delicious!
Wrapping it up
These Marshmallow Peanut Butter Cornflake Cookies are the kind of treat you make once and immediately wonder why you haven't been making them your whole life. They're quick, foolproof, and a little nostalgic-in the best way.
Add them to your holiday baking list (or your Tuesday snack lineup-I don't judge), and let me know what you think! Did you add peanuts? Try a drizzle of chocolate?
Leave a comment below and share your cookie creativity with me-I love hearing how you make these recipes your own!
Colleen says
No Cornflakes in the pantry so used Rice Krispies in place of and hope my pants don't Snap, Crackle and Pop from eating 2 many. :}
Family favorite anytime through out the year.
Debra Clark says
Hahaha! Great substitution Colleen, thanks for sharing - enjoy the cookies!!
Sherri Rochester says
This is my absolute favorite cookie of all time!! At Christmas time, I put the red & green sprinkles on them. I do this for all the holiday. At Halloween, I use a bit of orange food coloring right before adding the cereal, just remember to turn off the heat and stir well. I add mini chocolate chips in a jack-o-lantern face. You do have to work quickly. So I usually only get a few done of these. Yum
Debra Clark says
That sounds absolutely adorable Sherri, how fun! Love that tip for Halloween!! (Which is my favorite holiday of the year for sure!!) Thanks so much for sharing and happy Christmas in July!!
CAROL G says
This is a great idea that my grandchildren would enjoy eating. They always ask can we make cookies. I think I will make these without their help until it is time to eat them.
Debra Clark says
Yum, yum, yum!! I hope your grand-kids enjoy the cookies Carol - sounds like they are in for a sweet visit!!
Carole A Ralph says
Never made them with peanut butter , but have always made the green dyed ones for Christmas , My family loves peanut butter , so I'll give these a try.
Debra Clark says
You are in for a treat Carole! I love the idea of green dye, how festive! Thanks for sharing!!
Kathy Sicht says
Christmas in July was a FAVORITE in summer school! We made Christmas trees out of sugar cones, green icing and sprinkles! We made Christmas ornaments, Sang along with Christmas music and watched a movie! Thank you! I WILL be making them!
Debra Clark says
Oh how fun, thank you for the memories Kathy, that is awesome! I think just the joy is the best thing. Thanks for supporting the blog!
Penny says
In Kansas - we call these June Bugs...but eat them anytime of the year LOL. They are addictive though....so be ready for them to disappear!
Debra Clark says
I hadn't heard the name June Bug before, that is so fun Penny! Thanks for sharing!!
Sue Turcsany says
I don't like cornflakes. However, my grandson loves them. When he stays at the house he wolfs down huge cereal bowls. This would be something he would definitely like, with the nuts, peanut butter, marshmallows. Next time I go shopping I'll pick up a box and make him this special treat--- looks easy with simple ingredients -- (he can take home whatever he doesn't eat) as my husband doesn't like them either.
Debra Clark says
Sounds like your grandson is going to score next visit! I hope he really enjoys the cookies and appreciates you making the treats!! Thanks Sue!!
MaryB says
My nephew loves these cookies. They are so easy to put together and it’s fun to have a treat for him when he comes over.
Debra Clark says
Thanks MaryB! I hope you enjoy some cookies with your nephew next visit!