If your sweet tooth had a favorite childhood memory, these Marshmallow Peanut Butter Cornflake Cookies would be it! They're gooey, crunchy, sweet, and salty, everything you want in an easy no-bake cookie. One bite and you'll understand why they've been a family favorite for generations.
This is one of those classic recipes that doesn't need a fancy twist to impress!
What you'll love about these cookies
I've been making a version of these cookies for years, and after a few kitchen tweaks they're even better. They're extra peanut buttery, hold together beautifully, and are easier to scoop than ever before.
They're a standout on any cookie tray because they bring something different than the usual baked cookies. Crispy cornflakes, creamy peanut butter, chewy marshmallows, and crunchy peanuts make every bite impossible to resist.
Best of all, there's no oven to heat up and they're ready in about 30 minutes. That's a holiday win in my book!
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
Nutrition
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Ingredients
Please refer to the printable recipe card for the exact measurements for the Peanut Butter Cornflake Cookies.
Cookie variations
These cookies are delicious year-round, so don't save them just for the holidays.
- Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top for a sweet-and-salty finish.
- Change the sprinkles to match the season. Think red and green for Christmas, pastel colors for Easter, or orange and black for Halloween.
- Drizzle the cookies with melted chocolate, or dip the bottoms in chocolate after they've set.
- Stir in a handful of mini chocolate chips after the mixture has cooled slightly for an extra chocolatey bite.
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.
Absolutely! Creamy peanut butter gives the smoothest texture, but crunchy peanut butter adds even more peanut flavor and a little extra crunch.
Deb's top tips
Work quickly once you stir in the cornflakes. The mixture starts setting almost immediately, so have your parchment-lined baking sheet and cookie scoop ready before you begin. This stuff sets up faster than a kid spotting Santa!
- 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 favorites
If you're filling cookie tins or putting together a holiday dessert tray, don't stop with these cornflake cookies! My Peanut Butter Blossoms disappear quickly because of their classic peanut butter and chocolate combination, mmmm!
Add a batch of festive Cake Mix Santa's Whiskers Cookies for a pop of color, then round everything out with rich, chewy Triple Chocolate Cookies. Together, they make a cookie platter that's guaranteed to disappear fast.
A classic holiday cookie everyone loves
Whether you're filling cookie trays, making treats for a bake sale, or simply craving something sweet, these Marshmallow Peanut Butter Cornflake Cookies always deliver. They're wonderfully nostalgic, and have that irresistible mix of creamy peanut butter, chewy marshmallows, and crispy cornflakes that keeps everyone reaching for another.
When you make a batch, I'd love to hear how they turned out. Leave a comment below and tell me if you added your own fun twist!
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!