Easy no-bake peanut butter cornflake cookies are chewy, sweet, salty, and made with just 5 ingredients—perfect for quick treats or holiday snacks!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Only 5 ingredients
- No baking required
- Ready in under 30 minutes
- Sweet, salty, and irresistibly chewy
- Kid-approved and perfect for holidays or after-school snacks
Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 6 cups corn flakes
Directions
- In a large saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, and peanut butter. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture just begins to boil.
- Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gently fold in the corn flakes, stirring carefully to coat them without crushing.
- Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet using a spoon or cookie scoop.
- Let the cookies cool and set at room temperature for 20–30 minutes before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 18 cookies
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Calories: Approx. 214 kcal per cookie
Variations
- Chocolate drizzle: Melt chocolate chips and drizzle over the cooled cookies
- Nut-free version: Use sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter
- Extra crunch: Add 1/2 cup chopped peanuts or pretzel pieces
- Festive twist: Mix in colored sprinkles for holidays or parties
- Mini version: Use mini cornflakes or shape into bite-sized balls
Storage/Reheating
Storage:
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Freezing:
Freeze in layers with parchment between for up to 1 month. Let thaw at room temperature before serving.
Reheating:
These cookies don’t need reheating, but you can slightly warm them in the microwave for 5–10 seconds if you like a gooier texture.
FAQs
Can I use honey instead of corn syrup?
Yes, but the cookies may be a bit softer and have a different flavor.
Do these harden like traditional cookies?
No, they stay chewy with a slightly firm texture once set.
Can I use crunchy peanut butter?
Absolutely—crunchy peanut butter adds extra texture.
What can I use instead of corn flakes?
Try Rice Krispies, Cheerios, or a mix of oats and crisped rice cereal.
Are these gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use certified gluten-free corn flakes.
Do I need to refrigerate them?
No refrigeration needed—just let them set at room temperature.
How do I keep them from falling apart?
Be sure to fully coat the corn flakes and press them slightly when forming.
Can I double the batch?
Yes, just be sure to mix quickly while the syrup mixture is warm.
Will natural peanut butter work?
It can, but you may need to stir well and expect a slightly oilier texture.
Can kids help make these?
Definitely! Just supervise the stovetop step—kids will love scooping the cookies.
Conclusion
These No-Bake Peanut Butter Cornflake Cookies are the ultimate quick-fix treat—nostalgic, satisfying, and unbelievably simple. Whether you’re making them for a party, a lunchbox surprise, or just a midweek craving, they’re guaranteed to disappear fast. Keep this recipe handy—it’s a classic you’ll return to again and again.
Print
No-Bake Peanut Butter Cornflake Cookies
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 18 cookies 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Easy no-bake peanut butter cornflake cookies are chewy, sweet, salty, and made with just 5 ingredients—perfect for quick treats or holiday snacks!
Ingredients
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup light corn syrup
1 cup creamy peanut butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
6 cups corn flakes
Instructions
In a large saucepan over medium-high heat, combine sugar, corn syrup, and peanut butter. Stir constantly until the mixture begins to boil.
Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
Gently fold in corn flakes until evenly coated.
Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto parchment paper using a spoon or cookie scoop.
Let cookies cool and set for 20–30 minutes before serving.
Notes
- For added crunch, try mixing in mini chocolate chips or chopped nuts after removing from heat.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Use natural peanut butter for a less sweet version.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American