Delicious & Easy Cornflake Cookies: The Ultimate Crispy-Chewy Treat Recipe
Imagine a cookie that perfectly blends two delightful textures: a delightfully light, crispy exterior, and a wonderfully chewy interior. These aren’t just any cookies; these are Cornflake Cookies, a truly exceptional treat that promises to bring a smile to anyone’s face. The secret lies in the humble cornflake cereal, which adds an irresistible crunch to every bite, contrasting beautifully with the soft, tender dough. Simple to make yet bursting with flavor, they offer a sugary, golden-brown goodness that makes them an instant classic and a staple for any cookie lover. Their unique appeal comes from this dual texture, making them a more exciting option than your average sugar cookie. Enjoy the perfect balance of crisp and chew in every bite of these easy-to-make, utterly delicious cookies.
My journey to discovering these fantastic cookies began with an old culinary treasure: the Colorado Cache Cookbook, a thoughtful gift from a dear friend. Flipping through its pages, I stumbled upon a recipe that, to be honest, initially made me a bit skeptical. Cornflakes in cookies? It sounded a little unconventional, perhaps even odd. However, driven by curiosity and a love for experimenting in the kitchen, I decided to take the plunge. What a delightful surprise awaited me! These crispy cornflake cookies quickly proved to be far more than just “odd”; they were an absolute revelation, hands down one of the most satisfying cookies I’d baked in a long time. The moment I tasted them, I was transported back to my childhood, recalling the comforting flavors of my Great Aunt Vern’s Sugar Cookies. That distinctive taste, a subtle tang combined with a light, airy quality, is something I’ve always cherished. I realized it was the cream of tartar in the recipe that created this beloved texture and flavor profile, making these cookies not just a new favorite, but a nostalgic journey.
Why You’ll Love These Crispy Cornflake Cookies
If you’re searching for a cookie that offers a little something extra, look no further than these Cornflake Crispy Cookies. They take the familiar comfort of a traditional sugar cookie and elevate it with an utterly delightful crunchy element provided by the cornflakes. This textural interplay makes them incredibly addictive and distinct. They are destined to become your new go-to cookie recipe, perfect for a multitude of occasions. Imagine them as a star attraction on your holiday dessert buffet, a comforting after-school snack for hungry kids, or a unique and memorable contribution to any Christmas cookie exchange. Their universal appeal makes them a fantastic choice for gatherings, parties, or simply enjoying a quiet moment at home. Pair them with a tall, cold glass of milk, and you’ve got a combination that’s pure bliss – a simple pleasure that speaks volumes. These cookies aren’t just a dessert; they’re an experience, marrying the sweetness of sugar with the unexpected delight of a crunchy cereal.
Making the Most of Leftover Cornflakes
It seems I always have a box of cornflake cereal lurking in the pantry. Many recipes, including this one, only call for a cup or so, leaving a significant amount behind. Finding delicious and creative ways to utilize those leftover cornflakes before they lose their crispness is always a win. Beyond these amazing cookies, cornflakes are surprisingly versatile and can add fantastic texture to both sweet and savory dishes. For a truly unique dessert, consider making a “Fried” Ice Cream Pie, where crushed cornflakes create that signature crispy coating without the actual frying. If you’re looking for a savory application, my recipe for Crispy Oven “Fried” Chicken in a Biscuit Sandwiches uses cornflakes to achieve an incredible crunch that mimics deep-frying, offering a healthier yet equally satisfying meal. For another nostalgic cookie option, Old Fashioned Cherry Wink Cookies often incorporate cornflakes for texture and visual appeal. And for a hearty side dish, my Mom’s Hashbrown Potato Casserole gets a wonderful crispy topping from crushed cornflakes, adding an unexpected layer of flavor and crunch. These ideas ensure that no cornflake goes to waste and your pantry staple becomes a culinary star in many forms.
Essential Ingredients for Crispy Cornflake Cookies
One of the many beauties of these crispy cornflake cookies is their reliance on readily available, basic pantry ingredients. You likely have most, if not all, of these staples in your kitchen right now, making impromptu baking sessions incredibly easy. The precise measurements and step-by-step instructions are conveniently detailed in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post, but let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need and why each ingredient plays a crucial role:
- Unsalted Butter – You will need one stick (half a cup) of unsalted butter, preferably at room temperature. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the overall saltiness of your cookies. Room temperature butter creams better with sugar, creating a lighter, fluffier dough structure.
- Granulated Sugar – This recipe calls for classic white granulated sugar, which provides the essential sweetness and contributes to the crisp exterior of the cookies.
- Baking Soda – A crucial leavening agent, baking soda reacts with the acidic cream of tartar to create carbon dioxide, giving the cookies their light and slightly chewy texture.
- Cream of Tartar – This ingredient is key to achieving that signature softness and chewiness that reminds me of classic sugar cookies. It helps stabilize the leavening action of baking soda and prevents sugar crystallization, contributing to a tender crumb.
- All-Purpose Flour – Standard all-purpose flour works best for these cookies, providing the necessary structure without making them too dense.
- Cornflake Cereal – The star of the show! While I typically use Kellogg’s brand, any generic brand of cornflake cereal will work perfectly. The flakes add that irresistible, unique crunch and visual appeal.
- Salt – A small pinch of salt balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors in the cookie, a vital component in any baking recipe.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Cornflake Cookies
Crafting these delightful Cornflake Crispy Cookies is a straightforward and enjoyable process. Even novice bakers will find this recipe approachable and rewarding. Let’s walk through the simple steps to create your batch of these wonderfully textural treats.
Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175°C). While the oven heats, prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and ensures easy cleanup.
Next, in a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and granulated sugar. Cream these two ingredients together until the mixture is light and fluffy. You can achieve this using a handheld electric mixer or a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment on low speed. This step incorporates air into the butter and sugar, which is vital for the cookies’ texture. Once the butter and sugar are perfectly creamed, add the baking soda, cream of tartar, all-purpose flour, and a pinch of salt to the bowl. Mix everything thoroughly until all the dry ingredients are just combined with the wet mixture, being careful not to overmix, which can lead to tough cookies. Then, gently fold in the cornflakes by hand. You want to incorporate them without crushing them too much, as their intact shape contributes significantly to the cookie’s crispy texture. Use a spatula or wooden spoon for this delicate step.
Then, using a tablespoon or a cookie scoop for uniform size, drop rounded portions of the cookie dough onto your prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each cookie for spreading. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for approximately 13 minutes. Keep a close eye on them; you’ll know they’re ready when the edges just begin to turn a beautiful golden brown. The centers might still look slightly soft, but they will firm up as they cool.
Finally, once baked, carefully transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them achieve their final crispy-chewy texture and prevents them from becoming soggy on the bottom. In just a few minutes, they’ll be ready to enjoy!
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If you can’t wait to make this Cornflake Cookie Recipe, make sure you can find it easily when you’re ready! Pin it to your favorite Pinterest recipe board before you go so you can revisit this delightful treat anytime.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cornflake Cookies
You might have a few questions about making these cookies or some of the ingredients involved. Here are answers to some common inquiries that will help you achieve the best possible results:
Can I use margarine instead of butter in my cookie recipe? Yes, you certainly can swap out butter for margarine, using the same amount called for in the recipe. This is a popular option for those looking to create a dairy-free or vegan version of a recipe. However, it’s crucial to understand that this substitution will notably alter the texture of your cookies. Butter, with its higher fat content, imparts a rich, distinct flavor and helps cookies crisp up beautifully on the edges while remaining wonderfully soft and chewy in the center. Margarine, on the other hand, contains more water and less fat. This composition typically results in a crispier cookie that spreads thinner during baking. Another important consideration is that cookies made with margarine tend to brown and burn more easily, so you’ll need to monitor them closely while baking. If you opt for margarine, choose a stick margarine with a higher fat content (often containing trans fat) as it will more closely mimic butter’s baking properties.
When were Kellogg’s Corn Flakes invented? The iconic Corn Flakes cereal was invented in 1894 by physician John Harvey Kellogg. His initial motivation was to create a healthy, easily digestible morning meal for the patients at the Battle Creek Sanitarium where he worked. Dr. Kellogg believed in the power of a bland diet to promote physical and spiritual purity, leading to a “fresh mind” free of impurities. The creation of flaked cereal itself was somewhat accidental. Legend has it that he and his brother, Will Keith Kellogg, were attempting to create a dough from boiled wheat when they were called away. Upon their return, the wheat had gone stale, but they decided to press it anyway. To their surprise, instead of forming sheets, it came out in individual flakes. They experimented with corn, and thus, Corn Flakes were born. John Harvey Kellogg patented the process of creating flaked cereals in 1895. While his original intentions for a bland diet had a fascinating and complex backstory, it’s safe to say his accidental invention led to one of the world’s most beloved breakfast cereals and, in this case, a delicious cookie ingredient!
Smart Substitutions for Your Cornflake Cookie Recipe
- Butter – As discussed in our FAQs, margarine can be used in place of butter. Just remember the textural differences – margarine will generally yield a crispier, thinner cookie.
- Sugar – This recipe primarily uses white granulated sugar for its classic sweetness and texture. However, for a slightly chewier cookie with a hint of caramel flavor, you can replace half of the white sugar with light brown sugar. This small change adds depth to the cookie’s profile.
- Cornflakes – If you find yourself without cornflakes or simply want to try a different crunch, several other cereals can work wonders. Rice Krispies would offer a lighter, less pronounced crunch, maintaining that airy crispness. Frosted Flakes would introduce an extra layer of sweetness and a distinct sugar-coated crisp. For a slightly healthier but still crunchy alternative, cereals like Special K or Wheaties could also be used, though they might offer a more subdued crunch and slightly different flavor profile. The key is to find a cereal that maintains some form of crispness after baking.
Pro Tips and Tricks for Perfect Cornflake Cookies
- You can make this dough ahead of time and let it chill in the fridge up to a day in advance. Bring to room temperature before scooping and baking. Chilling the dough can also help prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking, resulting in a thicker, chewier cookie and enhanced flavor.
- Using a cookie scoop will produce uniform-sized cookies. A tablespoon-sized scoop is ideal for this recipe. Uniform cookies not only look professional but also ensure even baking, meaning no burnt edges while others are underdone.
- Double the recipe to make even more of these tasty cookies! This is a small batch recipe, perfect for a quick craving or a small family treat. However, these cookies are so popular that you might find yourself needing more! The recipe is incredibly easy to double or even triple, making it suitable for larger gatherings, potlucks, or holiday cookie trays. Just remember to use appropriately sized mixing bowls.
- You can try some different additives such as ½ cup of mini chocolate chips for a classic chocolatey twist, butterscotch chips for a richer, sweeter note, finely chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts) for added texture and earthy flavor, or even coconut flakes for a tropical hint. These additives can transform the flavor profile and make each batch unique.
- Store cookies in an air-tight container at room temperature for 3-4 days to maintain their optimal taste and texture. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months. For best results when freezing, arrange them in a single layer between sheets of wax paper in a freezer-safe container or bag, and thaw them at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy.
More Delicious Cookie Recipes to Explore
- Mom’s Yum Yum Cookies (pictured above)
- Vanilla Crown Royal Cookies
- Funfetti Sugar Cookies
- Grinch Shortbread Bites
- Seven Layer Cookies
- Turtle Cookies
See ALL of my COOKIE RECIPES
This delightful Cornflake Cookie recipe isn’t just a treat for your taste buds; it’s also a part of The Sweetest Season, an inspiring annual virtual cookie swap. This wonderful event is co-hosted by two fantastic food bloggers, Erin of The Speckled Palate and Susannah of Feast + West. Every year, a community of passionate food bloggers comes together, not only to share innovative and mouth-watering holiday cookie recipes but also to support a profoundly meaningful cause.
This year, we are incredibly proud to be raising money for Cookies 4 Kids’ Cancer, an outstanding organization dedicated to a crucial mission. Cookies 4 Kids’ Cancer is a recognized 501(c)3 non-profit organization focused on funding vital research for new, innovative, and critically, less-toxic treatments for childhood cancer. Pediatric cancer remains a devastating challenge, and funding for specialized research is always in high demand.
Since its inception in 2008, Cookies for Kids’ Cancer has made an incredible impact. They have granted nearly $18 million to pediatric cancer research, distributing over 100 research grants to leading pediatric cancer centers across the country. These grants have been instrumental in driving progress, directly leading to the development and availability of more than 35 new treatments that are helping children battle cancer today. This tangible impact underscores the importance of every donation.
Another exciting thing is that Cookies for Kids’ Cancer is currently in a matching window with their generous friends at OXO. This means that OXO will be matching every dollar raised through the end of 2022, up to an astounding $100,000! Whatever money we manage to raise through ‘The Sweetest Season’ will automatically double on our fundraising page, effectively multiplying the impact of your contribution. We urge you to consider joining us in supporting this incredibly important cause. Every donation, big or small, helps fund groundbreaking research that brings hope and new treatments to children and their families. Please donate through our dedicated fundraising page.
Don’t wait another moment to experience the magic of these cornflake crispy cookies! With their irresistible blend of crispy exterior and chewy interior, they’re guaranteed to be a hit. Requiring only a few simple ingredients and minimal preparation, you can go from mixing bowl to warm, delectable cookies in less than 30 minutes. This recipe will quickly earn its place as one of your family’s most cherished favorites, bringing joy and a delightful crunch to every bite. Bake a batch today and watch them disappear!
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Print Recipe
Cornflake Crispy Cookies
Equipment
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13×18 Half Sheet Pan
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Wilton Stainless Steel Cookie Scoop
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Glass Batter Bowl
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Kitchenaid Stand Mixer
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KitchenAid Hand Mixer
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick, softened)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon cream of tartar
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup Cornflakes cereal
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175°C) and line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.
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In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add in the baking soda, cream of tartar, all-purpose flour, and salt. Mix until well combined, being careful not to overmix.
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Gently fold in the cornflakes by hand, trying not to crush them too much, as their intact shape contributes significantly to the cookie’s crispy texture.
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Drop tablespoon-sized cookie balls onto your prepared cookie sheet, leaving some space between each cookie for spreading. Bake for approximately 13 minutes, or until the edges just begin to turn a beautiful golden brown.
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Carefully transfer the baked cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Nutrition