Golden, chewy, and delightfully crunchy—Cornflake Cookies bring a nostalgic twist to your classic cookie cravings. With crispy cornflakes folded into a soft, buttery dough, these cookies strike the perfect balance between crisp edges and a tender center. Each bite bursts with caramel-like sweetness, a whisper of salt, and that unforgettable cereal crunch.

Whether you’re baking for a holiday treat tray or whipping up a quick dessert for the kids, Cornflake Cookies offer a unique texture and flavor that stand out. They’re simple enough for beginner bakers but satisfying enough to impress any cookie lover. No fancy ingredients, just pantry staples transformed into something magical.

Why You’ll Love This Cornflake Cookies Recipe

Irresistible Texture: Crispy on the outside, chewy inside—thanks to the contrast between cornflakes and soft dough.
Easy to Make: No need for special equipment or obscure ingredients.
Perfect for All Occasions: Bake sales, potlucks, holiday tins, or late-night snacks.
Kid-Approved: The cereal base makes it fun and familiar for children.
Freezer-Friendly: Dough or baked cookies freeze well for future cravings.

Ready to crunch into the next steps?

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use (Essential Tools and the Importance of Each)

Creating the perfect batch of Cornflake Cookies starts with a little kitchen prep. These cookies are quick to mix up, but having the right tools ensures they turn out consistent and delicious every time.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Mixing Bowls (Large and Medium)
You’ll need at least two—one for the dry ingredients and another for creaming the butter and sugars. A spacious bowl helps evenly incorporate the crushed cornflakes without overmixing.
Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer
While you can use a wooden spoon and elbow grease, a mixer makes creaming butter and sugar fast and efficient—resulting in a fluffier texture.
Rubber Spatula
For folding in the cornflakes without crushing them too much. It’s also great for scraping down the sides of the bowl.
Measuring Cups and Spoons
Accuracy matters in baking. Use dry measuring cups for flour and cereal, and spoons for baking soda, salt, and vanilla.
Baking Sheets
Choose heavy-duty, non-stick sheets or line them with parchment paper. Even heat distribution prevents overbrowning.
Cooling Rack
Transferring cookies to a wire rack after baking helps them set properly and prevents sogginess from steam.
Cookie Scoop (optional)
For even portioning and perfectly round cookies.

Preparation Tips

Before diving into the ingredients, here are some key tips to ensure your cookie prep goes smoothly:

Soften the Butter: Let your butter sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This helps it cream properly with the sugar, creating that soft, chewy texture.
Don’t Crush Cornflakes Too Much: You want them broken slightly, not pulverized. This preserves the crunch and gives the cookies their signature texture.
Chill the Dough (Optional but Helpful): If you have time, chill the dough for 30 minutes. It helps prevent overspreading in the oven and enhances the flavor.
Use Room Temp Ingredients: Eggs and butter blend more evenly when not cold, giving your dough a smoother consistency.
Prep Baking Sheets Ahead: Lining with parchment makes cleanup a breeze and prevents sticking.

Ingredients for This Cornflake Cookies Recipe

These cookies are made with basic pantry staples, but the magic lies in how they come together to deliver that crisp-chewy contrast. Here’s everything you’ll need:

Dry Ingredients

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour – Gives the cookie structure.
½ teaspoon baking soda – Helps the cookies rise and spread slightly.
½ teaspoon salt – Enhances the flavor and balances the sweetness.
2 cups cornflakes (lightly crushed) – The star of the show, adding crunch and texture.

Wet Ingredients

¾ cup unsalted butter (softened) – The base fat that gives richness and a soft chew.
½ cup granulated sugar – For sweetness and slight crispness.
½ cup brown sugar (packed) – Adds moisture and caramel undertones.
1 large egg – Binds everything together.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Rounds out the flavors with warmth.

Optional Topping

Flaky sea salt (for sprinkling) – A final touch that elevates every bite with contrast.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Cornflake Cookies

Follow these steps to get those golden, chewy, and crunchy cookies just right. From mixing to baking, this process is simple and fun!

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. Set aside.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, add softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar.
Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat them together for 2–3 minutes, until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial for a soft cookie texture.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

Add in the egg and vanilla extract, then mix again until fully combined and smooth.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients Separately

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures the leavening is evenly distributed.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients. Mix on low speed or stir until just combined—don’t overmix.

Step 6: Fold in the Cornflakes

Gently fold in the crushed cornflakes using a rubber spatula. Be careful not to break them down too much—you want visible cereal pieces throughout.

Step 7: Scoop and Shape

Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop evenly-sized dough balls onto your prepared baking sheets. Leave about 2 inches between each cookie to allow for spreading.

Optional: Slightly press each dough ball down and sprinkle with flaky sea salt for extra flavor.

Step 8: Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown but the centers are still soft.
Don’t overbake—they’ll continue to cook slightly on the tray after removal.

Step 9: Cool

Let cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Cornflake Cookies may be simple, but a few small tweaks can elevate them from good to unforgettable. Here are some helpful notes to keep in mind:

Customize the Add-ins: Want to mix it up? Add mini chocolate chips, chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or even dried cranberries for added flavor and texture.
Texture Tip: If you prefer an extra crisp cookie, bake for a minute longer. For chewier centers, pull them out right at the 10-minute mark.
Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prep the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 48 hours. Just let it sit out for 10 minutes before scooping and baking.
Cereal Swap: You can experiment with Rice Krispies, crushed Wheaties, or even granola for a different vibe—just keep the quantity the same.
Salt is Your Friend: A light sprinkle of flaky salt on top really sharpens the sweet-salty contrast, taking your cookies from “yum” to “wow.”

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Avoiding these common pitfalls will make sure your cookies turn out perfect every time:

Using Melted Butter: This causes the dough to spread too much and results in flat, greasy cookies. Always use softened, room-temperature butter.
Overmixing the Dough: Once the dry ingredients are added, mix just until combined. Overmixing can make the cookies tough.
Crushing Cornflakes Too Much: You want broken pieces, not crumbs. Too finely crushed flakes lose that signature crunch.
Overcrowding the Pan: Leave enough space between cookies, or they’ll spread into each other and lose their shape.
Overbaking: The cookies should look slightly underdone in the center when you pull them out—they’ll firm up as they cool.
Skipping the Chill (if warm in your kitchen): Warm dough can cause cookies to overspread. Chilling is optional, but highly recommended in warmer kitchens.
Not Measuring Flour Properly: Too much flour leads to dry, cakey cookies. Always spoon and level your flour into the measuring cup.
Baking on a Warm Tray: Let your baking sheets cool between batches. Hot trays can cause premature spreading.

What to Serve With Cornflake Cookies?

Cornflake Cookies are delightful on their own, but pairing them with complementary drinks or dishes can elevate the experience into a cozy snack moment or an impressive dessert offering. Whether you’re serving them at a party, enjoying them with family, or packing them for lunchboxes, these combos work beautifully.

8 Delicious Serving Recommendations

1. Cold Milk (Classic Combo)

Few things beat the timeless duo of warm cookies and a glass of cold milk. The creaminess of the milk balances the crunch and sweetness.

2. Hot Chocolate

Especially during cooler months, these cookies pair like a dream with rich, velvety hot cocoa. Add a pinch of cinnamon to the cocoa for an extra cozy touch.

3. Vanilla Ice Cream

Crush or crumble the cookies over a scoop of ice cream, or sandwich them for a simple yet divine dessert.

4. Coffee or Latte

A slightly sweet cookie like this is perfect with a bold espresso or creamy latte. It’s a grown-up twist that works well for brunch or afternoon snacks.

5. Yogurt Parfait

Layer broken cookie pieces with vanilla yogurt and berries for a textured and flavorful parfait.

6. Fruit Salad

Serve alongside a vibrant fruit salad to cut the richness with fresh, tart flavors—especially great with citrus or kiwi.

7. Cheese Platter (Sweet & Savory)

For an unexpected pairing, serve small bites of Cornflake Cookies with a cheese board. Mild cheeses like brie or mascarpone go particularly well.

8. Peanut Butter or Nutella Dip

Serve cookies with a side of peanut butter or Nutella for dipping. Great for kids’ snack time or party platters.

Storage Instructions

Proper storage will keep your Cornflake Cookies tasting fresh and maintaining their delightful crunch and chew. Whether you want to enjoy them over several days or save them for later, here’s how to do it right:

At Room Temperature

Storage Time: Up to 5 days
How: Store in an airtight container lined with parchment paper to retain texture. Keep them in a cool, dry place—avoid exposure to humidity, which softens the cornflakes.

Tip: Add a slice of white bread to the container to help maintain moisture and keep cookies soft.

Freezing the Cookies

Baked Cookies: Place cooled cookies in a single layer in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag.
➤ Freezer Life: Up to 3 months
➤ Thawing: Let them sit at room temp for 10–15 minutes or warm slightly in the microwave for a freshly-baked feel.
Cookie Dough: Scoop dough into balls and freeze on a tray. Once frozen, transfer to a zip-top bag.
➤ Bake from Frozen: Add 1–2 extra minutes to baking time.

Estimated Nutrition

Here’s a general estimate based on a standard serving size of 1 cookie (from a batch of about 24):

Nutrient	Amount per Cookie
Calories	~130–150 kcal
Total Fat	~7g
Saturated Fat	~4g
Carbohydrates	~17g
Sugar	~9g
Protein	~1.5g
Fiber	~0.3g
Sodium	~90mg

Note: These values are approximate and can vary depending on add-ins (e.g., chocolate chips or nuts) and the exact brand of ingredients used.

Frequently Asked Questions

Let’s tackle the most common questions people have when making or enjoying Cornflake Cookies. Whether you’re a beginner or a returning baker, these quick answers will help guide your baking success.

1. Can I use sweetened cornflakes instead of plain?

Yes, but keep in mind that sweetened varieties will make the cookies noticeably sweeter. You may want to slightly reduce the amount of added sugar in the dough to balance it out.

2. Do I need to chill the dough before baking?

Not necessarily, but chilling for 30 minutes can help prevent the cookies from overspreading, especially in a warm kitchen. It also improves the flavor by allowing the dough to rest.

3. Can I make these gluten-free?

Absolutely. Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, and ensure your cornflakes are certified gluten-free (some brands contain malt flavoring, which has gluten).

4. How do I keep the cookies crunchy?

To preserve the crunch, store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature and avoid exposure to moisture. For extra crispness, bake them an extra minute or two.

5. Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Yes! Scoop and freeze the dough on a tray first, then transfer to a freezer bag. You can bake straight from frozen, just add an extra minute or two to the baking time.

6. Can I reduce the sugar?

You can reduce the sugar by ¼ cup total, but note it may slightly affect the texture and spread. Reducing sugar too much can make the cookies dry and crumbly.

7. What if my dough is too dry?

Add 1 tablespoon of milk at a time until the dough holds together. Make sure you’ve measured the flour correctly—spoon it into the cup and level it, never scoop directly.

8. How long do they stay fresh?

They’re best within 3–4 days, but can last up to 5 days in an airtight container. Freeze extras for longer storage without losing quality.

Conclusion

Cornflake Cookies are the perfect fusion of childhood nostalgia and irresistible texture. With their crispy cereal crunch, buttery softness, and sweet finish, they’re a surefire crowd-pleaser that’s both simple and satisfying. This easy recipe is ideal for beginners, family baking sessions, or last-minute dessert needs.

Whether served with a glass of milk or sandwiched with ice cream, these cookies are more than a treat—they’re a joyful bite of comfort. So grab your bowl, fire up the oven, and bake a batch of these golden gems today.