Peanut Butter Cornflake Cookies are chewy, crispy, no-bake treats made with simple pantry staples. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal effort, you can whip up a batch of these sweet, nutty cookies in minutes. Perfect for holidays, lunchboxes, or anytime snacking, they’re a nostalgic favorite that never goes out of style.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These cookies are incredibly quick and easy to make—no oven required. They have the perfect balance of creamy peanut butter and crunchy cornflakes, creating a texture that’s both soft and crisp. They’re great for when you need a fast dessert, something to bring to a party, or a fun recipe to make with kids.
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Cornflakes cereal
- Creamy peanut butter
- Granulated sugar
- Light corn syrup (or honey as an alternative)
- Vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt (optional)
directions

- In a medium saucepan, combine sugar and corn syrup over medium heat. Stir until the sugar is fully dissolved and the mixture begins to bubble.
- Remove from heat and stir in the peanut butter and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Add the cornflakes and gently stir until fully coated with the peanut butter mixture.
- Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Let the cookies cool and set at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
- Once firm, store or serve.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 18 to 24 cookies, depending on size.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cool time: 30 minutes
Total time: About 40 minutes
Variations
- Chocolate drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate over the top for extra indulgence.
- Butterscotch flavor: Replace half the peanut butter with melted butterscotch chips.
- Add-ins: Mix in mini marshmallows, chopped nuts, or raisins for added texture.
- Gluten-free version: Use certified gluten-free cornflakes.
- Honey swap: Use honey instead of corn syrup for a natural sweetener alternative.
storage/reheating
Store Peanut Butter Cornflake Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 2 weeks. These cookies are best enjoyed at room temperature—no reheating needed. If chilled, allow them to sit out for a few minutes to soften slightly before eating.
FAQs
What are Peanut Butter Cornflake Cookies?
They’re no-bake cookies made from cornflakes, peanut butter, sugar, and syrup, shaped into clusters and left to set.
Do I need to bake these cookies?
No, these are no-bake cookies that set at room temperature.
Can I use natural peanut butter?
You can, but the texture may be slightly softer or more oily depending on the brand. Stir well before using.
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes, they can be made in advance and stored for several days.
Are they gluten-free?
They can be if you use certified gluten-free cornflakes.
Can I freeze them?
Yes, freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
What can I use instead of corn syrup?
Honey works as a natural substitute, but the texture may be slightly different.
How do I keep them from being too hard?
Don’t overcook the sugar mixture—remove it from the heat as soon as it starts to bubble.
Can I add chocolate?
Yes, stir in mini chocolate chips after mixing or drizzle melted chocolate on top.
How long do they take to set?
About 30 minutes at room temperature, or 15 minutes in the fridge if you’re in a hurry.
Conclusion
Peanut Butter Cornflake Cookies are the perfect blend of chewy, crunchy, and sweet. They’re quick to make, easy to customize, and totally addicting. Whether you’re whipping up a nostalgic treat or need a last-minute dessert, these no-bake cookies deliver every time.
PrintPeanut Butter Cornflake Cookies
Peanut Butter Cornflake Cookies are a chewy, no-bake treat made with simple pantry staples—perfect for a quick dessert or sweet snack without turning on the oven.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes (includes cooling)
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 6 cups cornflake cereal
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a large saucepan over medium heat, combine sugar and corn syrup. Stir constantly until the mixture comes to a boil.
- Remove from heat and immediately stir in peanut butter and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Gently fold in the cornflakes, stirring until evenly coated.
- Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, shaping into cookies.
- Let cool and set at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use a cookie scoop for uniform cookies.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Add mini chocolate chips or drizzle with melted chocolate for extra flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 13g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg