Cornflake Peanut Butter Cookies (No Bake) Recipe
If you’re craving something sweet, crunchy, and satisfyingly nostalgic, you’re going to fall in love with this Cornflake Peanut Butter Cookies (No Bake) Recipe. These classic cookies come together in minutes with just a handful of pantry staples, no oven required! Each bite is an irresistible mix of gooey peanut butter and crispy cornflakes, making them a perfect treat for busy days, special occasions, or any time your sweet tooth strikes. Trust me, this is one of those recipes you’ll want to make (and share) over and over again.

Ingredients You’ll Need
-
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 6 cups cornflake cereal
How to Make Cornflake Peanut Butter Cookies (No Bake) Recipe
Step 1: Heat the Sugar and Corn Syrup
Grab a large saucepan and add your granulated sugar and light corn syrup. Place it over medium heat, stirring constantly so nothing sticks or burns. As soon as you see gentle bubbles forming, immediately take the pan off the heat—this is the key to getting that signature chewy, not crunchy, texture.
Step 2: Stir in the Peanut Butter and Vanilla
While the mixture is still piping hot, add in your creamy peanut butter and vanilla extract. Stir quickly and thoroughly until the peanut butter melts and everything comes together into a smooth, glossy mixture. The aroma at this step is downright irresistible!
Step 3: Fold in the Cornflakes
Pour your cornflake cereal right into the saucepan. Gently fold the flakes into the peanut butter mixture, making sure every single piece is coated. Work quickly, as the mixture will start to set as it cools. This step is where the magic happens—the crunchy flakes get hugged by sweet, sticky peanut butter.
Step 4: Scoop and Shape
Using a spoon or a cookie scoop, drop rounded mounds of the cookie mixture onto a sheet of wax paper or a parchment-lined baking sheet. Don’t worry about making them perfect; the rustic, homemade look is part of their charm. If you want to get fancy, you can press down slightly to flatten them or leave them in mounds.
Step 5: Let Cool and Set
Give your cookies about 30 minutes at room temperature to cool and firm up. Once they’re set, they’re ready to enjoy! If you’re feeling extra, drizzle some melted chocolate over the top or sprinkle with flaky sea salt for an elevated twist.
How to Serve Cornflake Peanut Butter Cookies (No Bake) Recipe

Garnishes
While these cookies are delicious on their own, a little extra flair never hurts! Try a light drizzle of melted chocolate, a sprinkle of sea salt, or even a dusting of powdered sugar. For a festive touch, add colorful sprinkles or chopped peanuts for added crunch and visual appeal.
Side Dishes
Pair your cookies with a cold glass of milk for the ultimate nostalgic treat. They also go perfectly with hot coffee, tea, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert platter. For gatherings, serve them alongside a fruit platter to balance the sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack these cookies in a mason jar and tie with a ribbon for a charming edible gift, or arrange them on a tiered dessert stand at your next party. For kids’ parties, press the cookies into mini muffin liners for a fun, grab-and-go snack. You can even use them as a crunchy topper for sundaes or yogurt bowls!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled and set, store your Cornflake Peanut Butter Cookies (No Bake) Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and chewy for up to a week—if they last that long! Just make sure to keep them away from heat or direct sunlight to prevent melting.
Freezing
If you want to make a big batch, these cookies freeze beautifully. Layer them between sheets of parchment paper in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. They’ll keep for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just let them thaw at room temperature for about an hour.
Reheating
Since this Cornflake Peanut Butter Cookies (No Bake) Recipe is meant to be enjoyed at room temperature, there’s really no need to reheat. If you like them a bit softer, you can let them sit out for a few minutes on a warm day, but they’re perfectly chewy and delicious straight from the container.
FAQs
Can I use chunky peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Chunky peanut butter will add bits of real peanut throughout the cookies, giving them extra crunch and a nutty bite. Just make sure to fully blend it into the hot sugar mixture for the best texture.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
They can be! Just use a certified gluten-free cornflake cereal to ensure your Cornflake Peanut Butter Cookies (No Bake) Recipe is safe for those with gluten sensitivities. Always check labels to be sure.
Can I substitute honey for corn syrup?
You can try, but honey has a different texture and flavor. It may make the cookies slightly softer and add a floral note. For the classic chewy texture, light corn syrup is recommended, but honey can be a fun twist if you’re feeling adventurous.
How do I keep the cookies from sticking to the spoon?
If the mixture is sticking to your spoon or scoop, lightly grease it with a bit of nonstick spray or rub with a tiny amount of butter. This makes portioning the cookies much easier and keeps things tidy.
Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips or dried fruit?
Yes! Feel free to stir in mini chocolate chips, chopped peanuts, or dried cranberries to the mixture just before scooping. Just note that adding larger mix-ins may make the cookies a bit more crumbly, so use a gentle hand when folding everything together.
Final Thoughts
There’s a reason the Cornflake Peanut Butter Cookies (No Bake) Recipe has stood the test of time—these cookies are the perfect blend of sweet, crunchy, and downright comforting. Whether you’re whipping up a quick batch for family or sharing with friends, you’ll love how easy and utterly delicious they are. Give them a try, and don’t be surprised if they become your new favorite no-bake treat!
Print
Cornflake Peanut Butter Cookies (No Bake) Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes plus 30 minutes cooling
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Cornflake Peanut Butter Cookies are a quick, no-bake treat that combines the crunch of cornflakes with the creamy richness of peanut butter. Perfect for a simple dessert or snack, they come together easily with just a few ingredients and require no oven time, making them ideal for busy days or kid-friendly baking.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 6 cups cornflake cereal
Instructions
- Heat sugar and corn syrup: In a large saucepan over medium heat, combine the granulated sugar and light corn syrup. Stir constantly and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once it begins to bubble, immediately remove from heat to avoid burning.
- Add peanut butter and vanilla: Stir in the creamy peanut butter and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and fully combined, creating a luscious coating for the cereal.
- Fold in cornflakes: Gently fold the cornflake cereal into the peanut butter mixture until all flakes are evenly coated. Be careful not to crush the cereal.
- Form cookies: Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded mounds of the mixture onto a sheet lined with wax paper or parchment paper. Shape them quickly as the mixture will cool and harden fast.
- Cool and set: Let the cookies cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes until they are fully set and firm to the touch. Once set, transfer to an airtight container for storage.
Notes
- Work quickly after adding the cornflakes because the mixture sets rapidly.
- Optional additions include mini chocolate chips, chopped peanuts, or a drizzle of melted chocolate for extra flavor and texture.
- Use gluten-free cornflakes to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Store cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness for up to one week.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 13 g
- Sodium: 90 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 21 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg