No Bake Peanut Butter Cornflakes

This no-bake peanut butter cornflake cookie recipe is perfect for when you want a quick sweet treat without turning on the oven. It combines creamy peanut butter with melty marshmallows and the crunch of cornflakes, giving you a satisfying texture and rich flavor in under 25 minutes. These cookies came to be when I needed a last-minute dessert and ended up becoming a regular in my kitchen, especially for snack time with friends.

I learned this recipe is perfect for when you want a comforting sweet snack fast and with minimal cleanup

Ingredients

• Salted butter: adds richness and helps bind the ingredients together. Choose real butter for better flavor.
• Smooth peanut butter: lends creaminess and a classic nutty taste. Try to use natural or fresh peanut butter without excess additives.
• Mini marshmallows: melt down smoothly to create a sticky binding agent. Pick fresh marshmallows for the best melt.
• Peanut butter chips: add extra peanut flavor and can be used for drizzling or mixing in, giving pockets of gooeyness. Select high quality chips with real peanut butter for superior taste.
• Cornflakes: bring a light crunch that contrasts nicely with the softness of the marshmallows and peanut butter. Use a crisp and fresh box to avoid sogginess later.
• Vegetable or canola oil: helps thin out melted peanut butter chips for a smooth drizzle finish.

Instructions

Build The Melted Mixture:

In a large pot over medium-low heat gently melt the butter and smooth peanut butter together stirring frequently. This ensures a creamy base without burning the nutty flavors.

Incorporate The Marshmallows:

Add in the larger portion of mini marshmallows and stir constantly until everything melts into a thick sticky mixture. Remove the pot from heat immediately to avoid burning or turning the marshmallows grainy.

Combine Cornflakes and Extras:

Pour in the cornflakes and stir gently but thoroughly until all flakes are coated in the melted peanut butter marshmallow mixture. Mix in the extra mini marshmallows and optional peanut butter chips very lightly so they stay somewhat whole and add texture.

Shape The Cookies:

Spray a large cookie scooper with nonstick spray and scoop the mixture onto parchment paper, making sure to get 10 roughly equal balls. Grease your fingers lightly to gently flatten each scoop to about 1 inch thick. Avoid compressing too much so your cookies keep a light texture.

Prepare The Drizzle:

Melt the peanut butter chips together with oil in short bursts in the microwave stirring in between until smooth and pourable. Transfer this to a plastic bag and snip a tiny corner to drizzle over each cookie evenly.

Set And Serve:

Allow cookies to rest for 20 to 30 minutes so they firm up. This step helps them hold their shape while still feeling soft but not sticky on the outside.

One of my favorite ingredients here is the toasted cornflake crunch. It cuts through the sticky sweetness of marshmallows and peanut butter giving the cookie something to chew on. I have fond memories of making these with my younger cousins on weekend afternoons, everyone sneaking third or fourth cookies while they set.

Storage tips

Store these cookies in a sealed container at room temperature to keep the crispness of the cornflakes while maintaining soft chewiness inside. Avoid refrigerating as moisture may make them soggy. If you do want to store longer, freeze individually wrapped cookies and thaw at room temperature before serving.

Ingredient swaps

Almond butter or cashew butter can replace peanut butter for a different nutty profile but results will vary slightly in texture and flavor. For gluten-free cornflake alternatives, consider using puffed rice cereal or a crispy oat cereal. If you want a vegan version skip butter and use coconut oil but melt carefully to avoid coconut flavor dominance.

Serving ideas

Pair these cookies with cold milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat. They also work great crumbled over yogurt or oatmeal for breakfast crunch. Drizzle extra melted peanut butter or chocolate on top to amp up the decadence during special occasions.

This treat will quickly become your favorite go-to when you want no-fuss sweet bites full of peanutty goodness and crispy marshmallow crunch.

Frequently Asked Recipe Questions

→ How do I prevent the cookies from becoming too dense?

Gently spread the scooped mixture to about an inch thick and avoid packing them tightly. This keeps the texture light and airy.

→ Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of smooth?

Using smooth peanut butter helps create a creamier binding base, but crunchy peanut butter can add extra texture if preferred.

→ What is the purpose of melting peanut butter chips for drizzling?

The melted chips add a glossy finish and extra peanut flavor, enhancing both the appearance and taste.

→ How long should the treats set before serving?

Allow them to set for 20–30 minutes at room temperature; this helps them firm up and hold their shape better.

→ Can I substitute cornflakes with another cereal?

Cornflakes provide a light crunch that complements the mix well, but other crispy cereals could be used depending on taste preferences.