Cereal Cookies are so EASY to make since they’re a no-bake recipe! Kid’s go CRAZY for them, and adults love the classic no bake cookies combination of peanut butter and chocolate!
My kids LOVE cold cereal! They have their favorites and if I bring home a new kind they usually turn up their noses before they even try it! Kids!
This is usually when I wonder what to do with unwanted cereal? These cookies are the perfect home for them! I even add the crumbs from the bottom of the bag or box!
No Bake Cookies are seriously the BEST cookies ever! They save my life all the time because they’re so quick and easy to make.
Oh, and if you’re looking for no bake cookies without oatmeal, this is for you!
INGREDIENTS IN NO BAKE CEREAL COOKIES
I bet you already have most, if not all, of the ingredients on hand already. I’m going to give you some suggestions for substitutes just incase!
We almost always buy Malt O Meal cereal in those big old bags. My kids love it and it’s way less expensive than buying it in boxes.
- Peanut Butter – crunchy or creamy. I’ve never tried using all-natural so I can’t say how it will work.
- Granulated Sugar – I wouldn’t try brown sugar in this recipe
- Light Corn Syrup – I’ve never tried using honey in this recipe, but I’ve heard it works well in recipes like this. Substitute one cup of honey for one cup of corn syrup.
- Vanilla – It’s going to add extra flavor. You could try almond extract instead, use 1/2 tsp. Or just leave it out if you don’t have either.
- Cereal – My favorite is any chocolate malt o meal cereals (Coco-Dyna Bites, Coco Roos, or Peanut Butter Cups) You can use any non-fruity variety. Think cornflakes, Life, Special K, Chex, Cheerios, or any of those kinds of cereal.
- Chocolate Chips – Semi-sweet, or milk chocolate. You can even use a chopped up candy bar.
HOW TO MAKE COOKIES WITH CEREAL
Trust me! This is easy! There is one REALLY important thing to know though!
Little Dairy on the Prairie Pro Tip: DO NOT cook the peanut butter, corn syrup, and sugar too long! If you do the cookies will be hard!
STEP 1: Line a baking sheet with wax paper.
STEP 2: Measure cereal in a large measuring cup or bowl. Set aside.
STEP 3: Melt peanut butter, corn syrup, and sugar over medium heat only until melted and combined. This is where you have to remember to only cook it until the peanut butter is melted and smooth. Don’t bring it to a boil.
STEP 4: Remove from heat and add vanilla. Stir
STEP 5: Pour cereal into peanut butter mixture. Gently stir so the cereal doesn’t get crushed.
STEP 6: Add chocolate chips and gently stir only until they are mixed throughout the cookies. Too much stirring will make the whole thing a really chocolaty mess, which really isn’t that bad of a thing!
STEP 7: Using a cookie scoop drop cookies on a prepared baking sheet. If desired you can sprinkle the tops of cookies with sea salt. It’s yummy!
STEP 8: Let sit until cooled.
PEANUT BUTTER DESSERT RECIPES YOU’LL LOVE
If you’re into recipes like these easy peanut butter cookies you’re going to love these other easy peanut butter dessert recipes too!
- Peanut Butter Popsicles – Made with Greek yogurt
- Peanut Butter Banana Brownies – best way to use brown bananas
- Pretzel Peanut Butter Bark – easy homemade candy
- Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Cookies – crispy on the edges and gooey in the middle
- Avalanche Popcorn – made with puff corn
- Peanut Butter Hot Fudge Sauce – perfect dessert sauce
CEREAL COOKIES RECIPE
If you’re looking for the best no bake cookie recipe, this is it! This a great way to use up leftover cereal. They’re especially good in the summer because they don’t melt!
Peanut Butter Rice Krispies with Chocolate
Ingredients
For the Krispie Treats
- 4 Tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 10 ounces marshmallows
- 5 cups rice krispies cereal
For the Chocolate Frosting
- 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
Instructions
- Spray a 9" x 9" baking dish with cooking spray. Set aside. Add the rice krispie cereal to a large mixing bowl. Set aside.
- It's important to make sure the marshmallows aren't overcooked. Remove from the heat before they are completely melted. This creates soft and fluffy krispie bars.Microwave: Add peanut butter and butter to a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high power for 45 seconds. Stir. Add the marshmallows to the peanut butter mixture. Stir. Microwave on high power for 30-45 seconds, or until the marshmallows are almost melted. Stir until the marshmallows are melted and mixed in. If needed microwave in 15-second intervals until the marshmallows are melted. Stovetop: Add the peanut butter and butter to a medium saucepan and melt over low heat. Add marshmallows and continue cooking until the marshmallows are almost melted. Remove from the heat and continue stirring until the marshmallows are melted and incorporated.
- Pour the marshmallow mixture over the cereal in the mixing bowl. Gently stir until coated.
- Pour the cereal mixture into the prepared baking dish. Press gently into the pan.
- Add the peanut butter and chocolate chips to a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high power for 45 seconds. Stir. Continue cooking in the microwave in 15- second intervals, stirring after each, until the chocolate mixture is smooth.
- Pour the chocolate mixture over the crispy bars. Evenly spread over the bars. Cool at room temperature until the chocolate is firm. Cut into squares.
SusanT says
Good, but a touch in the sweet side. I ate one with a piece of candied orange peel, and it added a nice zing. Perhaps some orange peel mixed in, or candied orange peel and reduce the sugar? My chocolate completely melted; that’s ok with me. I do think they will melt on a hot summer day, though.
Amy Engberson says
It sounds like you found the perfect additions to make this cookie perfect for you! These cookies are very sweet. I’ve reduced the amount of sugar before and they still turned out, although it can make the cookies a little drier and more firm. I agree the chocolate will melt on a hot summer day. They’re totally worth making though!
Cathy Trochelman says
Ohhhh yum! These are so dangerous!
Amy Engberson says
I seriously can’t be left alone with them or they disappear!
Lauren @ Hall Nesting says
Adding this to my kids lunches!
Amy Engberson says
They are always a hit in my kids lunches too!
Catalina @ Peas & Peonies says
This is an awesome idea! So delicious and so easy!
Dahn says
Peanut butter cups in a cookie sounds amazing. Making them no-bake makes it a winning combination .. looks great
Amy Engberson says
Thanks Dahn! I’ll take peanut butter cups any way I can get them!
Jagruti says
Nice Peanut butter cup cookies, and the great thing is, it’s so easy to prepare. Thank you for sharing
Amy Engberson says
Yes! No bake cookies are one of my lifesavers! They are so easy and so darn yummy!
Cookilicious says
I think I will make this for my husband’s birthday this month as he loves peanut butter!
Amy Engberson says
Happy Birthday to your husband! Chocolate and peanut butter are always a great way to celebrate!
Tara says
How cute! My kids would love this as a lunch box treat. I love how it is no-bake.
Amy Engberson says
They are the best for packing in lunchboxes because they don’t melt, get smashed, or crumble! The kids are always happy to find a little treat in their lunchboxes!
Almira says
I can not get my “ookies to to sef I used peanut butter caramel chips score chips I cooked it & then poured it over cornflakes BUT IT WON’T SET IT IS JUST CRUMBS HOW CAN I FIX IT PLEASE
Amy Engberson says
Hmmmm! I use peanut butter from a jar, not peanut butter chips. They have completely different consistencies and will give you different results. I suggest trying them again using peanut butter from a jar. Smooth or chunky, either on will work. Let me know if you have any other questions.
Dee says
My kids love coming home to homemade treats, and I love that these are so easy. Can’t wait to try them!
Amy Engberson says
Some days easy treats are the only way to go! The kids love these too!
Allison Waken says
Yum! These look so good and so simple! I can’t wait to try these with my boys! [client]
Amy Engberson says
They are the easiest thing ever to make! And I happen to know that boys gobble them right up!
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
These look SO good and I love the ease of no-bake!
Amanda says
These look so incredible!!
Amy Engberson says
Thanks Amanda! They are so easy and always a hit with the kiddos! Can’t beat that!