The perfect combination of crispy, chewy, and sweet, these Chocolate Chip Cornflake Cookies bring nostalgic cereal crunch to a classic cookie favorite. The frosted flakes add a unique texture that makes these treats absolutely unforgettable — perfect for satisfying your afternoon sweet tooth or packing into lunch boxes.
Unlike soft-batch cookies, these are designed for that chewy bite and crunchy edge lovers crave. With rich chocolate chips, golden flakes, and a buttery dough, every cookie offers a delicious twist on a timeless recipe. Ideal for weekend baking sprees or freezing for later indulgence, these cookies deserve a spot in every home baker’s repertoire.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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1½ cups all-purpose flour
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1 teaspoon baking soda
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1 teaspoon salt
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1 cup unsalted butter, softened
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1 cup packed light or dark brown sugar
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½ cup granulated sugar
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2 large eggs, room temperature
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2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
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3 cups frosted flake cereal
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1¾ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
Directions:
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In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
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In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth (about 1 minute).
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Add both sugars and beat on medium-high speed until creamed (about 2 minutes).
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Mix in the eggs and vanilla on high speed until fully combined (1 minute). Scrape down the sides as needed.
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Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until combined.
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Fold in the frosted flakes and chocolate chips. The dough will be thick and sticky.
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Cover and chill the dough for at least 45 minutes. If chilled longer, let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking.
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
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Scoop about 3 tablespoons of dough per cookie and place them 4 inches apart on the baking sheets.
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Bake for 13–14 minutes until the edges are lightly browned. The centers will look soft.
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Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prep Time: 1 hour
Cooking Time: 13 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 13 minutes
Kcal: 195 kcal
Servings: 22 cookies
The Appeal of Crunch and Chew
One of the most satisfying qualities of a well-balanced cookie is its texture. Most people lean either toward the crispy or chewy side of the cookie spectrum, but what if you could have both in one bite? That’s precisely what these cookies deliver. The cornflakes — specifically frosted flakes — introduce a crisp, sugary crunch that harmonizes with the dense chewiness of the brown sugar and butter-rich dough. Meanwhile, semi-sweet chocolate chips lend a familiar warmth and sweetness, tying everything together. This dynamic texture profile is what makes these cookies stand out and keeps snackers coming back for more.
Cereal in Cookies? Yes, Please.
At first glance, the idea of mixing cereal into cookie dough might sound a bit unconventional. But cereals like cornflakes have long been used in desserts for their lightweight crispiness and subtle sweetness. In this recipe, frosted flakes play a crucial role: they don’t just float around unnoticed; they become part of the cookie’s structure and character. The flakes retain just enough of their crunch through the baking process to surprise you with each bite. And because they’re lightly coated in sugar, they also contribute an extra note of sweetness that complements the darker, caramel-like tones of brown sugar.
Why This Recipe Works
The Chocolate Chip Cornflake Cookie recipe is more than just a fun gimmick — it’s thoughtfully constructed to balance flavor and texture. The use of both brown and white sugar allows the cookies to achieve a perfect blend of chewiness and structure. Brown sugar contributes moisture and depth of flavor, while granulated sugar helps create that beloved crispy edge. A generous amount of butter keeps the cookie rich and indulgent, while the eggs act as a binder to hold everything together. Chilling the dough is also essential. It helps the dough firm up, which minimizes spreading during baking and concentrates the flavors for a richer, more developed taste.
The Versatility of the Cookie Dough
One of the best parts of this recipe is the versatility of the dough. Once mixed, it can be baked immediately (after chilling), stored in the refrigerator for a few days, or frozen for later use. Having a stash of ready-to-bake cookie dough on hand is every home baker’s secret weapon. Planning for a party, craving a late-night treat, or looking to impress surprise guests? This dough has your back. And because the ingredients are relatively standard, you probably already have everything you need sitting in your pantry.
Perfect for Gifting and Sharing
Cookies are one of the most shareable desserts, and these Chocolate Chip Cornflake Cookies are no exception. Their unique look — slightly rugged with golden flakes poking through — makes them visually appealing, and their irresistible flavor ensures they’ll be a hit wherever they go. Whether packed in a box for a holiday gift, placed on a dessert table at a potluck, or tucked into a lunchbox, these cookies deliver on both taste and presentation. They also travel well, which makes them a great option for care packages or long-distance gifting.
Ideal for Kids and Adults Alike
There’s something inherently whimsical about combining cereal and cookies — a reminder of childhood breakfasts and sweet treats after school. That nostalgic connection makes these cookies particularly appealing to kids. But don’t let their playful ingredients fool you: adults will find plenty to love here, too. The complex flavors, satisfying textures, and balance of sweetness make them far more than a kiddie snack. They’re sophisticated enough to serve at a grown-up gathering, while still approachable enough to hand to a toddler. It’s that cross-generational appeal that turns this recipe from a novelty into a staple.
A Weekend Baking Project Worth the Time
Baking, for many, is more than just a means to an end — it’s a way to slow down, create something from scratch, and enjoy the process as much as the product. This cookie recipe is especially well-suited for weekend baking. While it’s not complicated, it does require some chilling time for the dough, which means it’s best made when you have a bit more flexibility in your schedule. The reward is well worth the wait: cookies that bake up evenly, hold their shape, and taste even better than they look.
Tips for Success
To get the best results from this recipe, a few tips go a long way. First, make sure your butter is at room temperature — this ensures it creams properly with the sugars, which is key for texture. Don’t skip the dough chilling step, even if you’re tempted. It really does improve the final outcome. When folding in the frosted flakes, be gentle. You want to mix them in evenly without crushing them too much. Finally, be mindful of baking time. These cookies are done when the edges are lightly golden and the centers look slightly underbaked — they’ll continue to set as they cool.
How to Store and Freeze
Once baked, the cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them fresh even longer, freezing is a great option. Simply place cooled cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper, and freeze for up to 2 months. To enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature or warm them slightly in the oven for that just-baked flavor. You can also freeze the unbaked dough in scooped portions. Just place them on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, and transfer to a zip-top bag. That way, you can bake off a few cookies whenever the craving strikes.
A Fun Twist to Experiment With
Once you’ve tried the base version of this cookie, it opens the door to experimentation. Want to play with the flavor? Swap in white chocolate chips or peanut butter chips. Prefer something nutty? Add a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts. Looking for a salty-sweet combo? Sprinkle a little flaky sea salt on top before baking. You can even change up the cereal — try plain cornflakes for a more subtle crunch, or go bold with something like honey nut cereal. The base dough is flexible enough to accommodate your creativity.
Conclusion: A Cookie That Surprises and Delights
The Chocolate Chip Cornflake Cookie is more than just a mashup of two pantry staples. It’s a celebration of texture, a nod to nostalgia, and a testament to the joys of home baking. With its perfect blend of chewiness, crispness, and chocolatey goodness, it stands out in a sea of ordinary cookies. Whether you’re baking for your family, prepping for a holiday gathering, or simply treating yourself, this cookie promises comfort with a crunch. It’s a delicious reminder that sometimes, the most unexpected ingredients create the most unforgettable treats.