There is something truly magical about the crunch combined with gooey chocolate in a warm cookie, and that’s exactly what you get with this Chocolate Chip Cornflake Cookies Recipe. These cookies perfectly balance the rich, melty chocolate chips with the unique texture and slight toastiness of crushed cornflakes, creating an irresistible bite that’s both chewy and crunchy. Whether you’re baking for a cozy afternoon treat or packing snacks for a gathering, this recipe brings joy in every crisp, chocolate-studded mouthful and feels like a comforting, nostalgic hug in cookie form.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create the perfect Chocolate Chip Cornflake Cookies, you’ll want to gather a handful of simple but essential ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role, whether it’s the butter that provides tenderness, the sugars that bring sweetness and moisture, or the cornflakes that add that signature crunch and lightness to the texture.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): Creamy butter helps make the dough rich and tender, providing the ideal base for flavor.
- Brown sugar (1 cup, packed): Adds warmth and moisture for chewy, soft centers with a slight caramel note.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Gives crisp edges and balances sweetness perfectly.
- Large eggs (2): Bind everything together while adding moisture and richness.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the overall flavor with a subtle, comforting aroma.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups): Forms the structure of your cookies, keeping them tender yet firm.
- Baking powder (1/2 teaspoon): Helps the cookies rise slightly, making them light.
- Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): Encourages browning and slight spread for that classic cookie shape.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and sharpens flavors.
- Crushed cornflakes (2 cups): Adds irresistible crunch and a subtle toasted flavor that makes these cookies unforgettable.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips (1 1/2 cups): Melt beautifully during baking for melty, rich pockets of chocolate.
- Chopped walnuts or pecans (1/2 cup, optional): A nutty addition that introduces extra texture for those who love a crunch in every bite.
How to Make Chocolate Chip Cornflake Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking. This prep step sets the stage for perfectly crisp edges and soft centers.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter with both brown and granulated sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process is key—it incorporates air, helping your cookies rise beautifully while creating a tender texture.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully combined before adding the next. Then add the vanilla extract, which rounds out the flavor profile with its sweet, floral notes.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mixing these ingredients thoroughly ensures even distribution and helps your cookies bake uniformly.
Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients Into Wet
Gradually add the dry flour mixture into the wet butter and sugar mix. Stir gently until just combined—overmixing can make cookies tough, so a gentle touch keeps them soft and chewy.
Step 6: Fold in Cornflakes, Chocolate Chips, and Nuts
Carefully fold in the crushed cornflakes, semi-sweet chocolate chips, and, if using, chopped nuts. These ingredients bring the signature crunch and bursts of chocolate that define this Chocolate Chip Cornflake Cookies Recipe.
Step 7: Scoop and Bake
Using a tablespoon-sized scoop, place portions of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow spreading. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until edges turn a lovely golden brown and centers are just set.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for around 5 minutes—the cooling helps them set perfectly without falling apart—then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve warm or at room temperature for maximum enjoyment.
How to Serve Chocolate Chip Cornflake Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
While these cookies are delightful as-is, you can add a sprinkle of extra crushed cornflakes on top right before baking for added crunch and a charming rustic look. A light dusting of sea salt right after baking can also elevate the sweet and salty balance to the next level.
Side Dishes
Pair your cookies with a cold glass of milk, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a warm cuppa coffee or tea. The creamy drinks beautifully complement the cookies’ crunchy texture and rich chocolate notes, making every bite even more satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For celebrations or gifting, stack these cookies in a clear jar or wrap them in parchment paper tied with a ribbon for a homemade touch. They also make fantastic sandwich cookies—spread your favorite nut butter or marshmallow fluff between two cookies for a fun treat twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover Chocolate Chip Cornflake Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. This helps maintain their crisp edges while keeping the insides tender and chewy—perfect for grabbing a quick snack anytime.
Freezing
You can freeze baked cookies by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen, then transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months. Frozen dough balls can also be stored and baked fresh whenever you’re ready.
Reheating
Warm your cookies gently in a microwave for about 10 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5 minutes. This reactivates that fresh-baked softness and melty chocolate goodness without drying them out.
FAQs
Can I substitute the cornflakes with another cereal?
Absolutely! While cornflakes provide a light, toasty crunch here, you could try crushed rice cereal or even bran flakes for a different texture and flavor. Just make sure the cereal isn’t too sugary to keep the cookie balanced.
Are the nuts necessary in this Chocolate Chip Cornflake Cookies Recipe?
Nuts add an extra depth of flavor and crunch but are entirely optional. If you or your guests have nut allergies or just prefer nut-free treats, simply leave them out without sacrificing much on texture.
How do I keep my cookies soft instead of crunchy?
For softer cookies, slightly underbake them by a minute or two and store them with a slice of bread in the container to absorb dryness. Avoid overbaking to keep centers tender and chewy.
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, but reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe to avoid over-salting. Unsalted butter is preferred to control salt content precisely.
What’s the best way to crush cornflakes without making a mess?
Place cornflakes in a zip-top bag and gently crush them with a rolling pin or the bottom of a glass. This method keeps your countertop tidy and allows you to control the size of the flakes for that perfect crunch.
Final Thoughts
There is something simply joyous about baking and sharing these Chocolate Chip Cornflake Cookies Recipe treasures. They strike the perfect balance between crunchy, chewy, sweet, and nutty—a nostalgic treat that feels like home in every bite. I can’t encourage you enough to try this recipe and watch how these cookies become your new favorite for all occasions, big or small. Happy baking and happier snacking!
Print
Chocolate Chip Cornflake Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Classic Chocolate Chip Cornflake Cookies combine the gooey goodness of semi-sweet chocolate chips with the delightful crunch of cornflakes. These American-style cookies are easy to make and perfect for those who love a chewy, crunchy texture in their treats. Ideal for dessert or a sweet snack, they balance buttery richness with just the right amount of sweetness.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Add-ins
- 2 cups crushed cornflakes
- 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, packed brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which usually takes about 3-5 minutes using an electric mixer.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time to fully incorporate them, then add the vanilla extract, mixing well after each addition to ensure even distribution of flavors.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to evenly combine the leavening agents and seasoning.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until everything is combined to avoid overworking the dough which can make the cookies tough.
- Fold In Add-ins: Gently fold in the crushed cornflakes, semi-sweet chocolate chips, and if desired, the chopped walnuts or pecans until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Portion Cookies: Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop portions of the dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading.
- Bake: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers are just set.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, which helps them set up perfectly.
Notes
- For extra crunch, sprinkle a few extra crushed cornflakes on top of each cookie before baking.
- You can substitute the semi-sweet chocolate chips with white chocolate or butterscotch chips for a different flavor twist.
- Chopped nuts are optional but add a nice texture and flavor dimension.
- Be careful not to overmix the dough once the flour is added to maintain a tender cookie texture.
