Oh, the holidays! Is there anything better than the smell of baking filling your home when it’s chilly outside? This year, I wanted something a little different, something that screamed Christmas but also had that comforting, nostalgic vibe. That’s where these Peanut Butter Cornflake Cookies for Christmas came in! Seriously, they’re a game-changer. I remember making them last year for the first time, and my whole family went absolutely nuts for them. They’re just this perfect little bite – crunchy from the cornflakes, wonderfully chewy and peanut buttery, and just so darn easy to whip up when you’ve got a million other things to do. They’re definitely going to be a permanent fixture on my Christmas cookie platter from now on!
Why You’ll Love These Peanut Butter Cornflake Cookies for Christmas
Seriously, these cookies are a total win, especially when the holidays roll around! Here’s why you’ll be making them year after year:
- Super Easy to Make: Even if you’re not a baking whiz, you can totally nail these. They come together so fast!
- Crowd-Pleaser Guaranteed: Who doesn’t love peanut butter? They’re always a hit with everyone, young and old.
- Festive Fun: A little sprinkle of Christmas-colored sprinkles and bam! Instant holiday cheer, perfect for cookie exchanges.
- That Amazing Crunch: The cornflakes give them this incredible, satisfying crunch that’s just *chef’s kiss*.
- Perfect for Gifting: Pack them up in cute tins or bags – they make fantastic edible gifts for neighbors and friends.
Gathering Your Ingredients for Peanut Butter Cornflake Cookies for Christmas
Alright, let’s get our baking game face on! To whip up these amazing Peanut Butter Cornflake Cookies for Christmas, you’ll want to gather a few things. First up, we need 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and half a teaspoon of salt – these are our dry buddies. Then, for the heart of the cookie, grab 1 cup of unsalted butter, make sure it’s softened up, and a good cup of peanut butter. I usually go for creamy peanut butter because it gives a super smooth flavor, but hey, chunky works too if you love those extra bits! We’ll also need 1 cup of granulated sugar and 1 cup of packed brown sugar for that perfect sweetness and chew. Don’t forget 2 large eggs and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to bring it all together. And the star of the show? A whopping 4 cups of cornflakes cereal! If you’re feeling fancy, grab about half a cup of chopped peanuts – they add a little extra crunch. Oh, and the fun part: Christmas-colored sprinkles, if you want to make them extra festive!
Peanut Butter Cornflake Cookies Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
So, about that peanut butter – creamy is my go-to for a classic, smooth peanut butter cookie experience. But if you’re like me and love a bit of texture, definitely go for the chunky stuff! It’s all about what makes you happy. As for the cornflakes, don’t be tempted to use anything else unless you’re feeling super adventurous! They’re key to that signature crunch. If nuts aren’t your thing, or if you’re worried about allergies, just leave out the chopped peanuts – the cookies will still be absolutely delicious. And those sprinkles? Totally optional, but they really do make these Peanut Butter Cornflake Cookies for Christmas pop with holiday spirit!
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Peanut Butter Cornflake Cookies for Christmas
Alright, let’s get these festive beauties into the oven! First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (that’s 190°C for those of you who are more metric-minded). While it’s heating up, grab your baking sheets and line them with parchment paper. This is my secret weapon for easy cleanup and making sure these Peanut Butter Cornflake Cookies for Christmas don’t stick one bit. You’ll thank me later!
Now, in a medium bowl, let’s get our dry ingredients together. Whisk up 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and half a teaspoon of salt. Just give them a good whisk until they’re all friendly with each other. Set this bowl aside for a moment.
Time for the magic to happen in a big bowl! Cream together 1 cup of softened butter (make sure it’s nice and soft, not melted!), and that 1 cup of peanut butter. Add in 1 cup of granulated sugar and 1 cup of packed brown sugar. Beat all of this together until it’s light and fluffy. Seriously, this is where you get that lovely texture, so give it a good few minutes. Then, beat in your 2 large eggs, one at a time, making sure each one is mixed in before you add the next. Stir in that teaspoon of vanilla extract for that extra yummy aroma.
Now, gradually add your dry ingredients (that flour mixture we set aside) to the wet ingredients. Mix it all up until it’s *just* combined. Don’t go crazy mixing here, or your cookies might get a little tough. We want tender! Once it’s almost mixed, it’s time for the stars of the show: gently fold in those 4 cups of cornflakes cereal. If you’re using them, now’s the time to add your half cup of chopped peanuts too. Fold them in gently so you don’t crush those precious cornflakes too much!
Grab a tablespoon and drop rounded spoonfuls of the dough onto those prepared baking sheets. Leave a little space between them because they will spread a bit. If you’re going for the festive look, now’s the time to press a few of those Christmas-colored sprinkles onto the tops of the cookies. They just make them look so cheerful!
Pop those baking sheets into the oven and bake for about 9 to 11 minutes. You’re looking for the edges to be lightly golden brown. They might look a little soft in the middle, but that’s okay! They’ll firm up as they cool. Once they’re out, let them cool on the baking sheets for maybe 5 minutes – this helps them set up. Then, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Patience is key here, trust me!
Tips for Perfectly Baked Peanut Butter Cornflake Cookies for Christmas
To make sure your Peanut Butter Cornflake Cookies for Christmas are absolutely perfect, a few little things really help. Make sure your butter is *really* softened, not melted – it makes a huge difference in how well it creams with the peanut butter and sugar. Also, try not to overmix the dough once you add the flour; just mix until it’s combined. When you’re dropping the dough, try to make the cookies all about the same size so they bake evenly. And please, please, please let them cool completely on the wire rack before you even think about stacking them or storing them. It’s tempting to dive right in, but this stops them from breaking apart!
Serving and Storing Your Peanut Butter Cornflake Cookies for Christmas
These amazing Peanut Butter Cornflake Cookies for Christmas are just begging to be shared! They’re absolutely wonderful served with a tall, cold glass of milk – it’s the classic combo, right? Or, pile them high on a festive holiday platter alongside other Christmas cookies; they add such a fun texture and everyone loves that peanut butter crunch. Once they’ve cooled completely, you’ll want to store them in an airtight container. They’ll keep beautifully at room temperature for about 4 to 5 days, which is perfect because you can make them ahead of time for all your holiday parties. Honestly, they’re usually gone before that anyway!
Frequently Asked Questions about Peanut Butter Cornflake Cookies for Christmas
Got questions about these yummy Peanut Butter Cornflake Cookies for Christmas? I’ve got answers!
Can I make these Peanut Butter Cornflake Cookies for Christmas ahead of time? Absolutely! They store so well. You can make them a few days before your holiday gathering and keep them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’re perfect for getting a head start on your Christmas baking!
How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much? The key is making sure your butter is softened, not melted. Also, don’t overmix the dough once you add the flour. Chilling the dough for about 15-30 minutes before baking can also help quite a bit if you notice they’re spreading too much. And make sure your oven is at the right temperature! For more baking tips, check out this guide on ingredient substitutions.
What’s the best way to get a good crunch in my Peanut Butter Cornflake Cookies for Christmas? Gently folding in the cornflakes is super important – you don’t want to crush them too much! Also, baking them until the edges are just lightly golden brown and letting them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before moving them to the wire rack helps them set up with that perfect crunch.
Are there any variations for these Christmas cookies? Oh, for sure! You can add different mix-ins like M&Ms or chocolate chips along with the cornflakes. Some people love to dip half of the cooled cookie in melted chocolate for an extra festive touch. And of course, using different colored sprinkles can totally change the look!
Estimated Nutritional Information for Peanut Butter Cornflake Cookies for Christmas
Just a heads-up, these numbers are estimates, okay? They can totally change depending on the brands of peanut butter and butter you use, and if you add those yummy nuts or sprinkles. But generally, one of these delicious Peanut Butter Cornflake Cookies for Christmas usually has around 180 calories, with about 9g of fat, 3g of protein, and 23g of carbohydrates. You’ll also get about 12g of sugar per cookie. Happy baking!
Amazing Peanut Butter Cornflake Cookies for Christmas 1
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 3 dozen cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy these festive Peanut Butter Cornflake Cookies, perfect for Christmas. They offer a delightful crunch and a sweet peanut butter flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 cups cornflakes cereal
- 1/2 cup chopped peanuts (optional)
- Christmas colored sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Gently fold in the cornflakes cereal and chopped peanuts, if using.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets.
- If desired, press a few Christmas colored sprinkles onto the tops of the cookies.
- Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For a smoother peanut butter flavor, use creamy peanut butter.
- Chunky peanut butter will add extra texture.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: Peanut Butter Cornflake Cookies, Christmas Cookies, Holiday Baking, Easy Cookie Recipe, Crunchy Cookies, Peanut Butter Treats