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Cornflake Candy

Cornflake Candy combines crunchy cornflakes with creamy peanut butter in a decadent old-fashioned traditional southern candy that everyone will love!

candy with bite missing

With just 5 ingredients, and 30 minutes, these peanut butter cornflake cookies are a fun holiday no bake dessert for kids of all ages!

Vintage Cornflake Candy

One of my favorite holiday sweet treats has always been these Cornflake Candies. I remember when I was a kid, getting so excited when my mom would make these simple cookies because it meant the holidays were near.

So, I finally decided it was time to share this quick and easy classic southern dessert! While they are the perfect holiday dessert, they can be made and enjoyed year-round!

Plus, with a few simple additions, you can dress these cookies up to fit any holiday or event you may be attending.

This delicious cornflake candy is a no bake treat that requires only 15 minutes of hands-on prep time, is made with 5 ingredients, and is gluten-free!

And one thing is for sure, these cookies will quickly disappear because they are so addicting that the whole family won’t be able to get enough of them!

Why this recipe is so great:

  • No Bake! You don’t even need a candy thermometer.
  • Fun to make with the kids.
  • Gluten free (check the ingredient labels)
  • Just 5 ingredients!
labeled picture of candy ingredients

Ingredients Needed

Cornflakes – Use your favorite brand of cornflake cereal. Name brand or generic will work fine.

Peanut Butter – While this recipe calls for creamy peanut butter, feel free to use crunchy if you’d like an extra layer of crunch!

Corn Syrup – Light corn syrup is used to create that smooth texture and shine on the candy. If you would prefer to leave out the corn syrup, you can substitute honey or brown rice syrup, however; both these ingredients will change the taste of the final product.

Butter – Salted or unsalted will work for this recipe so use what you have on hand!

Sugar – Use your favorite brand of granulated white sugar.

Looking for more leftover worthy dishes? Follow LTB on Pinterest and pin to a board!

How to make Cornflake Candy

First: Prepare cookie sheet with parchment paper. Set aside. Place cornflakes in a large bowl and set aside.

Second: In a small sauce pan over medium-low heat combine sugar, corn syrup and butter until sugar dissolves (do not boil mixture). Remove from heat and stir in peanut butter.

Third: Pour peanut butter mixture over cornflakes and mix until combined.

Fourth: Using a medium cookie scoop, portion out 16 cornflake candy balls and place on prepared baking sheet. Allow candy to completely cool and then enjoy!

For the full recipe and detailed baking instructions, please see the recipe card at the end of this post.

parchment paper with cornflake candy

How long does Cornflake Candy last?

Once completely cooled, store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.

Can I put them on aluminum foil?

Yes, you can place them on aluminum foil, however, I would recommend you spray the foil with non-stick cooking spray to ensure you can easily remove them when hardened.

You can also use the “non-stick” version of foil.

Why do they turn out gooey?

The most common cause is because the candy didn’t reach a full boil before adding the peanut butter.

There is a chance there you don’t have enough cereal. If there seems to be an excess of candy coating, try adding an additional cup of cornflakes to the mix.

cornflake candy on white paper

Do I need to refrigerate Cornflake Candy?

No, they do not need to be refrigerated.

Once the candy has completely cooled, store in an airtight container at room temperature.

I would recommend placing a sheet of parchment paper or wax paper between the pieces and layers to ensure they do not stick together or become uneasy to separate when ready to enjoy.

They will last for 2 weeks in a container.

How long does it take for the candy to set?

Depending on how warm a day it is when you make, it can take between 20-30 minutes for the mixture to completely set.

I would highly recommend making sure they are completely hardened before you enjoy otherwise you will have one epic mess on your hands!

Can I add a chocolate drizzle?

A melted chocolate drizzle is a wonderful addition to these cookies. To make a drizzle, melt a ½ cup of chocolate chips in a microwave safe bowl in 20 second increments being sure to stir between each.

Once chocolate is melted, drizzle over the cornflake candy with a fork or pour into a zippered bag, cut the tip off, and squeeze in long lines over the candy.

Let the chocolate set up completely before storing or you can smear the chocolate.

hand holding candy

Tips for No Leftovers

  • Use plain cornflakes. If you use frosted flakes it will be too sweet.
  • Add in chocolate chips, coconut, or peanuts along with the corn flakes for more texture.
  • You can press these into a buttered pan and turn them into bars.
  • Mix in a teaspoon of almond or vanilla extract for more flavor.
  • Cornflake candy is great crumbled over ice cream!
  • Honey can be substituted for a portion of the corn syrup.
  • Top with fun and festive sprinkles if desired.
  • Try this recipe with Fritos, popcorn, or rice Chex cereal!

If you love this recipe as much as I do, please write a five-star review in the comment section below (or on Pinterest with the “tried it” button – you can now add pictures into reviews, too!), and be sure to help me share on facebook!

cornflake candy with text "no bake"

This easy no bake Peanut Butter Cornflake Cookie Recipe is made with simple ingredients like crunchy cornflakes and creamy peanut butter for one decadent old-fashioned Southern dessert.

tray of candy

Cornflake Candy

Cornflake Candy combines crunchy cornflakes with creamy peanut butter in a decadent old-fashioned traditional southern candy that everyone will love!
4.91 from 10 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Desserts
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Additional Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 16 cookies
Calories: 133kcal
Author: Jennifer Stewart

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup white granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup light corn syrup
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 3 cups Corn Flakes cereal

Instructions

  • Prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
  • Place the corn flakes in a large mixing bowl and set aside.
  • Combine sugar, corn syrup, and butter in a small sauce pan and melt together over medium-low heat until the sugar dissolves. Bring to a boil.
  • As soon as the mixture starts to boil, remove from the heat and stir in the peanut butter.
  • Pour peanut butter mixture over cornflakes and mix until combined (be careful not to crunch up the corn flakes too much).
  • Using a 1.5 – 2 tablespoon cookie scoop to create cookie balls.
  • Place cookie balls on prepared parchment paper and let cool completely.
  • Store until ready to enjoy.

Notes

  • Use plain cornflakes. If you use frosted flakes it will be too sweet.
  • Add in chocolate chips, coconut, or peanuts along with the corn flakes for more texture.
  • You can press these into a buttered pan and turn them into bars.
  • Mix in a teaspoon of almond or vanilla extract for more flavor.
  • Cornflake candy is great crumbled over ice cream!
  • Honey can be substituted for a portion of the corn syrup.
  • Top with fun and festive sprinkles if desired.
  • Try this recipe with Fritos, popcorn, or rice Chex cereal!
  • Nutrition

    Serving: 1g | Calories: 133kcal | Carbohydrates: 21g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 4mg | Sodium: 95mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 15g

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    Recipe Rating




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    Sue Ringsdorf

    Monday 26th of September 2022

    Oh this is SO delicious! Reminds me of something my mom used to make!

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