These No-Bake Chex Cookies are a combination of Special K bars and avalanche cookies. All the ooey-gooey amazingness of a Special K bar but with Chex cereal and marshmallows!
No-Bake Chex Cookies
If you want the best sweet snack but don’t want to turn on the oven, these are the cookie for you. They basically taste exactly like a special-k bar with a few small changes. They are a cookie, so easy to handle, and I added marshmallow instead of chocolate. I also used Chex cereal in place of Special-K cereal as the kids were having a friend over who is gluten-free, and Rice Chex are naturally gluten-free. How awesome is that?
Easy No-Bake Treat
These cookies only have 7 ingredients, which makes my life a bazillion times easier.
I happened to have everything in my pantry to make these, and I am willing to bet most parents do! (I think last time I checked I have 4 bags on mini marshmallows. 😂) They come together so quickly and clean up is a breeze. Just an all-around great sweet treat!
You may be wondering if you can add chocolate and then answer is YES. I have added about 1 cup of mini semi-sweet chocolate morsels when I add the marshmallows and it is just enough chocolate to satisfy a craving.
How to Make Chex Cookies
There are two simple ways to make these cookies and both work great.
Stove-Top Method
In a large saucepan, add the sugar, corn syrup, and vanilla. Bring to a low boil, stirring frequently. Turn heat to low and add in the peanut butter and a pinch of salt; stir well. Remove from heat and add in the cereal. Stir well. Now add in the mini marshmallows, stirring enough just to get them evenly dispersed. Using a large spoon or cookie scoop, drop mounds of the Chex mixture onto a baking sheet.
Microwave Method
Add the sugar, corn syrup, and salt into a large microwave-safe dish. Cook on high for 4 minutes, or until the mixture is boiling and the sugar has dissolved. Carefully remove from the microwave and add in the peanut butter and vanilla, stirring until well incorporated. Add the cereal and stir with a rubber spatula and make sure every piece of cereal is coated. Now add in the marshmallows, stir to disperse, and then drop large spoonfuls onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
How to Serve No-Bake Chex Cookies
The harder question is… how do you wait until they cool before trying one? Because you will be tempted. But don’t. They will be hot and you don’t want to burn your tongue!
I place them on the parchment-lined baking sheet and oftentimes, they never get moved beyond that because they are gone so quickly. If you happen to have fewer kids then I do and more willpower, allow the cookies to cool for about 30 minutes and then serve on a serving platter. (You can also pop them in the freezer or refrigerator to cool quickly.)
How to Store No-Bake Cookies
I grab my trusty Tupperware (do folks have these anymore?!?) and place a layer on the bottom. Then I grab the parchment paper that I used to line the baking sheet and cut it in half so it fits in the Tupperware, then another layer of cookies on top of that. If they are touching they will stick together a bit, but I have never heard any complaints.
I don’t recommend freezing these cookies as the cereal gets very soggy.
More No Bake Treats
No Bake Chex Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1 cup (340g) corn syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 1/2 cups (387g) creamy peanut butter
- 5 cups Chex cereal, I used Rice Chex
- pinch salt
- 2 cups mini marshmallows
Instructions
- Line two cookie sheets with parchment. Set aside.
- In a large saucepan, add the sugar, corn syrup, and vanilla. Bring to a low boil, stirring frequently.
- Carefully add the peanut butter and pinch of salt and stir until the peanut butter is fully incorporated. Turn heat off.
- Add in the Chex cereal and stir well, making sure each piece is coated.
- Pour marshmallows in and stir until evenly dispersed, but not too long. The marshmallow will start to melt, but you do not want them to melt completely.
- Using a 2-tablespoon scoop, scoop out mounds of the chex mixture onto the cookie sheet. They will not spread much, so you can place them close together.
- Let sit for about 30 minutes so they can firm up.
- Store in layers in an airtight container.
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Looking for More No-Bake Desserts?
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Recipe turned out well as written. Be warned though that these are so sweet and rich that these are firmly in the candy camp and not so much a cookie. Making them half the size indicated is plenty.
Can these be spread out in a cookie sheet ans cut into squares?
Do you need to include peanut butter in the recipe. Is there and alternative?
Can you make the cookies with almond butter for those with a peanut allergy?
How about some cookie recipes for diabetics.
Healthy cookies! Corn syrup is a no no in anything.
Thanks for reading my suggestions.
Those look so good, and 😋 Tasty. But then again everything you make does.
These would be great to spread out on a cookie sheet or jelly roll pan when completely cooled cut into small squares and dip into melted chocolate
Amanda, I need help with a cookie recipe. I want to make chocolate chip cookies that have the taste and texture of Famous Amos Chocolate Chips. I have researched and tried several cookies to no success. Let me know your thoughts. Thanks, Carolyn Gordon
We called these peanut butter chews when I was a kid. Our lunch ladies made them with corn flakes. Great sweet treat!
My grandchildren LOVE these cookies!!! Keep the easy recipes coming.