Cheerios Cookies: A Sweet Treat for All Ages
Cheerios Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the crunch of your favorite cereal with the softness of a classic cookie. These cookies are perfect for a quick snack, a bake sale, or a fun family baking session. They’re simple to make, and you’ll be surprised by how versatile this recipe can be. Whether you’re using Cheerios or experimenting with other cereals, like Crispix, or adding extra flavor with coconut, this recipe can easily be customized to suit your taste.
The combination of peanut butter, chocolate chips, and oatmeal makes each bite irresistibly delicious, while the Cheerios add that satisfying crunch. With only 22 minutes of prep and cook time, you can whip up a batch in no time, making them a great option for busy days or unexpected cravings.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Butter | 1 cup |
| Margarine | 1 cup |
| White Sugar | 1 cup |
| Brown Sugar | 1/2 cup |
| Peanut Butter | 2 tablespoons |
| Eggs | 1 large |
| Vanilla Extract | 1 teaspoon |
| All-Purpose Flour | 2 cups |
| Baking Soda | 1 teaspoon |
| Baking Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Oatmeal | 3 cups |
| Cheerios Cereal | 1 cup |
| Chocolate Chips | 1 cup |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving – 1 Cookie)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 79.2 kcal |
| Fat Content | 3.9 g |
| Saturated Fat | 2 g |
| Cholesterol | 10.5 mg |
| Sodium | 83.8 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 10.5 g |
| Fiber | 0.5 g |
| Sugars | 6.4 g |
| Protein | 1.2 g |
Instructions
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Prepare the Wet Ingredients: Start by creaming together the butter, margarine, both sugars, peanut butter, vanilla extract, and eggs. Use a large bowl and mix until smooth and fluffy. This step ensures the perfect texture and consistency for your cookies.
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Sift the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This helps evenly distribute the dry ingredients and ensures your cookies bake uniformly.
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Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually fold the sifted dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until combined. Take care not to overmix, as this can affect the texture of your cookies.
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Add the Fun Ingredients: Gently stir in the oatmeal, Cheerios, and chocolate chips. The oatmeal adds a chewy texture, the Cheerios bring a crunchy bite, and the chocolate chips melt to create gooey pockets of chocolate throughout the cookies.
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Form the Cookies: Using a tablespoon or a small cookie scoop, drop the dough onto an ungreased cookie sheet. Make sure to space them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading while baking.
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Bake to Perfection: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them – you’ll know they’re done when the edges are golden brown and the centers are slightly soft but set.
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Cool and Enjoy: Once baked, allow the cookies to cool on the cookie sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step helps the cookies firm up without breaking.
Tips and Variations
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Mix It Up with Other Cereals: If you don’t have Cheerios on hand, feel free to experiment with other cereals like Crispix, Cornflakes, or even a combination. Each option will offer a unique texture and flavor.
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Add Coconut for Extra Flavor: For a tropical twist, add a handful of shredded coconut (like Mounds coconut) to the dough. The coconut pairs wonderfully with the peanut butter and chocolate chips.
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Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter cookie, increase the amount of brown sugar or white sugar. Alternatively, reduce the sugar for a less sweet treat that still delivers plenty of flavor.
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Use Mini Chocolate Chips: If you love chocolate, try using mini chocolate chips for an even distribution of chocolatey goodness in every bite.
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For a Nutty Twist: Add chopped nuts like peanuts, walnuts, or almonds to the dough for an extra crunch and a nutty flavor that complements the peanut butter.
Why You’ll Love These Cookies
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Quick and Easy: From mixing to baking, these cookies come together in just under 30 minutes, making them a perfect last-minute dessert or snack.
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Kid-Friendly: With no complicated steps, these cookies are ideal for baking with kids. They’ll enjoy mixing the ingredients and dropping the dough onto the cookie sheet.
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Perfect for Sharing: This recipe yields 82 cookies, so you’ll have plenty to share with family, friends, or coworkers. They’re great for parties, school events, or just as a sweet treat after dinner.
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Flexible and Customizable: The base recipe is easy to tweak according to your preferences. Whether you’re adding coconut, using a different cereal, or throwing in extra chocolate chips, these cookies are sure to be a hit every time.
Storage and Shelf Life
Once your Cheerios cookies have cooled completely, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay fresh for about 4-5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies for up to 3 months. To freeze, place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container.
Cheerios Cookies are a delicious, easy-to-make treat that’s perfect for all occasions. Whether you’re baking with the kids, making a batch for a party, or just craving something sweet, these cookies will hit the spot every time. So go ahead and give this recipe a try—your taste buds will thank you!
