Last year, I was gifted with a plate of these Peanut Butter Chews Cookies for Christmas. I couldn’t stop eating them! They are chewy with loads of peanut butter flavor. These are a no-bake three-ingredient cookie that reminds me of Rice Krispie treats. I had dipped a few of these in melted milk chocolate, and loved them. I planned to drizzle the rest of the cookies with chocolate, the following day. When I went to finish my work, the cookies were all eaten, by my hungry men and their friends. They loved them.
The above photo was not meant to be a featured photo. I had dipped some of these cookies in melted chocolate, and loved the balance of milk chocolate and peanut butter (you could use dark). The sun had set, and I decided to photograph some finished shots the next day. Only, the cookies were gone when I returned with my camera in hand! Apparently, the male mice of the house, had gotten into the chocolate dipped cookies and I didn’t have time to melt more chocolate. So, here they are “plain Jane” and non-food styled– but these are freakin’ good, is all I can say.
I say this because I like peanut butter– especially slathered on warm toast and homemade jam. I like Reese’s peanut butter cups. But, I don’t looooove peanut butter, the way that my men do. A few years ago, one of my students gifted me with a plate of these cookies. It was love at first bite. They were chewy, and gooey, and sweet and as addicting to me as Rice Krispie Treats. I kept asking for the recipe, but quit asking because she never produced it.
So, I did a google search for “peanut butter, corn flakes, cookies” and I found the recipe on Karo Syrup’s website. I found the recipe! I changed the method of making them, which worked out well for me:
In a large saucepan, add one cup, each, of peanut butter, corn syrup and white sugar (my teeth are already starting to hurt). Bring the mixture to a boil, whisking until creamy. Remove from heat and pour over the cornflakes.
Gently combine the mixture until evenly coated. I’d like to spare you the stress that I created for me, when I decided to DOUBLE the amount. Don’t do it. This mixture sets up fast! I ended up with seven dozen cookies, but I had to hustle to get them all on seven baking sheets so they would cool and firm. Make the recipe, twice, if you want to make a lot– and you will. I brought some of these to my office and gave the rest to my husband’s work. It was for my own self-preservation.
Only….
… I had one very sad son who found the cookie jar was empty. He said they were one of the best peanut butter treats he’s ever eaten. Of course, he has a wicked sweet tooth.
TASTING NOTES: For my own personal taste, I would decrease the white sugar and corn syrup by 1/4 each. I haven’t tried this, but I plan to. I see no reason why you couldn’t add mini chocolate chips or use chunky peanut butter. I would think that Rice Krispies would be another good cereal substitute.
Bottom line, if you are looking for a very quick sweet treat to make for a potluck or a troop of kids– this recipe couldn’t be easier to make. I take no responsibility for the sugar rush that might follow.
Peanut Butter Chews No Bake Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup sugar see notes
- 1 cup Karo light corn syrup see notes
- 1 cup peanut butter creamy or chunky
- 6 cups cornflakes or other crispy corn cereal
- Good quality milk or dark chocolate for dipping or drizzling (optional)
Instructions
- Place the cornflakes into a large bowl; set aside.
- Combine sugar, corn syrup and peanut butter in a large saucepan. Heat until mixture comes to a boil around the edges of the pan, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and pour over cornflakes. Stir gently, until thoroughly coated.
- Drop cookies, using about 2 tablespoons for each, onto waxed paper. You can use a 2-inch cookie scoop. Let cool. Store in airtight container.
- Once the cookies have cooled and set, you can either dip the bottom of each cookie in melted chocolate (my favorite way) or you can drizzle it over each cookie.
Notes
Well darn…I was going to write a blog post and instead I checked your blog first and now I just want to go make this recipe. I am going to try it with the reduced sugar.
Sometimes I think a little time off does a body good! And can be super reinvigorating. 🙂 and these look awesome. Love that sweet n salty mix!
I've missed your posts, Debby, but I completely understand needing to take a break! I'm a little driven sometimes and a break would be good for me as well. Anything with peanut butter gets my attention and these cookies look amazing. Love how easy they sound. Great post and thanks for sharing!
Hi Debby,
Nice to see a new post from you, and I made these cookies as you suggested with 1/4 cup less sugar and corn syrup. As I was pouring it over the corn flakes, I was thinking I should have reduced the corn flakes to 5 cups, just in case it reduced the amount of liquid. Well, I should have. There wasn't enough liquid, although there might have been some other factor involved. They were very tasty, but I ended up trying to make them into more of a bar cookie. After they hardened, it was easiest to just kind of break them apart. I did spread some melted chocolate on the ones that held together, but I also have a bowl of crumbles that everyone has been nibbling on as we pass, which is not a bad thing. Feel a lot less guilty nibbling, than eating whole cookies.
Darn, on not having enough liquid. I ended up doubling the recipe, and had plenty of liquid, but this is good to know. I've seen these in a bar form and dipped in chocolate. Glad you tried them, and thank you for the feedback.
OMG, my college roommate and her Mom got me addicted to these!! I have never dunked them in chocolate, but I sometimes include honey since that goes to well with peanut butter too. OK, it's been a while, now I'm gonna have to make a batch!! 🙂