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No Bake Easter Cornflake Cookies - Crunchy, Festive, and Easy

Ingredients
  

  • Unsalted butter 4 tablespoons / 1/4 cup
  • Mini marshmallows 10 ounces, about 6 cups
  • Cornflakes cereal 4–5 cups; start with 4 and add more if needed
  • Pure vanilla extract 1 teaspoon
  • Fine sea salt a pinch, about 1/8 teaspoon
  • Mini chocolate eggs such as candy-coated eggs, malted eggs, or jelly beans for topping
  • Optional add-ins: white chocolate chips 1/2 cup, shredded coconut (1/2 cup, toasted if you like), sprinkles
  • Nonstick spray or a touch of neutral oil for greasing hands or a scoop
  • Parchment paper or silicone baking mats

Instructions
 

  • Prep your station. Line two baking sheets with parchment or silicone mats. Set your toppings (mini eggs) within reach.
  • Lightly grease a cookie scoop or your hands with nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
  • Melt the butter. In a large, heavy-bottomed pot over low heat, melt 1/4 cup unsalted butter. Keep the heat gentle to avoid browning unless you intentionally want a nutty, browned-butter note.
  • Add marshmallows. Stir in 10 ounces of mini marshmallows. Cook over low heat, stirring continuously, until fully melted and smooth.
  • Don’t rush this step—low and slow prevents scorching and keeps the mixture silky.
  • Flavor it. Remove the pot from heat. Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and a pinch of fine sea salt. This balance boosts flavor and keeps the cookies from tasting flat.
  • Fold in cornflakes. Start with 4 cups of cornflakes.
  • Using a wide spatula, gently fold to coat without crushing the flakes too much. If the mixture looks overly glossy or soggy, sprinkle in up to 1 more cup of cornflakes until everything is well-coated and moundable.
  • Shape the nests. Working quickly, drop heaping tablespoons (or use a medium cookie scoop) onto the prepared sheets. Lightly press the center of each mound with your thumb or the back of a spoon to form a shallow well, creating a nest shape.
  • Add the eggs. Press 2–3 mini chocolate eggs into the center of each nest while the mixture is still tacky, so they stick as it sets.
  • If using jelly beans or malted eggs, press gently to avoid cracking.
  • Let them set. Allow the cookies to cool at room temperature for 20–30 minutes until firm to the touch. If you’re in a hurry, you can chill them in the fridge for 10–15 minutes, but don’t leave them refrigerated long-term (they can pick up fridge odors and harden too much).
  • Optional drizzle. For extra flair, melt 1/2 cup white chocolate chips and drizzle over the set nests. Let it harden before serving.
  • Serve and enjoy. Transfer to a platter and serve the same day for peak crunch and chew.
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