
Looking for an easy, no-bake treat that will wow your family and friends this holiday season? These Butterscotch Cornflake Crunchies are the answer! With just three main ingredients and no oven required, these sweet, crispy clusters come together in minutes. They’re perfect for busy holiday schedules and great for kids to help make! Butterscotch chips, peanut butter (or marshmallows for a nut-free option), and crunchy cornflakes combine to create an irresistibly chewy, crunchy, and buttery bite. Decorate them with festive sprinkles for a holiday twist, and watch them disappear off the dessert table!
Let’s get festive with these easy, crowd-pleasing treats.
What You’ll Need
For the Crunchies:
- 1 (11 oz) bag butterscotch chips
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter (or 1 cup mini marshmallows for a nut-free option)
- 4 cups cornflake cereal
For Decoration:
- Holiday sprinkles (red, green, white, or any festive colors)
- Optional: Melted white chocolate for drizzling
Pro Tips
- Work Quickly: Once the butterscotch mixture is melted and combined with the cornflakes, work quickly to scoop the clusters before the mixture sets.
- Use Parchment Paper: Line your tray with parchment or wax paper to make cleanup a breeze and prevent sticking.
- Add Texture: Sprinkle crushed candy canes or chopped nuts on top for extra flavor and crunch.
- Control the Size: Use a cookie scoop for evenly sized clusters or a tablespoon for smaller, bite-sized treats.
- Cool Completely: Let the clusters set fully before transferring them to a container—this ensures they hold their shape.
Tools You’ll Need
- Medium saucepan or microwave-safe bowl
- Rubber spatula
- Parchment or wax paper
- Baking tray
- Cookie scoop or tablespoon
Substitutions and Variations
- Nut-Free Option: Replace peanut butter with mini marshmallows or sunflower seed butter.
- Extra Crunch: Add 1 cup of chopped pretzels or rice cereal for additional texture.
- Holiday Colors: Use white chocolate chips instead of butterscotch and tint with red or green food coloring.
- Dark Chocolate Twist: Mix in ½ cup melted dark chocolate chips with the butterscotch for a richer flavor.
- Flavor Boost: Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a pinch of sea salt to enhance the flavor.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare in Advance: These clusters can be made up to 1 week ahead. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge for extra crunch.
- Gift Them: Pack these treats in festive holiday tins or gift bags for a thoughtful homemade gift!
How to Make No-Bake Butterscotch Cornflake Crunchies
1. Melt the Butterscotch and Peanut Butter
In a medium saucepan, melt the butterscotch chips and peanut butter over low heat, stirring constantly until smooth. Alternatively, microwave the butterscotch chips and peanut butter in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until melted and combined.
2. Mix in the Cornflakes
Remove the saucepan from heat and gently fold in the cornflake cereal, ensuring all the flakes are evenly coated with the butterscotch mixture.
3. Scoop the Clusters
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto a parchment-lined baking tray. Shape them into rough clusters if needed.
4. Add Sprinkles
While the clusters are still sticky, sprinkle them with festive red, green, and white sprinkles. Optional: Drizzle melted white chocolate over the top for extra flair.
5. Let Cool and Set
Allow the clusters to cool completely at room temperature (about 30 minutes) or speed up the process by placing the tray in the fridge for 10–15 minutes.
Leftovers and Storage
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
- Fridge: For extra crunch, store in the refrigerator for up to 10 days.
- Freezer: Freeze clusters in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Conclusion
These No-Bake Butterscotch Cornflake Crunchies are the ultimate holiday treat—quick, easy, and oh-so-delicious! Their crunchy texture, sweet butterscotch flavor, and festive decorations make them perfect for cookie swaps, holiday dessert tables, or gifting to loved ones. Plus, the no-bake recipe means less stress in the kitchen during the busiest time of year. I’d love to hear how yours turned out—did you add any special twists or decorations? Share your creations in the comments below. Happy holidays and happy snacking!