If you love the nostalgic crunch and warm cinnamon flavor of Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal, you’re going to absolutely adore this Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cookies Recipe. These cookies are the perfect blend of buttery softness with a delightful cinnamon crunch that takes cookie time to another level. I first made these for a weekend brunch with friends, and I couldn’t get over how that cereal adds the right crispy texture and a fun twist to a classic cookie.
You’ll find that this Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cookies Recipe is not only easy to whip up but also impressively unique—great for when you want to surprise people with something familiar yet unexpected. Plus, it works wonderfully for anything from after-school snacks to party treats. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll be making them over and over whenever you need a cookie that’s both cozy and a little bit playful.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Classic Meets Crunchy: The crushed Cinnamon Toast Crunch adds a fun, crispy texture that makes these cookies stand out from your everyday batch.
- Perfect Cinnamon Flavor: The blend of cinnamon in both the dough and icing gives that warm, cozy taste you and your family will crave.
- Super Easy to Make: You only need a handful of staple ingredients and about 25 minutes from start to finish.
- Great For Any Occasion: Whether it’s a simple snack or a festive treat, these cookies always impress.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The combination of buttery cookie dough with crushed Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal is what makes this recipe truly fun and flavorful. Here’s a quick dive into the ingredients, so you know why they all come together so beautifully.
- All-purpose flour: This gives the cookies structure; make sure it’s well-sifted for a smooth dough.
- Baking soda: Helps the cookies rise gently, giving them a nice soft texture.
- Ground cinnamon: Adds the signature warm spice the cereal is famous for.
- Salt: Balances out the sweetness and enhances flavors.
- Unsalted butter: Room temperature butter creams perfectly with sugars to create that tender crumb.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens and contributes to the cookie’s slight crunch.
- Light brown sugar: Adds moisture and a mild caramel note that makes these cookies irresistibly soft.
- Egg: Binds everything together and richens the dough.
- Vanilla extract: Brings depth and warmth to the flavor.
- Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal: The star ingredient that’s crushed and folded into the dough for that unmistakable flare.
- Confectioners’ sugar (for icing): Makes the glaze smooth and sweet enough to complement the cookie.
- Milk (for icing): Just enough to thin the glaze to a perfect drizzle consistency.
- Pinch of cinnamon and salt (for icing): Pulls the whole cookie experience together with a hint of spice and balance.
Variations
I love mixing things up with this Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cookies Recipe depending on the season or the occasion. You can easily personalize these cookies to suit your taste buds or dietary needs while still keeping that essential cinnamon cereal crunch.
- Add-ins: I sometimes toss in mini chocolate chips or chopped pecans for an extra layer of flavor; it’s amazing how well they play with the cinnamon.
- Gluten-Free Option: Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend to make these cookies inclusive without losing texture.
- Spice It Up: For a subtle twist, try adding a pinch of nutmeg or ginger along with the cinnamon — it adds warmth and complexity.
- Dairy-Free Version: Use coconut oil or a plant-based butter substitute if you want to keep these vegan-friendly.
How to Make Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Dry Ingredients with Care
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining your baking sheet with parchment paper or a Silpat for easy cleanup. In a medium bowl, whisk together your flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt. This step is crucial because mixing these thoroughly ensures every bite has an even hint of that signature cinnamon warmth.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars Until Fluffy
Using a stand mixer with a paddle attachment or a hand mixer, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar for about 3 to 4 minutes. You’ll notice the mixture turning pale and fluffy — that’s your cue that it’s ready. This process is what creates a delicate, tender texture in the cookies.
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients and Combine Gently
Mix in the egg and vanilla extract just until they’re incorporated; over-mixing can make the cookies tough, so keep it gentle. Then, turn your mixer to low and slowly blend in the flour mixture, stopping as soon as the flour disappears. This keeps your cookies tender and soft instead of dense.
Step 4: Fold in the Crushed Cinnamon Toast Crunch
Now for the fun part — fold in the crushed Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal with a spatula. I usually crush them in a zip-top bag by pressing gently with a rolling pin, keeping some small chunks so you get that great crunchy texture throughout the cookie. Don’t overdo it or you’ll lose that satisfying bite.
Step 5: Scoop and Bake
Scoop about 3 tablespoons of dough for each cookie onto your lined baking sheet, spacing them around an inch apart. I like using a #20 cookie scoop to keep them uniform. Bake for 10-12 minutes, watching carefully until the edges just start to turn golden but the centers still look slightly soft. This ensures they stay chewy inside.
Step 6: Cool and Drizzle Icing
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a couple of minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. While they cool, whisk the confectioners’ sugar with milk, a pinch of cinnamon, and salt until silky smooth. When the cookies are totally cool, drizzle the icing over the top for a sweet finishing touch that balances the cinnamon beautifully.
Pro Tips for Making Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cookies Recipe
- Don’t Overmix the Dough: Mix just until the flour disappears to keep the cookies soft and tender, not tough.
- Keep Some Crunch: When crushing the cereal, leave some chunks intact to ensure a nice crunchy surprise in every bite.
- Watch Your Bake Time: Pull the cookies out as soon as edges turn golden; they’ll finish cooking as they cool, preventing dryness.
- Cool Completely Before Icing: Icing won’t set right if cookies are warm, so giving them time to cool makes your drizzle perfect.
How to Serve Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
I like to keep it simple and let the cookie shine, so a light dusting of extra cinnamon or a small sprinkle of crushed cereal on top of the icing adds just the right touch. If you’re feeling fancy, a tiny drizzle of melted white chocolate complements the cinnamon layers beautifully.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a tall glass of cold milk or a cozy cup of chai tea, which echoes the cinnamon notes. For a party, try serving alongside vanilla ice cream or a fresh fruit salad for a balanced treat.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I’ve arranged the cookies on a rustic wooden platter with small bowls of extra crushed cereal and cinnamon sticks to enhance that cereal vibe. Wrapping individual cookies in parchment and tying with a cinnamon stick makes a charming gift or party favor that guests love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. Placing a slice of bread in the container helps keep them soft and fresh by absorbing excess moisture—this trick always works wonders for me.
Freezing
If I want to save them longer, I freeze the baked cookies layered between parchment paper in a zip-top bag for up to 3 months. When I’m ready to enjoy, I let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes before digging in.
Reheating
To refresh cookies that have been stored or frozen, I pop them in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes—this revives the softness and crisp edges. Just be sure not to leave them too long or they dry out.
FAQs
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Can I use different cereals instead of Cinnamon Toast Crunch in this recipe?
Absolutely! While Cinnamon Toast Crunch is ideal because of its cinnamon flavor and texture, you can experiment with other cereals like Frosted Mini-Wheats or even crushed graham crackers for a different twist. Just keep in mind the flavor profile and how it complements the cinnamon in the dough.
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How do I prevent my Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cookies from spreading too much?
Chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking helps control spreading. Additionally, make sure you’re not using melted butter, as softened but still cool butter keeps the cookie shape better during baking.
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Is the icing necessary for this recipe?
The icing adds a sweet finishing touch and balances the cinnamon spice, but it’s optional. The cookies are delicious on their own if you prefer a less sweet snack or want to skip a step.
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Can I make these cookies dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the butter for a vegan butter or coconut oil alternative, and use a plant-based milk for the icing. The texture and flavor remain great if you follow those substitutions.
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How long do these cookies stay fresh?
Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies stay fresh for about 4 days. Use the bread slice trick to keep them moist longer, or freeze them for extended storage.
Final Thoughts
I absolutely love how this Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cookies Recipe takes something we all know and turns it into a homemade treat that feels special but totally approachable. Sharing these cookies with friends and family always sparks smiles, and I hope you’ll enjoy baking and eating them just as much as I do. Trust me, once you make these, they’ll become your go-to when you want a sweet, cinnamon-kissed cookie with a fun twist.
PrintCinnamon Toast Crunch Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 18 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delightfully crunchy and sweet, these Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cookies combine the nostalgic flavors of the beloved cereal with a soft, buttery cookie base. Enhanced with a cinnamon-spiced icing drizzle, they’re perfect for a cozy treat that brings childhood memories to life.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Add-ins
- 1 1/2 cups crushed Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal
Icing
- 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk
- Pinch ground cinnamon
- Pinch salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a Silpat to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt. Set this dry mixture aside for later.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: Using a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment or a hand mixer, cream the unsalted butter with granulated sugar and packed light brown sugar on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the large egg and vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture until just combined, creating a smooth batter.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix just until combined to avoid overworking the dough, which can make the cookies tough.
- Fold in Cereal: Gently fold in the crushed Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal by hand to maintain some crunchiness and texture throughout the dough.
- Scoop Dough: Using a #20 cookie scoop (approximately 3 tablespoons), drop the cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet about 1 inch apart to allow spreading during baking.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown but the centers remain soft. Remove from oven and let them cool on the sheet for a couple of minutes.
- Cool Completely: Transfer the cookies to wire racks to cool completely before adding the icing, ensuring the icing does not melt.
- Prepare Icing: In a small bowl, whisk together confectioners’ sugar, milk, a pinch of ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until smooth and well combined for a perfect cinnamon glaze.
- Drizzle Icing: Once the cookies have fully cooled, drizzle the prepared icing over each cookie using a spoon or piping bag for a beautiful finishing touch and added sweetness.
Notes
- For best texture, crush the Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal by placing it in a ziplock bag and lightly crushing with a rolling pin or your hands.
- If you prefer stronger cinnamon flavor, you can increase the cinnamon in the dough or icing slightly.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days to maintain freshness.
- The icing can be adjusted with more or less milk to achieve your desired consistency for drizzling or spreading.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 13g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg