Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cookie Recipe (with Brown Butter)

These Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cookies with Brown Butter are an irresistible blend of nostalgic cereal flavor and gourmet cookie magic. Think chewy centers, crisp edges, a warm hit of cinnamon, and that iconic sweet crunch in every bite. The brown butter adds a deep, nutty richness that takes these cookies from fun to unforgettable. They’re quick to whip up, packed with flavor, and perfect for when you need a sweet treat that seriously impresses—without spending hours in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Big Flavor, Easy Prep: This recipe is weeknight-baking friendly. No need for fancy equipment or complicated steps. Brown butter sounds fancy, but it’s simple—and so worth it.
• Crunchy Meets Chewy: The Cinnamon Toast Crunch brings an addictive crunch that plays beautifully with the soft, chewy cookie texture. It’s a match made in dessert heaven.
• Brown Butter = Game Changer: That extra toasty, nutty depth you get from browning your butter? It transforms this from just another cookie to something you’ll crave often.
• Kid-Friendly, Adult-Approved: It’s the ultimate nostalgic bake. Kids love the cereal, adults love the rich, cozy flavor—everyone wins.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a breakdown of what makes these cookies so spectacular—and how each ingredient shines:

• Butter: Browned for a nutty, caramel-like flavor that deepens every bite.
• Brown Sugar and Granulated Sugar: A blend for moisture, chewiness, and perfect sweetness.
• Eggs: Essential for structure and moisture—don’t skip the room-temperature step for even mixing.
• Vanilla Extract: Rounds out the flavors and boosts the warmth of the cinnamon.
• All-Purpose Flour: Your base—stick with classic flour for the best texture.
• Baking Soda: Helps the cookies rise and spread just the right amount.
• Salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness and enhance every other flavor.
• Cinnamon: Reinforces the warm spice of the cereal and deepens the flavor.
• Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cereal: Lightly crushed for a perfect crunchy texture and that unmistakable cinnamon-sugar kick.
• White Chocolate Chips (optional): Adds a creamy sweetness that pairs beautifully with the cinnamon flavor.

Variations

Looking to mix things up a bit? Here are a few delicious spins on the classic version:

• Add Chocolate: Swap white chocolate for milk or dark chocolate chips for a richer contrast.
• Nutty Crunch: Toss in chopped pecans or walnuts for extra texture.
• Stuff Them: Add a gooey caramel or marshmallow center for a fun surprise.
• Gluten-Free: Use your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The cereal already contains wheat, but gluten-free cinnamon cereals can work too.

How to Make Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cookies with Brown Butter

Step 1: Brown the Butter

Start by browning the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly until it turns golden brown and smells nutty. Let it cool slightly before using—this step builds serious flavor.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk the browned butter with the sugars until smooth. Add eggs and vanilla, mixing until creamy and light.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Slowly add the dry mixture to the wet, mixing just until combined.

Step 4: Fold in the Cereal and Chips

Gently stir in the crushed Cinnamon Toast Crunch and white chocolate chips if using. Be careful not to overmix—you want those cereal pieces to stay slightly chunky.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Cover and chill the dough for at least 30 minutes. This step helps the cookies hold their shape and enhances the flavor.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Scoop the dough onto a lined baking sheet, spacing the cookies a few inches apart. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 10–12 minutes or until the edges are golden and the centers look just set.

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy

Let them cool on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. They’ll firm up a bit more as they cool—if you can wait that long!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t skip chilling the dough: It makes a huge difference in texture and prevents overspreading.
• Crush the cereal gently: You want some texture, so don’t pulverize it—just a light crunch to blend into the dough.
• Use real vanilla extract: The real stuff makes these cookies feel extra indulgent.
• Keep an eye on the bake time: These cookies are best when just barely golden on the edges and soft in the middle.

How to Serve

These cookies are best enjoyed slightly warm, when the white chocolate is still a little melty and the cinnamon aroma is at its peak.

Serve with:

• A cold glass of milk (classic and unbeatable)
• A scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert heaven
• Coffee or chai tea—cinnamon and spice pair beautifully

For Parties:

• Stack them up on a tray with some whole Cinnamon Toast Crunch scattered for a fun presentation.
• Wrap in parchment and tie with twine for adorable edible gifts.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. They stay chewy and flavorful!

Freezing

You can freeze the dough or the baked cookies. For dough, portion into balls and freeze on a tray, then transfer to a bag. Bake from frozen, adding an extra 1–2 minutes.

Reheating

Warm cookies in the microwave for about 10 seconds to bring back that fresh-from-the-oven gooeyness.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! The dough actually benefits from resting. Make it up to 48 hours in advance and keep it chilled until ready to bake.

What if I don’t have Cinnamon Toast Crunch?
While the flavor won’t be the same, you can substitute with another cinnamon-flavored cereal. Just know the texture and sweetness might vary slightly.

Can I use regular butter instead of browned?
Technically yes, but browning the butter gives these cookies their signature rich, caramelized depth. It’s worth the extra few minutes.

Why are my cookies spreading too much?
This usually means the dough wasn’t chilled enough or your butter was too warm. Be sure to chill the dough well before baking.

Final Thoughts

These Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cookies with Brown Butter are everything you want in a treat—easy to make, full of nostalgic flavor, and downright delicious. Whether you’re baking for a weekend get-together, a late-night snack, or just because you deserve something sweet, these cookies are sure to deliver. So grab that cereal box and let’s make some magic happen in the kitchen!

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