Are you ready to unlock a treasure trove of deliciousness hidden right in your pantry? Prepare to be amazed by the ultimate treat that transforms everyday cupboard staples into extraordinary cookies. We’re talking about the sensational **Crazy Good Cupboard Cookies**, a recipe designed to satisfy every craving with its perfect harmony of chewy, crunchy, sweet, and salty flavors. This isn’t just any cookie; it’s an adventure for your taste buds, featuring an unexpected star ingredient: Malt-O-Meal® Frosted Mini Spooners.
Imagine bite-sized frosted wheat cereal, crunchy pretzels, hearty oats, tropical coconut, rich pecans, tart dried cranberries, and decadent chocolate chips all coming together in one incredible bite. These cookies aren’t just easy to make; they’re a revelation, proving that the best ingredients are often those already waiting in your kitchen. Get ready to turn your pantry into a baker’s paradise and bake up a batch of these truly unforgettable cookies.
Discovering the Magic of Pantry-Staple Baking
Baking should be fun, accessible, and an exciting journey, not a daunting task. That’s precisely the philosophy behind these Crazy Good Cupboard Cookies. We all have those ingredients tucked away in our cupboards – a bag of pretzels that didn’t get finished, a handful of pecans from a holiday recipe, some oats for breakfast, and of course, those chocolate chips that seem to multiply on their own. This recipe celebrates the simplicity and ingenuity of using what you have on hand to create something truly spectacular. It’s about looking beyond the traditional baking aisle and discovering new textures and flavors in unexpected places.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability and the surprising depth of flavor achieved through a thoughtful combination of contrasting elements. The result is a cookie that’s far greater than the sum of its parts, a testament to the fact that culinary creativity often starts with a curious peek into your pantry. Forget complicated shopping lists; these delicious cookies are an invitation to raid your kitchen and start baking!
The Secret Ingredient: Malt-O-Meal® Frosted Mini Spooners
Now, let’s talk about the star of the show: Malt-O-Meal® Frosted Mini Spooners. Yes, you read that right – cereal in your cookies! But this isn’t just any cereal; it’s the bite-sized, shredded wheat cereal generously coated with a delightful layer of frosted sugar. For many, including myself, this cereal is a cherished cupboard staple, perfect for breakfast or a quick snack. Its distinctive texture – a perfect blend of crispness and slight chewiness – translates beautifully into these cookies, adding an irresistible dimension that sets them apart.
When crushed and incorporated into the cookie dough, Frosted Mini Spooners contribute a delicate sweetness and a wonderfully unique texture that’s both crunchy and tender. It’s a game-changer, transforming an ordinary cookie into an extraordinary one. I’ve always loved snacking on this cereal, crumbling it over yogurt for a quick parfait, or enjoying it warm with a splash of milk. But integrating it into a cookie recipe? That was a stroke of genius, and now I can’t imagine these cookies without them. This cereal provides an unparalleled textural contrast that elevates the entire cookie experience, making each bite a symphony of delightful sensations.
A Symphony of Flavors and Textures: The Sweet & Salty Duo
What truly makes these Cupboard Cookies “crazy good” is the masterful balance of diverse ingredients, each playing a crucial role in creating a multi-sensory experience. It’s a culinary ballet where sweet meets salty, and chewy embraces crunchy. The Frosted Mini Spooners provide that unique crunch and subtle sweetness. Then, we introduce crushed pretzels, which deliver a delightful salty punch and another layer of crisp texture, expertly countering the sweetness of the chocolate chips and frosted cereal.
Old-fashioned oats contribute a comforting chewiness and a wholesome, earthy note. Shredded coconut adds a hint of tropical sweetness and a soft, chewy texture that complements the crunchier elements. Chopped pecans offer a buttery, nutty flavor and a satisfying snap. Finally, dried cranberries introduce a welcome burst of tartness and a chewy, fruity counterpoint, cutting through the richness and adding vibrant color. And, of course, no cookie of this caliber would be complete without plenty of chocolate chips, melting into pockets of pure bliss. This thoughtful combination ensures that every bite is an exciting journey of contrasting yet complementary tastes and textures.
Crafting the Perfect Cookie: Tips and Tricks
Achieving the ideal Crazy Good Cupboard Cookie is simple with a few baking fundamentals. First, ensure your butter is properly softened but not melted. This allows it to cream beautifully with the sugars, creating a light and airy base for your dough. Don’t overmix once you add the flour and dry ingredients; mix just until combined to keep the cookies tender.
When incorporating the Frosted Mini Spooners, oats, pretzels, pecans, coconut, cranberries, and chocolate chips, mix on low speed until they are just evenly distributed. Using a medium cookie scoop (about 1.5 tablespoons) ensures uniform cookies that bake evenly. Slightly flattening the scooped dough with the palm of your hand before baking encourages a chewier, more spread-out cookie.
Bake your cookies on parchment-lined baking sheets. This prevents sticking and makes for easy cleanup. Rotating your baking sheets halfway through the baking time (around 12-14 minutes at 350°F) ensures even browning. Keep an eye on them; you want golden-brown edges but a soft, slightly underbaked center for that perfect chewy texture. Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is crucial for them to set properly without crumbling. These simple steps will guarantee a batch of cookies that are consistently delicious and picture-perfect every time.
Why These Will Become Your Go-To Cookie Recipe
Once you try these Crazy Good Cupboard Cookies, you’ll understand why they’re destined to become a regular in your baking rotation. They masterfully hit every single note: the satisfying chewiness, the delightful crunch, the comforting sweetness, and the intriguing salty kick. This complex flavor profile means they’re incredibly versatile and perfect for any occasion – a casual snack, a dessert for guests, or a special treat for yourself.
They’re the kind of cookies that disappear quickly, leaving everyone asking for the recipe. Their unique combination of textures and flavors ensures they stand out from standard cookie fare, making them a truly memorable indulgence. Beyond their irresistible taste, the sheer joy of creating something so extraordinary from simple pantry items is deeply satisfying. Get ready to experience love at first bite, because these aren’t just cookies; they’re a craving come true.
Unleash Your Inner Baker: Raid Your Cupboard Today!
What are you waiting for? It’s time to transform your kitchen into a haven of sweet and salty delights. Gather your Frosted Mini Spooners, pretzels, oats, coconut, pecans, dried cranberries, and chocolate chips. Embrace the magic of pantry baking and whip up a batch of these truly “crazy good” cookies. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, this recipe is incredibly forgiving and guarantees fantastic results every time. These cookies are perfect for sharing with friends and family, or simply enjoying with a warm cup of coffee or a glass of milk. They are more than just a treat; they are a delightful experience that will bring smiles and satisfy even the most intense cookie cravings.
Enjoy every chewy, crunchy, sweet, and salty bite!
xoxo,
Print
Crazy Good Cupboard Cookies
5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star
No reviews
Author: Maegan – The BakerMama
Yield: 24
Category: Dessert
Description
All your cupboard favorites baked into a Crazy Good Cupboard Cookie. Frosted Mini Spooners, pretzels, oats, coconut, pecans, dried cranberries and chocolate chips come together in these chewy-crunchy-sweet-salty delicious cookies!
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 cups Malt-O-Meal® Frosted Mini Spooners, lightly crushed
- 1 cup old-fashioned oatmeal
- 1 cup crushed pretzels
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup shredded coconut
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare your baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper or lightly greasing them.
- In the large bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar on medium speed until the mixture is light, fluffy, and smooth, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the large eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract until fully combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure all ingredients are incorporated.
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and baking soda. Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Gently fold in the Malt-O-Meal® Frosted Mini Spooners, old-fashioned oatmeal, crushed pretzels, chopped pecans, shredded coconut, dried cranberries, and chocolate chips. Mix on the lowest speed or by hand with a spatula until all the delicious additions are evenly distributed throughout the cookie dough.
- Using a medium cookie scoop (approximately 1.5 tablespoons), drop portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving a few inches between each cookie. Slightly flatten the top of each dough scoop with the palm of your hand to encourage even baking and a good spread.
- Bake for 12-14 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are still slightly soft. For even baking, rotate the baking sheets halfway through the baking time.
- Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This crucial step helps the cookies set and prevents them from breaking.
Explore More Delicious Cereal-Inspired Recipes!
If you loved the unique twist that Malt-O-Meal® Frosted Mini Spooners brought to these cookies, you’re in for more treats! My partnership with Malt-O-Meal brand cereals has led to the creation of other innovative and incredibly tasty recipes that brilliantly incorporate your favorite breakfast cereals into delightful snacks and desserts. Don’t miss out on these other fantastic ideas that bring a whole new level of flavor and texture to your everyday baking.
Be sure to check out my Peanut Butter Berry Bunch Crunch Bark, another delightful recipe that showcases the versatility of cereal beyond the breakfast bowl. It’s a perfect example of how simple ingredients can be transformed into something truly special.
These recipes are not only fun to make but also a fantastic way to enjoy the cereals you love in new and exciting forms. Happy baking, and happy snacking!