If you’re a cookie lover looking for a unique twist on your classic chocolate chip, the Momofuku Milk Bar cornflake cookie is an absolute must-try. This cookie combines the nostalgic crunch of cornflakes with a buttery, chewy cookie base, delivering a delightful texture and flavor contrast.
Invented by the brilliant minds at Momofuku Milk Bar, these cookies have gained cult status for their addictive taste and innovative use of ingredients. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just want to treat yourself, this recipe brings a fun, crunchy surprise to your cookie jar.
In this post, I’ll walk you through the precise steps to recreate these iconic cookies at home with ease. Plus, I’ll share tips to perfect your batch and some tasty variations to keep your baking exciting.
Let’s get ready to bake some magical cornflake cookies that will have everyone asking for more!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Momofuku Milk Bar’s cornflake cookie is a game-changer in the cookie world. Here’s why:
- Unique Texture: The crushed cornflakes add a satisfyingly crunchy element that contrasts beautifully with the tender cookie dough.
- Complex Flavor: The recipe uses browned butter and a touch of malt powder to deepen the flavor, giving it a rich, almost caramelized taste.
- Easy to Customize: You can add chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruits to suit your preferences.
- Perfectly Portionable: These cookies hold their shape well, making them great for gift-giving or packing in lunchboxes.
- Impressively Delicious: Everyone who tries them marvels at how the humble cornflake transforms into a gourmet cookie experience.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Unsalted butter | 1 cup (2 sticks), browned and cooled |
| Granulated sugar | 3/4 cup |
| Light brown sugar | 1/2 cup, packed |
| Egg yolks | 2 large |
| Vanilla extract | 2 teaspoons |
| All-purpose flour | 1 1/2 cups |
| Baking soda | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Malt powder | 2 tablespoons (optional, but recommended) |
| Cornflakes | 2 cups, lightly crushed |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Chocolate chips | 1 cup (optional) |
Equipment
- Mixing bowls (at least two: one for wet ingredients, one for dry)
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
- Cooling rack
- Food processor or zip-top bag and rolling pin (for crushing cornflakes)
Instructions
- Browning the Butter: Start by melting the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Continue cooking, stirring frequently, until it turns golden brown and gives off a nutty aroma, about 5-7 minutes. Be careful not to burn it. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- Mix Sugars and Butter: In a large bowl, combine the granulated sugar, light brown sugar, and browned butter. Mix thoroughly until smooth and creamy.
- Add Egg Yolks and Vanilla: Beat in the egg yolks one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, malt powder, and salt.
- Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined. Avoid over-mixing to keep the cookies tender.
- Prepare Cornflakes: Lightly crush the cornflakes using a food processor for a few pulses or place them in a zip-top bag and crush with a rolling pin. You want a mix of small crumbs and some larger flakes for texture.
- Fold in Cornflakes and Chocolate Chips: Gently fold the crushed cornflakes and chocolate chips (if using) into the dough, ensuring even distribution without breaking the flakes too much.
- Chill the Dough: Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight. This helps develop flavor and prevents spreading during baking.
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
- Shape Cookies: Scoop dough by heaping tablespoons and place on the baking sheet about 2 inches apart. Flatten slightly with your fingers to encourage even baking.
- Bake: Bake for 12-14 minutes, or until edges are golden brown but centers remain soft.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips & Variations
“The key to these cookies is the browned butter and malt powder — they provide that signature deep, caramel-like flavor that makes these cookies unforgettable.”
- Use malt powder: It’s worth seeking out malt powder for this recipe. It adds a subtle maltiness similar to malted milk balls and enhances the flavor complexity.
- Don’t over-crush cornflakes: Keep some flakes larger for crunch and texture contrast.
- Add mix-ins: Try chopped toasted pecans, white chocolate chips, or dried cherries for a delicious twist.
- Chill dough thoroughly: This prevents cookies from spreading too much and helps develop flavor.
- Use parchment or silicone mats: Prevents sticking and promotes even baking.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Per Cookie (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180 |
| Fat | 9g |
| Saturated Fat | 5g |
| Carbohydrates | 23g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugar | 13g |
| Protein | 2g |
| Sodium | 90mg |
Serving Suggestions
These cookies are perfect on their own with a glass of cold milk or your favorite hot beverage like coffee or tea. For a more indulgent treat, try serving them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or alongside a creamy hot chocolate.
They also make fantastic gifts—package a few in a pretty tin for friends and family. If you’re hosting a party, arrange them on a dessert platter with other treats like brownies or macarons.
For a lighter pairing, try these cookies with a fresh salad like the Baby Spinach Salad Recipe Vegan: Fresh & Easy Ideas to balance sweetness with crisp greens.
Conclusion
The Momofuku Milk Bar cornflake cookie is a delightful twist on traditional cookies that brings a perfect balance of crunch, chewiness, and rich flavor. Its unique use of browned butter and malt powder sets it apart, making each bite an extraordinary experience.
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a curious beginner, this recipe is approachable and rewarding. It’s a fantastic way to impress your friends or simply indulge your sweet tooth with something a little different.
Don’t forget to experiment with mix-ins and serve these cookies alongside complementary recipes for a complete treat experience. If you’re interested in more creative baking ideas or wholesome meals, check out other recipes like the Afghan Vegetarian Pulao Recipe Easy and Delicious Guide or explore comforting dishes such as the Vegan Potato Corn Chowder Recipe for Cozy Comfort Food.
Happy baking!
📖 Recipe Card: Momofuku Milk Bar Cornflake Cookie
Description: A crunchy and buttery cookie featuring toasted cornflakes for extra texture and flavor. This iconic recipe balances sweetness with a slight savory touch.
Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT15M
Total Time: PT35M
Servings: 24 cookies
Ingredients
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 1/4 cups cornflakes, lightly crushed
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy.
- Add egg and vanilla, mix until combined.
- Whisk flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt; add to wet ingredients.
- Fold in cornflakes and white chocolate chips gently.
- Scoop dough onto baking sheet, spacing 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until edges are golden.
- Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack.
Nutrition: Calories: 150 kcal | Protein: 2 g | Fat: 8 g | Carbs: 18 g
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