If you’ve been dreaming of a truly delightful breakfast twist or a snack that feels like a hug in a bowl, then this Homemade Chocolate Chip Cookie Cereal Recipe is about to become your new favorite obsession. Imagine tiny, crisp chocolate chip cookies that are just right for munching by the handful or dunking in milk, combining the nostalgic warmth of cookies with the fun, crunchy bite of cereal. Every bite brings the perfect balance of sweetness, buttery goodness, and a little hint of vanilla, making this recipe a charming treat whether you’re starting your day or indulging in an afternoon pick-me-up.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Creating this Homemade Chocolate Chip Cookie Cereal Recipe is remarkably simple thanks to a handful of straightforward ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role to build the perfect texture and flavor — from the tender, buttery dough to the melty pockets of chocolate in each tiny cookie.
- All-purpose flour (2 1/3 cups): The base that gives structure and that satisfying cookie chew.
- Baking soda (3/4 teaspoon): Helps the little cookies rise just enough for a light, crisp texture.
- Kosher salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- Espresso powder (1/4 teaspoon, optional): Adds a subtle depth to bring out the chocolate notes.
- Large eggs (2): Bind everything together with richness and moisture.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, melted): The secret to that melt-in-your-mouth buttery flavor.
- Light brown sugar (1/2 cup, packed): Provides that caramel-like sweetness and chewiness.
- Granulated sugar (1/3 cup): Gives a touch of crispness to the cookie cereal texture.
- Pure vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Infuses every bite with cozy warmth and aroma.
- Mini chocolate chips (1 1/4 cups): Tiny bursts of melty chocolate in each little cookie piece.
How to Make Homemade Chocolate Chip Cookie Cereal Recipe
Step 1: Mix Dry Ingredients
Start by whisking together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, kosher salt, and if you’re feeling adventurous, a pinch of espresso powder. This creates the dry foundation where all the flavors will come together.
Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, melted butter, both sugars, and vanilla extract until smooth and silky. This mixture adds richness and sweetness that will bring your cereal to life.
Step 3: Form Dough
Gently fold the wet ingredients into your dry mixture, stirring just until combined—overmixing can lead to toughness, so patience here pays off. Then fold in the mini chocolate chips evenly throughout the dough. Refrigerate it briefly for 15 to 20 minutes to help with shaping.
Step 4: Prepare Oven and Baking Sheets
Arrange your oven racks in the top and bottom thirds, then preheat to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure easy removal and quick clean-up.
Step 5: Shape Cookie Cereal
Using about half a teaspoon of dough per piece, roll tiny dough balls between your hands and place them spaced apart on the trays. Gently flatten each ball with a fingertip for that crispy cereal texture once baked.
Step 6: Bake Cookies
Bake the cookies for 8 to 10 minutes, rotating the sheets halfway to ensure even cooking. Look for a light golden edge – that’s your cue to pull them out for the perfect crunch.
Step 7: Cool
Allow the cookie cereal to cool completely on the sheets so they crispen up fully. Repeat the baking process with any remaining dough, switching out parchment paper as needed.
How to Serve Homemade Chocolate Chip Cookie Cereal Recipe
Garnishes
Add a sprinkle of mini chocolate chips or a small dusting of powdered sugar for a little extra sweetness and visual appeal. Fresh berries or a few chopped nuts on top can also add a delightful texture contrast.
Side Dishes
This cookie cereal pairs wonderfully with a bowl of cold milk or your favorite plant-based alternative. It also makes a fantastic topping for vanilla ice cream or yogurt, turning a simple snack into a fun, indulgent treat.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this cereal in clear jars or mini bowls alongside a small pitcher of warm milk for serving guests. You can even mix it into your morning smoothie bowl for a sweet crunch or layer it in parfaits with fresh fruit and whipped cream.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover cookie cereal in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week to maintain crispness and freshness. Avoid humid spots to prevent them from becoming soft.
Freezing
If you’d like to store your cookie cereal longer, freeze it in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, just let it come to room temperature slowly for best texture.
Reheating
If your cookie cereal loses a bit of its crisp, you can revive it by warming briefly in a low oven (about 300°F) for 5 minutes. Cool before eating to get that delightful crunch back.
FAQs
Can I use regular-sized chocolate chips instead of mini ones?
While regular chocolate chips can work, mini chocolate chips distribute more evenly and ensure each small cookie cereal bite has a balanced chocolate flavor, so they’re highly recommended.
Is the espresso powder necessary?
The espresso powder is optional but highly encouraged! It isn’t meant to make the cereal taste like coffee but to enhance the chocolate flavor and deepen the overall taste.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend designed for baking. Just be mindful of texture, which might be slightly different but still delicious.
How do I keep the cookie cereal crisp longer?
Storing in an airtight container away from moisture and heat is key. Adding a food-safe silica gel packet can help reduce moisture if you have one on hand.
Can I add other mix-ins besides chocolate chips?
Absolutely! Mini white chocolate chips, toffee bits, or finely chopped nuts can all add interesting flavors and textures, just keep the sizes small to maintain that cereal feel.
Final Thoughts
Whipping up this Homemade Chocolate Chip Cookie Cereal Recipe is such a joy because it feels indulgent yet simple, and it’s one of those treats that just bring a smile every time. Whether you’re enjoying it with milk, sprinkling it on your favorite desserts, or sharing with friends, this recipe is sure to become a beloved staple. Grab your ingredients and start baking; your new favorite cereal experience is just a few steps away!
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Homemade Chocolate Chip Cookie Cereal Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This Homemade Cookie Cereal recipe transforms classic chocolate chip cookies into tiny, crunchy cereal pieces perfect for a sweet breakfast or snack. Made with all-purpose flour, brown and granulated sugars, melted butter, eggs, and mini chocolate chips, these bite-sized cookies are baked until golden and crispy. The espresso powder adds a subtle depth of flavor but is optional. Enjoy this delightful and nostalgic treat with milk or on its own.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/3 cups (280 g) all-purpose flour
- 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon espresso powder (optional)
Wet Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup (110 g) packed light brown sugar
- 1/3 cup (67 g) granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
Add-ins
- 1 1/4 cups mini chocolate chips
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, kosher salt, and espresso powder (if using) until evenly combined.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk the eggs, melted unsalted butter, light brown sugar, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and well incorporated.
- Form Dough: Add the wet egg mixture to the dry flour mixture and gently stir just until combined, being careful not to overmix. Fold in the mini chocolate chips evenly throughout the dough. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 15 to 20 minutes to chill.
- Prepare Oven and Baking Sheets: Arrange oven racks in the upper and lower thirds of the oven and preheat to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Shape Cookie Cereal: Using about 1/2 teaspoon of dough per portion, scoop and roll dough balls with your hands. Place them on the parchment-lined baking sheets, spacing them 1 1/2 to 2 inches apart. Gently tap each dough ball with your fingertip to slightly flatten.
- Bake Cookies: Bake the cookies for 8 to 10 minutes, rotating the baking sheets from top to bottom halfway through to ensure even baking. Bake until they are lightly golden around the edges.
- Cool: Let the cookie cereal cool completely on the baking sheets. Repeat the baking process with any remaining dough, using fresh parchment paper as needed.
Notes
- Espresso powder is optional but enhances the chocolate flavor.
- Make sure not to overmix the dough to keep the cookies tender.
- Use mini chocolate chips to ensure the right size for cookie cereal.
- Store the cooled cookie cereal in an airtight container to maintain crispness.
- If you want your cookie cereal crunchier, bake for an additional 1-2 minutes but watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
