Fruity Cereal Cookie from Milk Bar features a colorful blend of crunchy Fruity Pebbles cereal, buttery cookie dough, and a hint of vanilla, resulting in a sweet, crispy, and chewy treat bursting with nostalgic flavors.
Equipments
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or stand mixer
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Rubber spatula
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
- Cooling rack
- Ice cream scoop or cookie scoop
- Whisk
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
- 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
- 2/3 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt
- 2 1/2 cups Fruity Pebbles cereal
Using unsalted butter ensures you can control the saltiness of your cookie dough, while fresh eggs contribute to the proper texture and moisture. Light brown sugar adds a subtle caramel undertone that balances the sweetness from granulated sugar. Measuring the kosher salt accurately is crucial as it enhances flavor without overpowering the cookie's softness. Adding the Fruity Pebbles cereal last helps maintain its crunchy texture, giving your cookies that signature crisp and chewiness. This copycat version of the Fruity Cereal Cookie from Milk Bar brings the nostalgic burst of colorful cereal and buttery dough right to your kitchen.
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream together butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
- Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract and mix until combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Gently fold Fruity Pebbles cereal into the dough using a rubber spatula.
- Use an ice cream scoop or cookie scoop to portion dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until edges are golden and centers look just set.
- Remove from oven and let cookies cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.
Substitution
The Fruity Cereal Cookie from Milk Bar copycat menu combines a colorful crunch of Fruity Pebbles with a rich, buttery cookie dough base and subtle vanilla notes for a nostalgic treat. If Fruity Pebbles are unavailable, you can substitute with other similarly textured colorful cereals like Trix or Cap'n Crunch's Berries for a comparable flavor and crunch. When mixing the dough, avoid overmixing once the dry ingredients are added to maintain a tender cookie texture. Using parchment paper or silicone baking mats prevents sticking and promotes even baking for perfectly shaped cookies. Your use of an ice cream scoop ensures uniform cookie sizes, which helps them bake consistently throughout.
Tips
Ensure you measure your ingredients precisely, especially the flour and sugars, to maintain the perfect cookie texture. When folding in the Fruity Pebbles cereal, do so gently to avoid crushing the cereal and losing its crunch. Baking the cookies at 350degF (175degC) for the recommended 10-12 minutes allows the edges to crisp up while keeping the centers chewy for that delightful texture contrast. After baking, cooling the cookies on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a rack helps them set properly without breaking apart.
Nutritions
Fruity Cereal Cookies offer a rich source of carbohydrates from all-purpose flour and Fruity Pebbles cereal, providing quick energy release. The inclusion of unsalted butter and sugars contributes significant calories and fats, with sugars mainly from granulated and brown sugar adding sweetness but minimal nutrients. Eggs provide essential protein and fats, while vanilla and baking ingredients add flavor without nutritional value. Your enjoyment should be balanced with awareness of the cookie's high sugar and fat content for moderation.
Storage
Store Fruity Cereal Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their crispy and chewy texture for up to one week. You can also freeze the cookies by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transferring them to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature or warm gently in the oven to revive their fresh-baked flavor and crunch.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute Fruity Pebbles cereal with a mix of your favorite colorful cereals like Trix or Cap'n Crunch to add a different fruity crunch while maintaining the nostalgic appeal. For a richer flavor, try replacing half the unsalted butter with browned butter before creaming to introduce nutty notes. Incorporating a tablespoon of cornstarch into the dry ingredients can enhance cookie softness and tenderness. To boost vanilla aroma, increase the vanilla extract to 1 teaspoon or add a teaspoon of vanilla bean paste during the wet ingredient step.
Allergies
The Fruity Cereal Cookie contains common allergens such as eggs, butter (dairy), and wheat flour, which may cause reactions in individuals with egg, dairy, or gluten allergies. The inclusion of Fruity Pebbles cereal introduces potential cross-contamination with other allergens, including soy and artificial colorings that some people may be sensitive to. If you have any food allergies, carefully review the ingredients to ensure the treat is safe for your consumption.
Why this recipe?
Milk Bar's Fruity Cereal Cookie captivates with its unique blend of nostalgic fruity cereal flavors and a soft, chewy texture that sets it apart from traditional cookies. The cookie incorporates real cereal pieces and a creamy milk-flavored base, delivering an authentic taste experience that resonates with fans of childhood breakfasts. You'll find making a copycat recipe rewarding because it allows you to recreate this distinctive flavor profile at home while customizing sweetness and crunch to your preference. Baking this cookie provides both a fun kitchen challenge and a delicious treat that mirrors a beloved Milk Bar classic.