Rickety Uncles: The Easiest 5-Ingredient No-Bake Peanut Butter Cornflake Cookies Recipe for Family Fun
Discover the magic of Rickety Uncles, the ultimate no-bake cookies that transform just 5 simple ingredients into a delectable treat in merely 15 minutes. These aren’t just cookies; they’re a delightful project for kids and a nostalgic indulgence for adults. With their irresistible blend of peanutty toffee and satisfyingly crunchy cornflakes, they might look a little “rickety,” but their fantastic flavor is guaranteed to win hearts!
Embracing the Joy of Simple, Kid-Friendly Baking
Yes, I know what you might be thinking: another no-bake cookie recipe? But trust me, these “Rickety Uncles” are in a league of their own. While I recently shared a beloved haystacks recipe, these offer a distinctly different, equally simple, and undeniably delicious experience. They boast a wonderfully chewy texture complemented by the satisfying crunch of cornflakes, making them utterly irresistible for both children and adults. There’s something truly magical about a treat that requires no oven, minimal effort, and delivers maximum flavor, perfect for those moments when you crave something sweet without the fuss.
You’ll quickly realize you’ve hit a culinary jackpot when these delightful treats are consistently the first to disappear at any potluck, family gathering, or community event. Their enduring popularity within our household is a testament to their timeless appeal. “Rickety Uncles” have been a staple for us since our children were small. My son, Andreas, particularly loved whipping up a batch when he was in junior high. He’d come home from school, famished after his bus ride, and these quick, satisfying cookies were his go-to snack. I often had to intervene to prevent him from devouring the entire tray in one sitting – a clear sign of just how good they are!
A Recipe Steeped in Tradition: From a Cherished Cookbook
The original recipe for these charmingly named cookies hails from an old paperback, a “Canadian Kinette Cookery” book. My mother-in-law gifted it to me shortly after my husband and I were married, and it quickly became a treasured possession. These community cookbooks are often goldmines, filled with tried-and-tested family favorites contributed by local women, ensuring every recipe is a proven winner. Although the book lacks a publication date, I suspect it originates from the 1980s, giving these “Rickety Uncles” a wonderful sense of history and nostalgia. My only modifications to the original recipe have been to slightly increase the cooking time and the quantity of cornflakes. This adjustment helps to balance the sweetness, aiming for a less sugary treat per bite, while still retaining its delightful indulgence. However, let’s be honest – they are still a sweet delight, and exercising portion control is advisable; you definitely won’t want to eat the whole batch!
Crowd-Pleasing Perfection: Loved by All Ages
These peanut butter cornflake delights truly are the perfect treat for any occasion. I recently brought a generous tray of these no-bake wonders to our family reunion, and they vanished almost instantly, eliciting a chorus of “mmm”s and “yum”s between bites. It was a fantastic weekend spent reconnecting with Raymond’s side of the family, full of laughter and shared moments. From swatting persistent mosquitoes to ingeniously crafting two-umbrella rain-deflecting contraptions around the campfire during a downpour (which somehow only added to the fun!), there was plenty to celebrate. And, thankfully, enough sunny spells for enjoyable boat rides on the lake. Amidst all the family revelry, these cookies were a comforting and popular presence.
I also served them at a neighborhood barbecue we hosted in June. I’ll never forget one particular moment: a child darted past, a “Rickety Uncle” clutched tightly in each fist, mouth full, exclaiming with unbridled enthusiasm, “These are awesome!” That moment perfectly encapsulated their universal appeal. They are, without a doubt, kid-approved.
My daughter, Meredith, and I have made these cookies together multiple times during our weekly cooking sessions. This experience has shown me just how accessible this recipe is – even a nine-year-old can confidently make them with just a little guidance. It’s a fantastic way to introduce children to the joys of cooking, teaching them basic kitchen skills and the satisfaction of creating something delicious from scratch.
The beauty of these “Rickety Uncles” lies not only in their simplicity and speed but also in their appeal across generations. While kids adore them, adults find them equally irresistible. Their chewy, crunchy, sweet, and nutty profile is truly addictive. In fact, you might find yourself needing to strategically hide a few if you hope to have any left for yourself! They are the perfect sweet escape, a delightful snack, or a quick dessert when you need something satisfying without turning on the oven.
Why You’ll Love Making Rickety Uncles
- Unbelievably Easy: With only 5 ingredients and no baking involved, this recipe is perfect for beginners or those short on time.
- Super Fast: From start to finish, you’re looking at about 20 minutes (including a quick cook time and prep), making them ideal for spontaneous sweet cravings.
- Kid-Friendly Fun: The simple steps make it an excellent cooking project for children, fostering independence and creativity in the kitchen.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Their unique texture and classic peanut butter flavor guarantee they’ll be a hit at any gathering.
- Versatile: Perfect for school lunches, after-school snacks, potlucks, camping trips, or simply a sweet treat at home.
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‘Rickety Uncles’ No Bake Cookies
Margaret Bose Johnson
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Ingredients
- ½ cup (100gms) sugar natural evaporated cane sugar if possible
- 1 cup (312gms) corn syrup or brown rice syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 cup (250gms) smooth peanut butter
- 5 cups (1.2 l) corn flakes gluten-free if necessary
Instructions
- Prepare your workspace by spreading 2 large sheets of wax paper or parchment paper onto the countertop, a table, or directly onto baking sheets. This will be where your cookies cool.
- In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the sugar, corn syrup (or brown rice syrup), and vanilla. Helpful Hint: For an easier process, grease the inside of your measuring cup with a little oil or cooking oil spray before measuring the syrup. This will allow the sticky syrup to slide out effortlessly.
- Using the same greased measuring cup (since it’s already sticky!), measure out the smooth peanut butter and set it aside for later.
- Measure out the 5 cups of cornflakes into a separate small bowl and set aside. Having all your ingredients pre-measured makes the next steps much quicker.
- Place the saucepan containing the sugar, syrup, and vanilla over medium heat on your stovetop. Bring the mixture to a full rolling boil, stirring constantly to prevent scorching. Allow it to boil for exactly 1 minute. Immediately add the measured peanut butter and stir continuously until it is completely melted and smoothly incorporated into the syrup mixture. Remove the saucepan from the heat.
- Carefully add the cornflakes to the saucepan. Using a sturdy silicone spatula, gently fold the cornflakes into the warm syrup mixture until most of the flakes are evenly coated. Work quickly but gently to avoid crushing the flakes too much.
- Working quickly before the mixture hardens, scoop up heaped tablespoons of the cookie mixture. Drop each spoonful onto the prepared wax paper or parchment paper, using a second tablespoon to help scrape the mixture off the first spoon. If any flakes look a bit “scraggly,” gently tuck them in to form a cohesive cookie shape.
- Allow the cookies to harden completely at room temperature until cool and firm. Once hardened, store them in an airtight container with layers separated by wax paper or parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- This recipe yields approximately 28 delicious no-bake cookies, perfect for sharing (or not!).
Notes
Historically, I prepared these cookies using corn syrup, as specified in the original recipe. However, in recent years, I’ve switched to brown rice syrup and found that the final taste and texture are indistinguishable. Feel free to use either, depending on your preference and availability. If you need gluten-free cookies, ensure your cornflakes are certified gluten-free.
Guten Appetit! Enjoy your homemade Rickety Uncles!
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For more engaging and fun cooking projects that you can tackle with your little ones, be sure to explore my entire ‘Cooking With Kids’ series here. It’s packed with ideas to inspire young chefs.
You might also like these other delightful treats:
No Bake Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies (a.k.a. Haystacks)
Easy Homemade Marshmallows (no-thermometer method)
Caramel Popcorn Cake
Chocolate Bark with Cool Toppings