Ciao bella. Are you ready to sprinkle some whimsy into your baking routine? Today we’re whipping up a childhood favorite with a grown-up twist – Lucky Charms cookies.
These playfully bright and chewy cookies are loaded with crunchy, marshmallowy Lucky Charms cereal bits. With their bursts of fruity flavors and vibrant colors, they’re sure to delight kids and kids-at-heart alike.
But don’t be fooled by their fun appearance – these dreamy treats also boast rich buttery notes and a sprinkle of sea salt for deliciously complex flavor. Simple yet simply irresistible.
Let’s get baking.
Why You Will Love This Lucky Charms Cookies Recipe
Where do I start? These lucky little cookies effortlessly blend nostalgia and playfulness with sophisticated flavor. They’re the ULTIMATE TREAT for satisfying your inner child and grown-up cravings all at once.
For starters, their soft, chewy centers loaded with gooey marshmallow bits will transport you straight back to childhood bliss.
Those bursts of fruity cereal flavor are absolute magic.
But there’s also a deliciously grown-up side to these whimsical bakes. The dough itself is rich in brown butter making it super delicious 😋.
A touch of sea salt enhances all those sweet-salty notes we crave.
And can we talk about how vibrant and colorful each batch turns out? Those rainbow pops of marshmallow make for the most festive, showstopping cookies that’ll brighten any dessert spread.
Essentially, these Lucky Charms cookies allow you to indulge your inner kid while also delighting your refined palate.
Now that’s the luckiest combo.
Ingredients Needed to make Lucky Charms Cookies
For luck and charms galore, you’ll need:
- 1 cup butter 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda 1⁄2 tsp salt
- 1 cup brown sugar 1⁄2 cup white sugar
- 2 eggs 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups Lucky Charms cereal Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling
Alternative Ingredients
| Ingredient | Alternative |
| Butter | Vegan Butter or Coconut Oil |
| All-Purpose Flour | Gluten-Free Flour Blend |
| Brown Sugar | Coconut Sugar |
| White Sugar | Maple Sugar or Honey |
| Eggs | Aquafaba or Commercial Egg Replacer |
| Lucky Charms Cereal | Other Marshmallow Cereal Like Fruity Pebbles |
Step-By-Step Instructions on How to Make this recipe
Here’s a sneak peek into bringing these whimsical charms to life:
First, we’ll brown the butter to develop those rich, nutty flavor notes that take these cookies to the next level.
Then it’s onto creaming the sugars and whipping in those eggs one by one for a lush dough base.
Next, we’ll fold in the dry ingredients and those prized Lucky Charms bits, being careful not to overmix.
From there, we’ll scoop out dough balls, sprinkle with sea salt flakes, and bake until just set in the centers.
As the cookies cool, their middles stay blissfully soft and chewy, loaded with melty marshmallow pockets. Simply magical.
Expert Tips
- For clean browning, cook the butter over medium heat and watch closely.
- Let the browned butter cool slightly so it doesn’t scramble the eggs.
- For best texture, use room temperature eggs and be careful not to overmix.
- Bake on the lower end of the temp range for pillowy, evenly-baked centers.
- Sprinkle on coarse or flaky sea salt right after baking while the cookies are still warm.
Utensils/What You Need To Make Lucky Charms Cookies
These are the tools you’ll need to bring the luck:
- A saucepan or skillet for browning butter
- A large bowl for mixing dough
- A hand or stand mixer
- A rubber spatula
- A cookie scoop or spoon
- 2 baking sheets lined with parchment
- Wire cooling racks
Frequently Asked Questions About Lucky Charms Cookies
Can I use a different cereal besides Lucky Charms?
Yes, you can. While the OG Lucky Charms lend that signature “magically delicious” touch, you could definitely get creative with other marshmallow-filled cereals. Fruity Pebbles, Trix, or even Golden Grahams or Reese’s Puffs would work beautifully folded into the dough.
Do the marshmallows get hard once baked?
Not at all – that’s the beauty of these fun cookies. The marshmallow bites from the cereal stay gorgeously soft and gooey even once baked. They create delicious little molten pockets of sweetness in every bite.
How can I make these cookies even more colorful?
For an extra vibrant, rainbow effect, try setting aside some of the marshmallow cereal bits before mixing and folding them in by hand once the dough is formed. This ensures you’ll get those big pops of color peeking through. Or sprinkle the baked cookies with rainbow sprinkles.
What’s the best way to store these Lucky Charms cookies?
These whimsical treats will stay fresh for 3-4 days stored in an airtight container at room temperature. You can also freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months – just allow them to thaw on the counter before diving in. The centers will stay perfectly soft and gooey.
Is it okay if I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
While I typically recommend unsalted butter for baking, using salted is perfectly fine for these fun cookies. The added salt will simply enhance all those sweet-salty flavors. Just be sure to omit the additional salt listed in the ingredients if using salted butter.
Can I make this cookie dough in advance?
Yes, you can. The dough can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and stored covered in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Simply allow it to sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes before scooping so it’s malleable. Chilled dough may require slightly longer bake times.
What else can I add to these cookies?
This whimsical cookie dough is the perfect blank canvas for fun mix-ins. Try folding in chopped candy bars, crushed pretzels, sprinkles, or even crushed graham crackers or Oreos along with the cereal for extra pops of flavor and texture. Get creative and make them your own.
Should I use light or dark brown sugar?
Either works fabulously. Light brown sugar will lend a more delicate molasses note, while dark brown contributes richer caramel undertones. I’m partial to using half of each for the ultimate depth, but use what you have on hand or cater to your taste preference.
