Cookies with Special K cereal added to the dough along with white chocolate, cranberries and almonds are crispy without being dry. An EASY to make cookie where cereal is not the only SURPRISE ingredient.
I’m always on the search for cookies that are a little different, like these Special K Cookies. I send cookies or bars to my mom and mother-in-law every month and I try to be creative and find something they can’t get at the grocery. I also have to keep in mind that I’ll be shipping them. These are not only great to ship but the flavors are unique and are one of my favorites.
The combination of ingredients come together perfectly in these delightful cookies. I love the richness that white chocolate adds to desserts, like when you coat Chex mix with it or cover pumpkin balls in it. It also make the most decadent dessert when poured over caramel pretzels. So it’s no surprise that it adds richness to these cookies.
What I love most about Special K cookies is the texture. The cereal adds a unique crispiness that you don’t normally get in a cookie. You either have chewy or crunchy, but this cookie is crispy. The cereal helps, along with the addition of oil.
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You might think that they’ll taste like Special K cereal, but that flavor doesn’t come out at all. It just gives them a crispier texture which I love. They have sliced almonds, dried cranberries, oatmeal and white chocolate but what really puts them over the top is the orange extract.
What is orange extract and how long does it last
I don’t know about you but this isn’t a pantry staple for me. I bought it just for these cookies and it’s the only thing I’ve used it for. Orange extract is just vodka and orange peel and would be easy to make. (Maybe I’ll make a batch and add it to a bag of cookies for a hostess gift.)
Most extracts have a shelf life of about a year, unless it’s vanilla, so buy the smallest bottle you can find unless you plan on making lots of cookies! It really transforms these cookies from just a good cookie to a GREAT one. Who would’ve guessed that just a teaspoon of orange extract could make such a difference.
Now that I have a bottle that’s only going to last a year, I think I’ll try these Orange Creamsicle Truffles.
What you’ll need for cookies made with Special K cereal
The ingredient list is long but I bet you have most in your pantry.
- Special K Cereal – the unique texture makes the cookies crispy, you only need a cup.
- Instant oatmeal – don’t use rolled oats.
- Orange extract – make sure it’s not too old, it only lasts about a year.
- White chocolate chips – for a rich flavor.
- Dried Cranberries – a little tart with the sweet.
- Slivered almonds – great taste and a nice crunch.
- Pantry staples – flour, white and brown sugar, vanilla, egg, baking soda, oil and butter.
How do you make Special K cookies
Step 1: Cream butter and sugar together and then add orange extract, vanilla and oil.
Step 2: Combine cereal, oatmeal, flour, baking soda and salt and add to the butter mixture.
Step 3: Stir in the white chocolate chips, cranberries and almonds. Form into balls and place on a baking sheet, flattening them slightly with your hand and bake.
Everyone that tries these just can’t stop talking about how wonderful they are. Not only are they great to ship but they’re perfect to give away at Christmas or for a teacher gift at the end of the year. Maybe you’ve got a cookie swap coming up, these would be perfect.
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Special K Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 tablespoon orange extract
- 1 egg
- 1 cup cannola oil
- 4 cups flour
- 1 tablespoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup Special K cereal crushed
- 1 cup quick cooking oats
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 1 cup slivered almonds
- 1 cup dried cranberries
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350º. Line cookie sheets with parchment paper.
- With an electric mixer, combine butter and sugars and beat until creamy. Add vanilla and orange extract and egg and mix. Add oil and mix until combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda and salt. Stir in the oats and cereal. Add to the batter mixing on low until combined. Stir in white chocolate, almonds and cranberries.
- Using a 2 tablespoon ice cream scoop, form into balls and place on a cookie sheet, slightly flatten with the palm of your hand. Bake for 10-12 minutes.
- Let cool on the pan for about 2 minutes and then transfer to a wire rack.
Video
Barbara’s Tips + Notes
- You do not have to refrigerate the cookie dough before baking.
- This will make 60 cookies using 2 tablespoons of dough or 38 cookies if using a regular ice cream scoop.
- These cookies freeze great and are perfect to ship.
Nutrition
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on Instagram!If you make Special K Cookies, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to also tag me on Instagram! I would love to see your creation.
Denise Westmoreland says
Hello – I’d like to make these but I’m confused about the comments re orange extract, and the inclusion of a picture of orange extract, but orange extract is not listed in the recipe. Only vanilla extract and orange zest.
I don’t want to waste ingredients making the recipe as printed.
Thanks for letting me know.
Denise
Barbara Curry says
I’m sorry for the confusion, It only uses orange extract not orange zest. I have corrected the recipe.
Denise Westmoreland says
Thank you so much Barbara. I’m going to buy the Nelson Massey Orange Blossom Water you pictured rather than their Orange Extract as the internet says there is a significant difference in their flavor impact. If I am wrong just let me know. I’m very excited about this recipe and have enjoyed your others very much. Thank you for sharing!