Fruity Pebbles Cookies

Featured in Sweet treats for any occasion.

Fruity Pebbles Cookies transform the beloved childhood cereal into a delightful treat that appeals to both kids and adults. These cookies feature a rich, buttery base that's studded with colorful Fruity Pebbles cereal pieces throughout the dough. What makes these cookies special is the double dose of cereal - not only is it folded into the dough, but each cookie ball is also rolled in additional cereal before baking, creating a colorful, crunchy exterior that contrasts beautifully with the soft interior. The baking process perfectly melds the flavors, allowing the fruity notes from the cereal to infuse the buttery cookie base while maintaining just enough crunch from the cereal pieces. These cookies are quick to make and offer a nostalgic twist on traditional sugar cookies, making them perfect for after-school treats, lunch boxes, or anytime you want to add a pop of color and fun to your cookie jar.
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Updated on Sun, 16 Mar 2025 01:17:23 GMT
A tray of cookies with different colored sprinkles. pin it
A tray of cookies with different colored sprinkles. | myhomemaderecipe.com

Fruity Pebbles cookies transform the beloved breakfast cereal into an irresistible treat that bridges childhood nostalgia with sophisticated cookie craftsmanship. These vibrant cookies feature a buttery sugar cookie base studded with colorful cereal pieces throughout the dough and generously coated around the exterior for maximum visual impact and textural contrast. Each bite delivers the perfect balance of tender cookie and crispy cereal, creating an experience that's simultaneously familiar and surprising.

I first developed these cookies for my nephew's rainbow-themed birthday party when I wanted something more interesting than standard sugar cookies with sprinkles. The moment guests spotted these vibrant treats on the dessert table, they immediately gravitated toward them, many exclaiming about childhood memories of Saturday morning cartoons and cereal. What began as a simple party dessert has become one of my most requested recipes, with friends regularly texting me photos of their own versions. The combination of nostalgia, visual appeal, and unexpected texture makes these cookies universally appealing across generations.

Essential Ingredients

  • Unsalted butter: Provides a rich, tender texture.
  • Granulated sugar: Contributes sweetness and crisp edges.
  • Large eggs: Provides structure and moisture.
  • Pure vanilla extract: Adds depth and warmth.
  • All-purpose flour: Ensures the right balance between tenderness and shape retention.
  • Baking soda: Creates lightness and lift.
  • Fruity Pebbles cereal: Adds fruity flavor, color, and textural contrast.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat Oven:
Set to 325°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Cream Butter and Sugar:
Beat butter and sugar for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy.
Add Eggs and Vanilla:
Mix in eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla.
Incorporate Dry Ingredients:
Add baking soda, then gradually mix in flour just until combined.
Fold in Cereal:
Gently fold in 1 cup Fruity Pebbles to avoid crushing the pieces.
Prepare Coating:
Place remaining 1 cup Fruity Pebbles in a bowl for rolling.
Shape Cookie Dough:
Portion dough into balls using a cookie scoop (about 2 tablespoons each).
Coat with Cereal:
Roll each dough ball in Fruity Pebbles, pressing gently to adhere.
Arrange on Baking Sheets:
Space cookies 2 inches apart and slightly flatten before baking.
Bake:
Bake for 13-15 minutes until edges are set and golden.
Cool:
Let cookies rest on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
A plate of colorful cookies. pin it
A plate of colorful cookies. | myhomemaderecipe.com

Serving Suggestions

Pair these cookies with chocolate milk shooters for a nostalgic twist.

Make ice cream sandwiches by adding vanilla ice cream between two cookies.

Feature these in a cereal-themed dessert spread alongside other childhood favorites.

Creative Variations

Create a chocolate version by using Cocoa Pebbles and adding cocoa powder.

Make a holiday variation by using peppermint extract and red & green cereals.

For a birthday cake twist, add rainbow sprinkles and almond extract.

Storage and Freezing

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Freeze unbaked dough balls for up to 3 months; roll in cereal before baking.

To refresh hardened cookies, store with a slice of bread overnight.

Cookies on a plate. pin it
Cookies on a plate. | myhomemaderecipe.com

These Fruity Pebbles cookies have become my signature contribution to gatherings, particularly those celebrating milestones or childhood nostalgia. The simple sugar cookie base allows the cereal to truly shine both visually and in flavor, while the straightforward technique makes them accessible even to novice bakers. What I love most about this recipe is how it transforms an everyday breakfast cereal into something unexpectedly sophisticated without losing its playful essence. The contrast between the tender cookie and crunchy cereal creates a textural experience that surprises and delights with each colorful bite.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use other cereals instead of Fruity Pebbles?
Absolutely! This recipe works well with other colorful cereals like Trix, Cap'n Crunch, or Froot Loops. Just be sure to slightly crush larger cereals before mixing them into the dough.
→ Why do my Fruity Pebbles seem to lose their color when baked?
Some color fading is normal during baking. For the most vibrant cookies, reserve the brightest cereal pieces for rolling the outside of the cookies just before baking.
→ Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes, you can freeze the dough balls before rolling them in cereal. When ready to bake, thaw slightly, roll in cereal, and add 1-2 minutes to the baking time.
→ How should I store these cookies?
Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. The cereal will gradually soften over time, but the cookies will still taste delicious.
→ Can I add white chocolate chips to these cookies?
White chocolate chips make a wonderful addition to these cookies! Add 1 cup of chips when you fold in the cereal for extra sweetness and creaminess.

Fruity Pebbles Cookies

These Fruity Pebbles Cookies combine a soft butter cookie base with colorful cereal pieces both mixed in the dough and coating the outside for extra crunch and color.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
15 Minutes
Total Time
35 Minutes
By: Zaho

Category: Desserts

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 30 Servings (30 cookies)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ Cookie Dough Ingredients

01 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
02 1 cup (8 oz.) salted butter, at room temperature
03 2 large eggs, at room temperature
04 1 tsp. vanilla extract
05 1/2 tsp. baking soda
06 3 cups (about 13 oz.) all-purpose flour
07 1 cup Fruity Pebbles cereal, for the dough

→ For Coating

08 3/4 cup Fruity Pebbles cereal, for rolling

Instructions

Step 01

First things first, let's get your oven heating up to 325°F with the racks positioned in the upper and lower thirds. While that's warming up, grab three baking sheets and line them with parchment paper. The parchment is key - it keeps those colorful cookies from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze!

Step 02

Now for the fun part! Drop your room temperature butter and sugar into a large bowl and beat them together until they're light and fluffy - about 3 minutes with an electric mixer on medium speed. You want that mixture to look almost like whipped cream. This step is super important because it creates tiny air pockets that make your cookies tender and delicious.

Step 03

Add your eggs one at a time, beating just until each one disappears into the mixture - about 10 seconds per egg. Don't forget to scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula so everything gets mixed evenly! Next, beat in the vanilla and baking soda until they're fully incorporated, which takes about 15 seconds. These flavor boosters make all the difference!

Step 04

Now gently beat in your flour until just combined - about 30 seconds. Be careful not to overmix here! Once you can't see any more dry flour, stop mixing. Overmixing can make your cookies tough, and we want them perfectly soft and chewy. Grab a spatula and fold in 1 cup of those colorful Fruity Pebbles until they're evenly distributed throughout your dough.

Step 05

Using a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop (or a good old-fashioned spoon if that's what you've got), portion your dough into balls - you should end up with about 30 total. Pour your remaining 3/4 cup of Fruity Pebbles into a shallow bowl or onto a plate, and roll each dough ball in the cereal to coat it with those vibrant colors. Arrange them about an inch apart on your prepared baking sheets and gently press down just a bit with your fingertips.

Step 06

Slide two of your cookie sheets into the preheated oven, placing one on the upper rack and one on the lower. Let them bake for 13-15 minutes, but here's a pro tip - halfway through, swap the positions of your baking sheets to ensure even baking. You'll know they're done when the sides are set and the bottoms are a light golden brown. The centers might still look a tiny bit soft, but that's exactly what we want!

Step 07

Once baked, let your cookies hang out on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes - they need this time to firm up a bit. Then transfer them to a wire rack using a spatula. Now bake your third sheet of cookies on the upper rack, following the same timing. Let these cool the same way when they're done. Your kitchen should be smelling absolutely amazing by now!

Step 08

You can dive right in while these cookies are still warm (my favorite way!) or let them cool completely for about 15 minutes. They'll have a perfect balance of crisp edges and chewy centers, with bursts of fruity flavor from those colorful cereal pieces. These beauties will disappear fast, so maybe grab one for yourself before sharing with others!

Notes

  1. These cookies are a nostalgic treat that combines the classic comfort of homemade cookies with the playful flavor and color of Fruity Pebbles cereal.
  2. The cookies will be soft when they first come out of the oven but will firm up as they cool, giving you that perfect chewy texture.
  3. For an extra special touch, try adding a half cup of white chocolate chips to the dough along with the Fruity Pebbles.
  4. These cookies will stay fresh in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days - if they last that long!

Tools You'll Need

  • Electric mixer (stand or hand)
  • 3 large baking sheets
  • Parchment paper
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Spatula
  • 2-tablespoon cookie scoop (optional but helpful)
  • Wire cooling rack

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains gluten (flour and cereal)
  • Contains dairy (butter)
  • Contains eggs
  • May contain artificial colors and flavors (from cereal)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 165
  • Total Fat: 7 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 25 g
  • Protein: 2 g