Payday Cookies
Payday Cookies are rich, chewy treats combining the sweetness of marshmallows and peanut butter chips with the crunch of Rice Krispies. Perfect for snack time or dessert, they appeal to peanut butter lovers and those craving a decadent, no-bake style cookie bar that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine cake mix, egg, and 1/3 cup butter or margarine in a bowl.
- Press the mixture into a greased 9 x 13-inch pan.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12 to 18 minutes.
- Spread miniature marshmallows over the hot crust while still warm.
- In a double boiler, place corn syrup, peanut butter chips, and 1/4 cup butter or margarine.
- Cook until smooth, stirring constantly.
- Add Rice Krispies and peanuts, then immediately spread over marshmallows using the back of a spoon.
- Allow to cool, then cut into squares.
Tips & Substitutions
For a chewier texture, consider using slightly less corn syrup or adding a handful of crushed nuts. You can substitute the yellow cake mix with a gluten-free blend for a gluten-free version. If you're short on time, pre-made cookie dough can be used instead of the cake mix base. To add a twist, try incorporating crushed pretzels for extra crunch!
Serving Suggestions
These Payday Cookies are perfect as a sweet treat for parties or as an after-school snack. They pair beautifully with a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of tea. For an indulgent dessert, serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream. You can also explore other American recipes to complement this delightful treat.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Payday Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them fresh longer, you can refrigerate them, although this may alter the texture slightly. To reheat, place a square in the microwave for 10-15 seconds until warm and gooey.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Payday Cookies contains roughly 451 calories, with 9g protein, 35g carbohydrates, and 31g fat. It is a good source of protein (18% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (10% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 3g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of cake mix?
Yes, you can experiment with different flavors of cake mix, such as chocolate or spice, to create unique variations of the cookies. Each type will give a different flavor profile, so have fun mixing it up! Just ensure that the cake mix is a similar consistency to the yellow cake mix.
How do I prevent the marshmallows from burning?
To prevent the marshmallows from burning, it's crucial to spread them over the crust while it's still hot but not overbaked. If you notice they're browning too quickly, cover them loosely with aluminum foil. This will keep them soft and gooey without allowing them to scorch.
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the base and let it cool, then add the marshmallows and topping later. Alternatively, you can make the entire batch in advance, cut them into squares, and store them. Just remember to keep them in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).