Honey Bunches of Oats Sugar Cookie Recipe

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Honey Bunches of Oats Sugar Cookie is a special limited-edition cereal flavor produced by Post Consumer Brands. As part of the popular Honey Bunches of Oats cereal line, this variant incorporates the familiar crunchy granola clusters and flakes found in the original, but with a festive sugar cookie-inspired flavor.

How to make Honey Bunches of Oats Sugar Cookie

Honey Bunches of Oats Sugar Cookie is a limited-edition holiday cereal from Post Consumer Brands. It combines sugar cookie-flavored flakes, crunchy oat granola clusters, and festive red and green sprinkles to create a sweet, dessert-like breakfast inspired by classic sugar cookies.

Ingredients:

• Corn flakes (2 cups): For the flakey cereal base.
• Granola clusters (1 cup): Mimic the crunchy clusters in Honey Bunches of Oats.
• Crushed sugar cookies (½ cup): To incorporate the classic sugar cookie taste.
• Vanilla extract (1-2 teaspoons): Gives a warm, sweet flavor.
• Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Optional, to enhance holiday flavors.
• Brown sugar (2 tablespoons): Adds sweetness.
• Powdered sugar (¼ cup).
• Milk or heavy cream (1 tablespoon): To create a sweet drizzle.
• Sprinkles (¼ cup): Festive sprinkles for appearance and a touch of sugary fun.
• White chocolate chips (¼ cup): Optional, adds creaminess.

Instructions:

1. Prepare granola clusters: Mix 1 cup of oats with a teaspoon of vanilla extract, a pinch of cinnamon, and a tablespoon of honey or brown sugar. Spread the mixture onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake at 300°F (150°C) for 12-15 minutes or until lightly browned. Let cool to form clusters.
2. Combine base ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the corn flakes, baked granola clusters, and crushed sugar cookies. Ensure the sugar cookies are finely crumbled for even distribution.
3. Optional sweet glaze: Whisk powdered sugar and milk together to create a light glaze. Drizzle lightly over the cereal mixture for added sweetness. Be careful not to overcoat, as the cereal should remain crunchy.
4. Add toppings: Sprinkle sprinkles and optionally toss in white chocolate chips for a visually appealing and flavorful touch.
5. Mix thoroughly: Stir everything together to ensure even distribution of flavors and toppings.
6. Store or serve: Serve immediately with milk or as a dry snack. Alternatively, store in an airtight container for up to a week.

Tips:

• Customizable Cookies: For a stronger sugar cookie flavor, use soft-baked sugar cookies or add a bit of almond extract to the cereal mixture.
• Healthier Options: Substitute brown sugar and honey with natural sweeteners like maple syrup or agave for a less processed version.
• Add Texture: Enhance crunchiness by toasting the corn flakes lightly in the oven for 5 minutes before mixing them with other components.
• Experiment with Flavors: Add nutmeg or ginger for a spiced holiday twist, or even cocoa powder if you want a chocolatey sugar cookie flavor.

What to serve with

Honey Bunches of Oats Sugar Cookie is sweet, festive, and versatile — making it not just a cereal, but also a fun addition to various dishes or snacks.

1. Serve it with Milk or Milk Alternatives

Classic cereals like Honey Bunches of Oats Sugar Cookie pair perfectly with milk. The creamy liquid balances out the crunchy texture and amplifies the sugar cookie flavor. You can get creative by serving it with various types of milk:

• Whole milk: For a rich and creamy flavor.
• Almond milk: Adds a nutty undertone that complements the sugar cookie taste.
• Oat milk: Creamy and slightly sweet, a great option for pairing with this cereal.
• Cashew milk: Its naturally sweet and buttery taste enhances the cookie flavors.
• Soy milk: A neutral, protein-rich option.

2. Use it as a Yogurt Topping

Add crunch and flavor by sprinkling Honey Bunches of Oats Sugar Cookie over a bowl of yogurt. Pair it with the following:

• Greek yogurt: Thick and tangy, it balances out the sweetness of the cereal.
• Vanilla or honey-flavored yogurt: Complements the sugar cookie taste perfectly.
• Coconut yogurt: For a dairy-free option, its mild sweetness works well with the cereal.
• Fruit layers: Add fresh strawberries, bananas, or blueberries to build flavorful layers alongside the yogurt and cereal.

Ingredients Substitutes

If you’re recreating Honey Bunches of Oats Sugar Cookie cereal at home and need ingredient substitutes to suit dietary needs or preferences, there are plenty of options.

1. Corn Flakes Substitute

The cornflakes serve as the base of the cereal for flakiness. If you need a substitute, consider:

• Rice Krispies: Provides a similar light crunch but with a puffed texture rather than flakes.
• Unsweetened puffed rice cereal: A healthier option with similar texture and less sugar.
• Bran flakes: Adds a heartier, slightly nutty flavor for a healthier twist.
• Crushed graham crackers: If you’re aiming for a sweeter base, graham crackers can work and complement the sugar cookie vibe.

2. Granola Clusters Substitute

Granola clusters replicate the crunch found in Honey Bunches of Oats. Alternatives include:

• Homemade granola: Make granola by mixing oats with honey, vanilla, and a pinch of cinnamon, then bake until crunchy.
• Nut clusters: Combine crushed nuts like almonds or pecans with a sweet binder like maple syrup and bake for crunch.
• Quinoa puffs: A gluten-free alternative that adds crunch and texture to the cereal.

3. Sugar Cookie Substitute

Sugar cookies contribute to the rich, buttery flavor in the cereal. If you want alternatives:

• Shortbread cookies: Offers a similarly buttery and sweet flavor.
• Vanilla wafers: Thin and crumbly, an easy substitute for sugar cookies.
• Oat cookies: Lighter and healthier, they still add sweetness when crushed.
• Coconut macaroons: For a tropical twist that mimics the chewy texture of sugar-based cookies.

4. Vanilla Extract Substitute

Vanilla extract is key to achieving the sugar cookie flavor. If you don’t have vanilla extract:

• Almond extract: For a more unique, nutty sugar-cookie-like flavor.
• Maple syrup: Adds sweetness and a distinct flavor similar to vanilla.
• Honey: Works as a good substitute in granola or to enhance overall sweetness.
• Coconut extract: For subtle tropical undertones that blend well with sugary cereal flavors.

5. Sweetener Substitute

Brown sugar is used in the recipe for sweetness. Here are alternatives:

Coconut sugar: A natural substitute with a similar caramel flavor to brown sugar.

• Maple syrup: Easier to blend into dry ingredients and enhances the overall sweetness.
• Agave nectar: A low glycemic-index natural sweetener ideal for honey or sugar substitutes.
• Date syrup: A rich, natural alternative that provides both sweetness and nutrients.
• Stevia or monk fruit sweetener: For a low-calorie, sugar-free option.

6. Powdered Sugar Substitute

Powdered sugar is often used to create a light, sweet glaze for the cereal. You can substitute:

• Granulated sugar: Blend granulated sugar in a food processor until it becomes a fine powder.
• Coconut sugar: Process coconut sugar for a healthier powdered substitute.
• Confectioner’s erythritol: A sugar-free substitute, ideal for low-carb diets.

7. Milk or Heavy Cream Substitute (for Glaze)

Heavy cream or milk is used in the glaze or for serving the cereal. Consider these alternatives:

• Almond milk
• Oat milk
• Coconut milk
• Soy milk
• Cashew cream: A rich substitute for heavy cream, made by blending soaked cashews with water.
• Greek yogurt: Can be diluted to mimic cream consistency for a tangy, healthier option.

8. Sprinkles Substitute

Sprinkles add color and festivity to the cereal. Substitutes include:

• Coconut flakes: Shredded unsweetened or sweetened coconut can add visual appeal and flavor.
• Chopped nuts: Pistachios, almonds, or pecans provide crunch and a festive appearance.
• Chocolate chips: Use mini white or dark chocolate chips to keep it colorful and sweet.
• Dried fruits: Cranberries, raisins, or dried apricots can be chopped to add color and sweetness.

9. White Chocolate Chips Substitute

If you don’t have white chocolate chips or want a substitute, consider:

• Milk chocolate or dark chocolate chips: For a richer, more traditional chocolate taste.
• Caramel chips: Adds buttery sweetness that enhances the sugar cookie profile.
• Yogurt-covered raisins or pretzels: A sweet and crunchy alternative.

Final Thoughts

Honey Bunches of Oats Sugar Cookie cereal lends itself to dozens of serving options that are perfect for breakfast, snacks, or desserts.

More Sugar Cookie Recipes:

• Copycat Trader Joe’s Sugar Cookies Recipe