Introduction & Inspiration
This recipe was born from a desire to capture the fun and whimsy of Lucky Charms cereal in a delicious cookie.
I’ve always loved the colorful marshmallows in Lucky Charms, and I thought they would be a perfect addition to a soft, chewy sugar cookie.
It’s a recipe that’s perfect for kids’ parties, bake sales, or simply a fun treat to brighten your day. It brings joy.
The inspiration is clearly the cereal itself, transforming a breakfast favorite into a delightful cookie experience.
Nostalgic Appeal
These cookies tap into the childhood nostalgia of enjoying a bowl of Lucky Charms. They’re a playful and delicious treat.
There’s something so comforting about the familiar flavors of sugar cookies and marshmallows. It’s a taste of simpler times.
These cookies are sure to be a hit with anyone who loves Lucky Charms or simply enjoys a fun and colorful cookie.
They’re a perfect way to bring a little bit of magic to your day. They make you feel like a kid again.
Homemade Focus
I’m a passionate advocate for homemade baking. There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of creating something delicious from scratch.
This recipe is all about embracing that homemade goodness. It’s relatively simple to make, and the results are so rewarding.
Baking your own cookies allows you to control the ingredients and to ensure that you’re using high-quality components.
Plus, it’s a fun and creative activity that you can share with your family and friends. Baking is a great way to spend time.
Flavor Goal
The primary flavor goal here is to create a soft, chewy sugar cookie with a burst of marshmallow flavor in every bite.
The cookie itself should be buttery and sweet, with a hint of vanilla. It is a classic taste.
The Lucky Charms marshmallows add a fun, chewy texture and their signature sweet flavor. They are iconic.
We’re aiming for a cookie that’s both comforting and exciting, a treat that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredient Insights
Let’s take a closer look at each ingredient. First, we have the unsalted butter, softened to room temperature.
Softened butter is crucial for creating a light and fluffy texture when creamed with the sugar. Room temperature is key.
I recommend using unsalted butter, as this allows you to control the amount of salt in the recipe.
The granulated sugar provides sweetness and contributes to the cookie’s texture. It helps create a soft and chewy cookie.
The egg, at room temperature, adds richness, moisture, and structure to the cookies. Room temperature helps it emulsify.
The vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor profile, adding a warm, aromatic note that complements the other ingredients.
Pure vanilla extract is always the best choice. It provides the most authentic and nuanced flavor. Don’t use imitation.
The all-purpose flour provides the structure for the cookies. Make sure to measure the flour correctly, using the spoon-and-level method.
The baking soda and baking powder help the cookies to rise and become light and airy. Make sure they are fresh.
The salt balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors. Don’t skip the salt! It’s a crucial ingredient in baking.
And finally, the Lucky Charms marshmallows are the star of the show, adding a fun, colorful, and chewy element to the cookies.
You can separate the marshmallows from a box of Lucky Charms cereal, or you can sometimes find bags of just the marshmallows.
Essential Equipment
This recipe requires some basic baking equipment. You’ll need a baking sheet to bake the cookies.
I recommend lining the baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier. Parchment is a baker’s friend.
You’ll also need a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment (or a hand mixer and a large bowl) to cream the butter and sugar.
Measuring cups and spoons are essential for accurate ingredient proportions. Baking is a precise science.
A cookie scoop (about 2 tablespoon size, or a #40 scoop) is helpful for portioning out the cookie dough evenly.
And finally, a wire rack is necessary for cooling the cookies completely after baking. Proper cooling is very important.
List of Ingredients with Measurements
Here’s a complete list of the ingredients, along with their precise measurements:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar
- 1 egg, at room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 cups Lucky Charms marshmallows, divided

Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s walk through the steps of making these delightful Lucky Charms Cookies:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment (or in a large bowl using a hand mixer), cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
Add the egg and vanilla extract and beat until combined. Make sure everything is well incorporated.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This helps ensure even distribution.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Stir in 1 cup of the Lucky Charms marshmallows. Gently fold them in to avoid crushing them.
Scoop the dough into 2-tablespoon sized balls (using a #40 cookie scoop or your hands) and place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each cookie.
Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges and tops are just set. The centers may still look slightly soft.
Remove the cookies from the oven and immediately press several Lucky Charm marshmallows (from the remaining 1 cup) into the tops of each cookie.
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Troubleshooting
Here are a few common issues you might encounter and how to fix them:
The cookies are too dry: This can happen if you overbake them or if you use too much flour. Make sure to measure the flour accurately and watch the cookies carefully while they bake.
The cookies spread too much: This can happen if the butter is too warm or if you don’t use enough flour. Make sure the butter is softened but not melted, and measure the flour accurately. Chilling the dough for a short period can also help.
The cookies are too flat: This could indicate your baking soda or powder is not fresh.
The marshmallows burned: This can happen if the oven is too hot. Try reducing the oven temperature slightly. Also, be sure to add extra marshmallows after baking.
Tips and Variations
Here are a few tips and variations to help you customize this recipe:
For a chewier cookie: Use more brown sugar and less granulated sugar. Brown sugar adds moisture and chewiness.
For a crispier cookie: Use more granulated sugar and less brown sugar.
For a different flavor: Try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough.
For added texture: Add ½ cup of chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, to the dough.
For a different look: Drizzle the cooled cookies with melted white chocolate or use colored candy melts.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
These Lucky Charms Cookies are delicious on their own, but they also pair well with a variety of beverages and other treats.
I love serving them with a cold glass of milk or a hot cup of coffee or tea. These are all classic pairings.
They’re also great with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Ice cream makes everything better!
For a fun and festive dessert, serve them alongside other colorful treats, such as rainbow sprinkles or fruit skewers.
They also make a wonderful homemade gift. Package them in a decorative tin or box and tie with a ribbon.
Nutritional Information
While these cookies are certainly a treat, it’s helpful to be aware of their nutritional content.
The exact nutritional information will vary depending on the specific ingredients you use. Read the labels.
These cookies contain butter, sugar, and marshmallows, so they are relatively high in calories, fat, and sugar.
However, they also provide a small amount of protein from the egg and a bit of fiber from the flour.
It’s all about balance and enjoying treats in moderation as part of a healthy overall diet. It’s okay to indulge.
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Lucky Charms Cookies
Description
This recipe was born from a desire to capture the fun and whimsy of Lucky Charms cereal in a delicious cookie
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar
- 1 egg, at room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 cups Lucky Charms marshmallows, divided
Instructions
Let’s walk through the steps of making these delightful Lucky Charms Cookies:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment (or in a large bowl using a hand mixer), cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
Add the egg and vanilla extract and beat until combined. Make sure everything is well incorporated.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This helps ensure even distribution.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Stir in 1 cup of the Lucky Charms marshmallows. Gently fold them in to avoid crushing them.
Scoop the dough into 2-tablespoon sized balls (using a #40 cookie scoop or your hands) and place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each cookie.
Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges and tops are just set. The centers may still look slightly soft.
Remove the cookies from the oven and immediately press several Lucky Charm marshmallows (from the remaining 1 cup) into the tops of each cookie.
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days
Recipe Summary and Q&A
Let’s recap the recipe and answer some frequently asked questions:
Recipe Summary: These Lucky Charms Cookies are soft, chewy sugar cookies studded with colorful Lucky Charms marshmallows. They’re a fun and delicious treat for any occasion!
Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time? A: Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days or in the freezer for up to 2 months.
Q: Can I freeze the baked cookies? A: Yes, you can freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months. Make sure to store them in an airtight container or freezer bag.
Q: Can I use different marshmallows? A: Absolutely! Feel free to use any type of marshmallows you like, or even a combination of different colors and flavors.
Q: How do I store the cookies? A: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Q: Can I use salted butter? A: Yes you can. You may want to omit the added salt.