If you’re looking for a fun, utterly delicious treat that comes together in a flash and doesn’t require a single moment in the oven, then this Avalanche Cookies (No Bake) Recipe is your new best friend. These little wonders combine creamy white chocolate and peanut butter with the satisfying crunch of Rice Krispies cereal, mini marshmallows, and chocolate chips to create a spectacular cookie that’s chewy, crunchy, and utterly addictive. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving a quick snack, these no bake cookies hit every note perfectly.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What’s fantastic about this Avalanche Cookies (No Bake) Recipe is how simple, recognizable ingredients come together to create something so special. Each adds its own magic to the texture, flavor, and look, turning this into a treat that feels homemade but looks like a holiday masterpiece.
- White chocolate chips: These melt smoothly and lend a sweet, creamy base to hold everything together.
- Creamy peanut butter: Adds richness and a subtle salty depth that balances the sweetness beautifully.
- Rice Krispies cereal: Provides that signature crispy crunch, making the cookies light and fun.
- Mini marshmallows: Bring chewiness and a fluffy texture contrast.
- Mini chocolate chips: Pepper the cookies with melty pockets of chocolate flavor throughout.
How to Make Avalanche Cookies (No Bake) Recipe
Step 1: Melt the White Chocolate and Combine with Peanut Butter
Start by placing the white chocolate chips in a large microwave-safe bowl. Melt them in 30-second bursts, stirring well between each to prevent burning. Once smooth, stir in the creamy peanut butter until fully blended and silky. This mixture will be the luscious, binding base for your cookies.
Step 2: Add the Rice Krispies Cereal
Gently fold in the Rice Krispies cereal, making sure every crunchy flake gets a nice coating of that sweet, creamy mixture. This step is essential to maintain the delightful crispness that makes these cookies so fun to eat.
Step 3: Cool Slightly, Then Fold in Marshmallows and Chocolate Chips
Let the mixture sit for about five minutes to cool just enough so it’s easier to handle but still pliable. Now, gently fold in the mini marshmallows and mini chocolate chips. This little addition is what truly gives the cookies their “avalanche” effect — bursting with layers of texture and flavor.
Step 4: Shape and Set the Cookies
Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop heaping tablespoons of the mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Press just a little to keep them together, and then let them set at room temperature for about 30 minutes. If you’re in a hurry, pop the tray in the fridge to firm up the cookies faster. They’ll hold their shape beautifully either way.
How to Serve Avalanche Cookies (No Bake) Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top right before serving to heighten the sweet and salty contrast. You might also like to add some colorful festive sprinkles for a party-ready look that’s visually stunning and totally inviting.
Side Dishes
These Avalanche Cookies pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk, creamy hot cocoa, or even a cup of freshly brewed coffee. If serving at a gathering, consider offering them alongside fresh fruit or a light, simple salad to balance out the sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack these cookies on a rustic wooden board for a casual vibe or arrange them in decorative tins to gift to friends and family. Wrapping each cookie individually in parchment paper with a ribbon turns them into delightful favors for any celebration, ensuring everyone enjoys your Avalanche Cookies (No Bake) Recipe in style.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Avalanche Cookies (No Bake) in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They hold their texture nicely and taste just as fresh even after a few days, making them perfect for snack prep or last-minute treats.
Freezing
Yes, you can freeze these cookies! Place them on a tray to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature for 15-20 minutes. They’ll taste as great as the day you made them.
Reheating
Since these are no bake, reheating isn’t really needed or recommended. If you prefer a softer texture, you can let them sit for a few minutes at room temperature so the chocolate softens slightly, but avoid the microwave as it can cause the marshmallows and chocolate to become too melty.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
You absolutely can! Using crunchy peanut butter will add an extra layer of texture to the cookies, making each bite more interesting. Just keep in mind the peanuts might compete with the already crunchy Rice Krispies, so adjust according to your preference.
What if I don’t have white chocolate chips?
If white chocolate chips aren’t on hand, you can substitute with regular milk or semi-sweet chocolate chips for a different but equally delicious flavor profile. Just melt them carefully to avoid scorching.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
Traditional Rice Krispies cereal contains malt flavoring that has gluten, so these cookies aren’t gluten-free unless you use a certified gluten-free puffed rice cereal. Always check labels to be sure.
Can I add other mix-ins like nuts or dried fruit?
Definitely! The Avalanche Cookies (No Bake) Recipe is flexible. Adding chopped nuts, dried cranberries, or even crushed pretzels can bring exciting new textures and flavors to the mix without complicating the process.
How long do these cookies take to set?
At room temperature, expect about 30 minutes for the cookies to firm up nicely. Refrigeration cuts the time roughly in half, making it a great option if you’re eager to dig in!
Final Thoughts
This Avalanche Cookies (No Bake) Recipe isn’t just a snack; it’s a celebration of flavors and textures all brought together with minimal effort and maximum joy. I can’t recommend it enough when you want a sweet treat that’s quick, fuss-free, and utterly crave-worthy. Go ahead, give it a try and share the love — these cookies are destined to become a staple in your kitchen!
Print
Avalanche Cookies (No Bake) Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Avalanche Cookies are a delicious no-bake treat combining creamy white chocolate, peanut butter, crunchy Rice Krispies cereal, mini marshmallows, and chocolate chips. These easy-to-make cookies require no oven time and set quickly, making them perfect for a quick dessert or snack.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 2 cups white chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
Mix-Ins
- 2 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- 1 1/2 cups mini marshmallows
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
Instructions
- Melt White Chocolate: In a large microwave-safe bowl, melt the white chocolate chips in 30-second intervals, stirring between each until smooth and fully melted.
- Add Peanut Butter: Stir in the creamy peanut butter until completely combined with the melted white chocolate, creating a smooth, creamy mixture.
- Incorporate Cereal: Add the Rice Krispies cereal into the white chocolate and peanut butter mixture, gently folding to evenly coat all the cereal pieces without crushing them.
- Cool Mixture: Let the coated mixture cool slightly for about 5 minutes to prevent the marshmallows from melting during the next step.
- Fold in Marshmallows and Chocolate Chips: Carefully fold in the mini marshmallows and mini chocolate chips until they are evenly distributed within the mixture.
- Form Cookies: Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded tablespoons of the mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them evenly.
- Set the Cookies: Allow the cookies to set at room temperature for approximately 30 minutes or place them in the refrigerator for faster firming.
- Store: Once the cookies are firm, transfer them to an airtight container for storage to maintain freshness.
Notes
- For a fun twist, try adding crushed pretzels, chopped peanuts, or festive sprinkles to the mixture.
- These cookies are perfect for summer as they require no oven and come together quickly.
