If you love a sweet treat that brings together melty white chocolate, creamy peanut butter, crunchy cereal, and gooey marshmallows, then you are going to be head over heels for this No Bake Avalanche Cookies Recipe. It’s the perfect no-fuss dessert that combines fun textures and irresistible flavors without ever turning on your stove. Whether you’re whipping up a batch with the kiddos or need a quick cookie fix after dinner, these cookies come together in minutes and bring a delightful avalanche of yum to your tastebuds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are incredibly simple but absolutely essential for creating that perfect balance of creamy, crispy, and chocolatey goodness. Each one plays its part in building the cozy texture and sweet flavor that make these cookies so irresistible.
- 16-ounce white chocolate bark: Melts smoothly to bind everything together with a luscious sweetness and creamy texture.
- 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter: Adds a rich, nutty depth that complements the lightness of the marshmallows and white chocolate.
- 2 cups Rice Krispies cereal: Provides that signature crunchy and airy bite to contrast the softer ingredients perfectly.
- 1 1/2 cups miniature marshmallows: Give a soft, chewy texture and a pillowy sweetness that makes each bite feel extra special.
- 1 cup miniature chocolate chips (divided): Adds bursts of intense chocolate flavor and an appealing visual pop on top of the cookies.
How to Make No Bake Avalanche Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace
Start by lining a large cookie sheet with parchment paper or wax paper. This step is a game-changer because it keeps your cookies from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze, setting you up for smooth sailing the entire time.
Step 2: Melt the White Chocolate
Following the package instructions, gently melt the white chocolate bark. This creamy base is what holds your snowball of flavors together, so make sure to melt it slowly for a silky, lump-free texture that will coat every bit of your mix.
Step 3: Combine Chocolate and Peanut Butter
In a large mixing bowl, stir together the warm, melted white chocolate and creamy peanut butter until you get a smooth, velvety mixture. This duo is the heart and soul of the recipe, blending sweet and savory notes into one harmonious base.
Step 4: Add the Crunch and Chew
Fold in the Rice Krispies cereal, miniature marshmallows, and half of the mini chocolate chips. Mixing these in evenly is key to giving your cookies that avalanche effect – a delightful blend of textures in every bite.
Step 5: Form the Cookies
Using heaping tablespoons, drop portions of the mixture onto your prepared cookie sheet. Don’t worry about making them perfect; the rustic shapes add to their charm! Then sprinkle the remaining chocolate chips on top for an extra touch of chocolatey goodness and visual appeal.
Step 6: Chill Until Set
Place the tray in the refrigerator and allow the cookies to chill until firm, about 30 minutes to an hour. This cooling step lets everything set up nicely so you can enjoy cookies that hold their shape but melt in your mouth.
How to Serve No Bake Avalanche Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
While these cookies are delicious as-is, you can sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top before chilling for a subtle salty-sweet twist that elevates the flavor beautifully. A light dusting of powdered sugar can also lend a snowy effect that matches the “avalanche” theme perfectly.
Side Dishes
Serve these cookies alongside a cold glass of milk, your favorite hot cup of coffee, or even a frothy cappuccino. The creamy beverages balance the sweetness and create a comforting snack experience that’s perfect for any time of day.
Creative Ways to Present
Get playful by arranging the cookies around a festive platter decorated with mini marshmallows, chocolate shavings, and holiday sprinkles if you want to keep things seasonal. They also make delightful individual treats when wrapped in clear cellophane tied with a colorful ribbon—ideal for gifting or party favors.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover No Bake Avalanche Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator for up to one week. Keeping them sealed ensures the marshmallows stay soft and the cookies retain their crunchy-chewy magic.
Freezing
You can freeze these cookies to extend their life. Simply place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer them to a freezer bag or container. They keep well for up to three months and thaw quickly at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy.
Reheating
Since these cookies don’t require baking, reheating isn’t really necessary. However, if you prefer a meltier texture, pop them in the microwave for about 10 seconds to soften the chocolate and peanut butter just slightly—deliciously gooey and warm.
FAQs
Can I substitute the white chocolate bark?
Absolutely! If you prefer, you can use white chocolate chips or candy melts instead. Just be sure to melt them carefully to avoid burning and maintain that smooth, creamy consistency.
What if I’m allergic to peanuts?
You can swap out the peanut butter for almond butter, sunflower seed butter, or even a nut-free spread like tahini. The texture might shift a bit, but the cookie will still turn out wonderfully tasty.
Can I add other mix-ins?
Totally! Feel free to mix in nuts, dried fruit, or even crushed pretzels to add your own twist. Just be mindful of how extra ingredients might affect the binding and texture.
Do these cookies have to be refrigerated?
Chilling helps set the cookies quickly and keeps them firm, but you can store them at room temperature for short periods. Just remember that warm environments may soften the chocolate and peanut butter too much.
How long do these cookies last?
When kept stored properly in an airtight container, these No Bake Avalanche Cookies last about a week. For longer storage, freezing is your best bet.
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to try this No Bake Avalanche Cookies Recipe because it’s a true crowd-pleaser that combines simplicity with incredible flavor and texture. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just diving into the world of no-bake treats, these cookies are a joy to make and even more fun to eat. Prepare to have a new favorite recipe in your dessert arsenal—you’re going to love every single bite!
Print
No Bake Avalanche Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
These No Bake Avalanche Cookies are a delightful treat combining creamy white chocolate, rich peanut butter, crispy Rice Krispies, gooey miniature marshmallows, and chocolate chips. Perfect for a quick and easy dessert that requires no oven time, these cookies are chilled until set for a satisfying crunchy and chewy texture.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 16 ounces white chocolate bark
- 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter
Mix-ins
- 2 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- 1 1/2 cups miniature marshmallows
- 1 cup miniature chocolate chips (divided)
Instructions
- Prepare the sheet: Line a large cookie sheet with parchment paper or wax paper and set it aside to keep your cookies from sticking.
- Melt white chocolate: Melt the white chocolate bark following the package directions, ensuring it is smooth and free of lumps for easy mixing.
- Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, stir melted white chocolate together with the creamy peanut butter until fully combined and smooth. Then, add Rice Krispies cereal, miniature marshmallows, and half of the miniature chocolate chips, stirring well to evenly distribute all ingredients.
- Form cookies: Using heaping tablespoons, drop the mixture onto the prepared cookie sheet in individual mounds. Sprinkle the remaining chocolate chips evenly over the tops of each cookie mound for added flavor and decoration.
- Chill: Place the cookie sheet in the refrigerator and chill the cookies until they are fully set and firm to the touch, typically about 1 hour.
Notes
- For quicker setting, you can freeze the cookies for about 20 minutes instead of refrigerating.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container in the fridge to keep them fresh and maintain their texture.
- You can substitute peanut butter with almond or cashew butter if desired.
- Miniature marshmallows can be replaced with regular marshmallows chopped into smaller pieces if needed.
