If you’re looking for a quick, fun treat that doesn’t need an oven, you’re going to love this No Bake Avalanche Cookies Recipe. I absolutely love how these cookies come together with crispy rice cereal and melty white chocolate, making every bite a delightful mix of crunchy and creamy. It’s one of those recipes that works perfectly when you want something sweet and impressive without a lot of hassle.
When I first tried this No Bake Avalanche Cookies Recipe, I was amazed at how easy it was to whip up, especially on busy days or last-minute party prep. You don’t even need to turn on the stove or heat up your kitchen. Plus, these cookies hold up really well, making them a great grab-and-go snack or a kid-friendly dessert that everyone will rave about.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Quick to Make: Ready in just 15 minutes, no baking required.
- Simple Ingredients: You probably already have what you need in your pantry.
- Great for All Ages: Kids love them, and adults can’t resist the creamy crunch.
- Versatile Snack: Perfect for parties, lunchboxes, or a sweet afternoon pick-me-up.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients come together in perfect harmony, giving you that delightfully crispy, sweet texture. Pick a good quality creamy peanut butter and fresh white chocolate to make sure your No Bake Avalanche Cookies Recipe turns out just perfect.
- Crispy Rice Cereal: Provides the essential crunch and light texture.
- Mini Marshmallows: Helps bind everything while adding a soft, chewy contrast.
- Creamy Peanut Butter: Adds richness and a subtle nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with white chocolate.
- White Chocolate: The star coating everything in sweet, smooth goodness.
- Mini Chocolate Chips (optional): A fun sprinkle on top for extra chocolatey bursts.
Variations
I like to keep things simple, but I also enjoy mixing it up depending on the occasion or what I have on hand. Feel free to tweak your No Bake Avalanche Cookies Recipe with your favorite add-ins — that’s what makes it so fun and personal!
- Nut-Free Version: Swap peanut butter for sunflower seed butter; I tried this once for a friend with allergies and loved how it still tasted rich and creamy.
- Chocolate Overload: Add cocoa nibs or sprinkle cocoa powder for an extra chocolatey punch that my chocolate lovers rave about.
- Seasonal Twist: Mix in holiday-themed sprinkles or crushed peppermint for a festive touch.
- Extra Crunch: Toss in some chopped nuts if you want an added texture; I usually add walnuts for that surprise crunch.
How to Make No Bake Avalanche Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Workstation
Start by lining two baking sheets with parchment paper. This little step makes cleanup a breeze and ensures your cookies won’t stick. Trust me, taking a few minutes here saves you a lot of hassle later.
Step 2: Combine Cereal and Marshmallows
In a large bowl, toss your crispy rice cereal together with the mini marshmallows. This combo forms the base of your cookies. I like to gently mix them first to distribute those gooey marshmallows evenly for that perfect chewy bite.
Step 3: Melt White Chocolate and Peanut Butter
Melt the white chocolate and creamy peanut butter together using a double boiler — that’s my secret for slow, smooth melting without burning. If you’re in a rush, the microwave works too, just be sure to stir every 20-30 seconds for even heat. The goal is a silky, fully combined chocolate-peanut butter mixture for coating your cereal perfectly.
Step 4: Mix and Form Your Cookies
Pour the melted chocolate and peanut butter over your cereal and marshmallow mix, then gently fold everything together until every bit is coated. Using a tablespoon, scoop and drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto your lined baking sheets. This drop-and-go method is one reason I love this No Bake Avalanche Cookies Recipe — so simple and fun.
Step 5: Add Optional Chocolate Chips and Chill
If you’re going with mini chocolate chips, sprinkle them on top of each cookie now for little bursts of extra flavor. Pop your cookie sheets in the fridge and chill until the cookies are fully set — usually about 30 minutes. You’ll find that this chilling step helps the cookies hold their shape and intensifies the flavors.
Pro Tips for Making No Bake Avalanche Cookies Recipe
- Use a Double Boiler: I discovered this trick when I realized white chocolate burns easily—it helps keep the melt silky smooth.
- Don’t Skip Chilling: Let the cookies set in the fridge fully so they don’t fall apart when you pick them up.
- Gentle Folding: Mix the coating gently with the cereal to avoid crushing the crispy texture you’re aiming for.
- Use Parchment Paper: It makes cleanup a snap and prevents your cookies from sticking—this was a neat game-changer for me.
How to Serve No Bake Avalanche Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
I like to keep the garnishes simple — a few extra mini chocolate chips or even a light dusting of powdered sugar adds just the right amount of charm. For special occasions, a sprinkle of colorful sprinkles can turn these cookies into a festive treat that kids absolutely adore.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk (classic, right?). I’ve also served them alongside fresh fruit or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert, making for a delightful sweet combo that my family goes crazy for.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, I love arranging them on a tiered dessert tray or packing them into cute gift bags tied with ribbon—perfect for hostess gifts or school events. I even tried stacking them with parchment paper in between to create a “cookie sandwich” tower, which was a fun presentation that got lots of compliments!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature if it’s not too warm, and they last up to 5 days without losing that satisfying crunch. If your kitchen is warm, popping them in the fridge helps prevent them from becoming sticky.
Freezing
Freezing these No Bake Avalanche Cookies is a great way to keep them fresh longer. I wrap them in parchment paper and place them in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes — the texture holds up surprisingly well!
Reheating
Since these are no-bake cookies, reheating isn’t really necessary, but if you want to revive the softness of the chocolate a little, a quick 10-second zap in the microwave is all it takes. Just be careful not to melt them too much or you’ll lose the texture.
FAQs
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Can I substitute white chocolate with milk or dark chocolate in this No Bake Avalanche Cookies Recipe?
Absolutely! Milk or dark chocolate can be used instead of white chocolate, but keep in mind it will change the flavor profile—dark chocolate offers a richer taste, while milk chocolate gives a creamier sweetness. Just melt it the same way with peanut butter for the best coating.
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Do I really have to use a double boiler to melt the chocolate and peanut butter?
Not necessarily, but I highly recommend it. The double boiler setup prevents scorching white chocolate, which can burn quickly in a microwave. If you do use a microwave, melt in short bursts and stir frequently to avoid overheating.
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How long will No Bake Avalanche Cookies last once made?
Stored in an airtight container at room temperature (away from heat), these cookies keep well for up to 5 days. Beyond that, they might start to lose their crunch or get sticky, so enjoying them sooner is best!
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Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Just make sure to use gluten-free crispy rice cereal. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this recipe a sweet treat that those with gluten sensitivities can enjoy.
Final Thoughts
This No Bake Avalanche Cookies Recipe is one of those gems I keep coming back to because it’s fuss-free, delicious, and crowd-pleasing. I genuinely enjoy making it for my family and friends since it feels like a treat but is so straightforward to prepare. If you’re craving something sweet without turning on the oven or dedicating hours, give this recipe a try—you’ll love how quickly it comes together and how irresistible the results are!
PrintNo Bake Avalanche Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
No Bake Avalanche Cookies are a quick and delicious treat combining crispy rice cereal, mini marshmallows, creamy peanut butter, and smooth white chocolate. Perfectly sweet and crunchy, these no-bake cookies are easy to prepare, require no oven time, and can be customized with optional mini chocolate chips for extra indulgence.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups Crispy Rice cereal
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 lb white chocolate
Optional Toppings
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips (to sprinkle on top)
Instructions
- Prepare the baking sheets: Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside to keep the cookies from sticking.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the crispy rice cereal and mini marshmallows. Mix them together evenly and set aside.
- Melt white chocolate and peanut butter: Using a double boiler, melt the white chocolate and creamy peanut butter together slowly and smoothly, stirring frequently. Alternatively, melt in the microwave in short intervals to avoid burning.
- Mix wet and dry ingredients: Pour the melted white chocolate and peanut butter mixture over the cereal and marshmallow mixture. Stir thoroughly until every piece is completely coated.
- Form cookies: Using a tablespoon, drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto the prepared parchment-lined baking sheets, spacing them evenly.
- Add toppings: Sprinkle mini chocolate chips on top of each cookie if desired.
- Set cookies: Place the baking sheets in the refrigerator and chill until the white chocolate is fully set and cookies are firm, about 30 minutes to 1 hour.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days in a cool place.
- Refrigeration is not required but recommended if the environment is warm to prevent stickiness.
- Use parchment paper on baking sheets for easy removal and cleanup.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 141
- Sugar: 11.8 g
- Sodium: 56.6 mg
- Fat: 8.6 g
- Saturated Fat: 4.2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4.4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14.7 g
- Fiber: 0.7 g
- Protein: 2.5 g
- Cholesterol: 3.7 mg