No Bake Avalanche Cookies Recipe

If you’re looking for a treat that checks all the boxes — super easy to make, irresistibly delicious, and quick to whip up — these No Bake Avalanche Cookies are going to become your new go-to. Imagine the perfect blend of creamy white chocolate and peanut butter melting together to coat crunchy Rice Krispies, miniature marshmallows, and a burst of chocolate chips, all piled into cozy, chewy cookies. No oven needed, no fuss, just pure, snowy mountain-sized joy in every bite. These cookies are like a little avalanche of sweet treasures, and once you try them, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are simple pantry heroes that come together to create a cookie that’s both crunchy and chewy, smooth and rich. Each one plays a crucial role: the white chocolate bark adds creamy sweetness, peanut butter brings an indulgent hint of saltiness, and both the Rice Krispies and marshmallows add texture, ensuring every bite is a delightful surprise.

• 16-ounce white chocolate bark: Melts easily for a smooth, luscious coating that holds everything together.
• 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter: Brings a rich, nutty flavor that balances the sweetness perfectly.
• 2 cups Rice Krispies cereal: Adds the satisfying crunch essential for a great cookie texture.
• 1 1/2 cups miniature marshmallows: Creates chewy pockets of softness throughout the cookie.
• 1 cup miniature chocolate chips (divided): Mixed in and on top for bursts of chocolatey goodness in every bite.

How to Make No Bake Avalanche Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace

Start by lining a large cookie sheet with parchment or wax paper. This simple step ensures your cookies won’t stick, making cleanup a breeze. Having your workspace ready keeps everything moving smoothly, which is important since the mixture sets quickly once combined.

Step 2: Melt the White Chocolate

Follow the package directions to gently melt the white chocolate bark. Patience here is key because you want it smooth and creamy, without any lumps. Using white chocolate bark helps the cookies firm up nicely and adds that rich, sweet flavor that makes these cookies stand out.

Step 3: Combine the Chocolate and Peanut Butter

Once melted, stir the peanut butter into the white chocolate until the mixture is completely smooth. This blend creates the luscious binding base for the cereal and marshmallows, giving the cookies both flavor and hold. The creamy peanut butter cuts through the sweetness and adds a lovely nutty undertone.

Step 4: Fold in the Mix-Ins

Gently fold in the Rice Krispies cereal, miniature marshmallows, and half of the chocolate chips. This step is where the magic happens — all those textures and flavors come together to make the “avalanche” effect in every cookie.

Step 5: Drop and Top the Cookies

Use heaping tablespoons to drop the mixture onto your prepared baking sheet. Top each cookie mound with the remaining chocolate chips, which not only look inviting but add an appealing melty chocolate touch once chilled.

Step 6: Chill and Set

Place the sheet in the refrigerator and let the cookies firm up until completely set, usually about 30 minutes or until they’re easy to lift off the paper. This chilling step is what transforms your mixture into neat, handheld cookies bursting with flavor and texture.

How to Serve No Bake Avalanche Cookies

Garnishes

For an extra touch of festivity, sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on top of each cookie before chilling. This contrast makes the sweetness pop even more and adds a gourmet touch. You can also dust them lightly with powdered sugar to resemble a mountain freshly blanketed in snow.

Side Dishes

No Bake Avalanche Cookies are perfect on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with cold milk or a steaming cup of coffee or hot chocolate. Serve them alongside fresh fruit for a balanced snack or add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack these cookies in a charming glass jar tied with a festive ribbon for a gift that’s sure to impress. Or arrange them on a rustic wooden board with sprigs of fresh mint and some scattered chocolate chips to create a visually stunning dessert spread that guests will flock to.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your freshly made No Bake Avalanche Cookies, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator. They’ll stay delicious for up to a week, keeping their perfect chewy and crunchy texture without drying out.

Freezing

You can freeze these cookies for longer storage by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze first, then transferring to a freezer-safe container or bag. When sealed well, they keep for up to three months and thaw beautifully when brought back to room temperature.

Reheating

These cookies are best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, but if you want to enjoy a softer texture, you can microwave a single cookie for about 10 seconds. Just be careful not to overdo it, or the chocolate may become too soft and messy.

FAQs

Can I use dark or milk chocolate instead of white chocolate bark?

Absolutely! While white chocolate bark gives No Bake Avalanche Cookies their signature sweet creaminess, swapping in dark or milk chocolate will give a different but equally delicious flavor. Just melt it gently and proceed the same way.

Are these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, these No Bake Avalanche Cookies are naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free Rice Krispies cereal. Always double-check labels since some rice cereals may contain gluten.

Can I substitute the peanut butter with another nut butter?

Definitely. Almond butter, cashew butter, or even sunflower seed butter work well. Keep in mind the flavor profile will shift slightly, but the creamy texture and binding properties remain the same.

How long do these cookies take to set in the fridge?

They usually take around 30 minutes to an hour to firm up completely, depending on your fridge settings. It’s important to wait until they’re fully set so they hold their shape when handled.

Can I add other mix-ins like nuts or dried fruit?

Yes! Feel free to customize your No Bake Avalanche Cookies by tossing in chopped nuts, dried cranberries, or even shredded coconut. Just adjust quantities slightly to maintain the right balance of texture and binding.

Final Thoughts

Making No Bake Avalanche Cookies is like capturing pure joy in a bite — simple ingredients you likely already have at home come together to create a spectacular treat that’s both fun to make and super satisfying to eat. Whether you’re baking with kids, needing a last-minute dessert, or just craving something sweet that won’t heat up your kitchen, these cookies have you covered. I can’t wait for you to try them and experience the delightful avalanche of flavor for yourself!

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