Avalanche Cookies (No Bake) Recipe

If you’re searching for the quickest way to satisfy a craving for something irresistibly creamy, crunchy, and sweet, these Avalanche Cookies (No Bake) will absolutely win you over. Packed with gooey marshmallows, creamy peanut butter, and the crunch of crispy rice cereal, these little mountains of delight get their name from the way all the ingredients tumble together, but set up into perfect handheld treats. Ready in just minutes and with zero oven time, this recipe brings together nostalgic flavors in a way that’s always party-ready, kid-approved, and impossible to resist. Avalanche Cookies (No Bake) are an all-season favorite you’ll want to make again and again!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

• White Chocolate Mixture:

  • 2 cups white chocolate chips
  • 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter

  Cookies:

  • 2 cups crispy rice cereal
  • 1 cup mini marshmallows
  • 1/3 cup mini chocolate chips

How to Make Avalanche Cookies (No Bake)

Step 1: Melt the White Chocolate Chips

Grab a large microwave-safe bowl and pour in your white chocolate chips. Microwave in short 30-second bursts, stirring after each, until the chips are completely melted and silky. This keeps them smooth and prevents scorching, which nobody wants in a sweet treat!

Step 2: Stir in the Peanut Butter

Once your white chocolate is gloriously melted, spoon in the creamy peanut butter. Stir until the mixture is perfectly blended and smooth, combining the nutty richness with all that sweet white chocolate. The aroma at this stage is almost a dessert by itself!

Step 3: Fold in Crispy Rice Cereal

Add your crispy rice cereal and gently fold it in with a spatula or large spoon. Be gentle—this is how you keep all the cereal’s fun crunch without smashing it, so each Avalanche Cookie (No Bake) stays light and airy.

Step 4: Mix in the Mini Marshmallows

Next, toss in your mini marshmallows and give everything another careful mix. The warmth of the chocolate mixture will just slightly soften the marshmallows, making them gooey but not melty, for that signature chewy texture.

Step 5: Add Mini Chocolate Chips (Carefully!)

Let the mixture cool just a few minutes so you don’t melt those adorable chocolate chips. Then gently fold them in. This patience pays off—your Avalanche Cookies (No Bake) will have beautiful chocolate flecks instead of a melted mess.

Step 6: Shape and Set the Cookies

Line a baking sheet with parchment or wax paper. Drop heaping tablespoons of the mixture onto the sheet, leaving a bit of space between each. Let the cookies sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes, or pop them in the fridge for 15 minutes if you’re in a hurry. Once set, they’re ready to eat!

How to Serve Avalanche Cookies (No Bake)

Garnishes

You can take these over the top with an extra sprinkle of mini chocolate chips right after shaping, or a drizzle of melted white or dark chocolate. For a festive touch, add colorful sprinkles or a dusting of sea salt before the cookies set.

Side Dishes

Pair these Avalanche Cookies (No Bake) with a tall glass of cold milk, a frothy cappuccino, or even a berry salad for a lighter balance. They make an ideal addition to dessert platters next to fresh fruit or alongside an array of classic cookies for a fun treat table.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack them high on a rustic cake stand for big gatherings, or tuck a few Avalanche Cookies (No Bake) into cellophane bags tied with ribbon as edible gifts. These cookies also shine as easy lunchbox treats—just layer between sheets of wax paper in a sturdy container for a delightful surprise.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep Avalanche Cookies (No Bake) at their very best, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and crispy for up to a week—if you can make them last that long! For sticky weather, refrigerate to keep them firm and delish.

Freezing

Avalanche Cookies (No Bake) freeze surprisingly well. Arrange in layers between sheets of parchment in a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to 2 months. Just let them thaw at room temperature and enjoy an on-demand treat!

Reheating

While these cookies are designed to be enjoyed straight from the counter or fridge, if they’ve gotten a tad too firm from refrigeration or freezing, let them warm up on the counter for 10 to 15 minutes before serving. No reheating is needed—just let their creamy texture return naturally.

FAQs

Can I use different nut or seed butters?

Absolutely! While classic Avalanche Cookies (No Bake) use creamy peanut butter, almond or cashew butters will work beautifully. For a nut-free version, sunflower seed butter is a great substitute with a similar creamy texture.

What if I only have regular-sized marshmallows?

No problem—just chop them into mini pieces before adding. The goal is for tiny bursts of marshmallow in every bite, so don’t be afraid to improvise if minis aren’t on hand!

Do I need to use parchment or wax paper?

Definitely use some kind of nonstick liner when dropping the cookies. It ensures the Avalanche Cookies (No Bake) lift easily and stay intact, with less mess and cleaner cookies every time.

Can I make these cookies gluten free?

Yes! Just swap for a certified gluten-free crispy rice cereal. All the other ingredients are naturally gluten free, so it’s an easy swap to make these cookies safe for everyone.

How do I prevent the chocolate chips from melting?

Let the mixture cool for a few minutes before adding the mini chocolate chips. Stir them in gently and quickly—this keeps them whole, unaffected by the residual warmth of the dough.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited as I am to dive into a batch of these cheerful, no-fuss Avalanche Cookies (No Bake). They’re the perfect combination of creamy, crunchy, and chocolatey, and truly couldn’t be easier to make or share. Give them a try next time you need a sweet dash of happiness—your taste buds (and friends) will thank you!

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