I absolutely love this Avalanche Cookies Recipe because it’s a no-bake wonder that comes together so fast, yet feels like a special treat. When I first tried it, I was amazed at how those puffed rice cereal and gooey marshmallows teamed up under that sweet peanut butter and white chocolate coating. Honestly, it’s one of those recipes that always gets me compliments and is perfect for last-minute gatherings or just a fun afternoon snack.
You’ll find that Avalanche Cookies Recipe is ideal when you want something sweet but not overly complicated. The balance between crunchy, chewy, and chocolatey gives it that comforting vibe we all crave. Plus, because it’s no-bake, it’s super forgiving and friendly for all skill levels — even if you don’t consider yourself a “baker.” Give it a try and you’ll see why it’s become one of my go-to recipes!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Speedy & Easy: You’ll have these cookies ready in under 10 minutes—perfect for when time is tight.
- No Baking Required: Great for those who want a tasty treat without heating up the kitchen or waiting for the oven.
- Kid-Friendly Fun: Kids love helping to mix and drop these on parchment; it’s a fun and safe way to bake together.
- Perfect Snack Balance: Crunchy from cereal, melty from white almond bark, and gooey marshmallows create an irresistible texture combo.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All of these ingredients come together to make that perfect Avalanche Cookies Recipe texture and flavor. Choosing the right types really makes a difference, especially with the almond bark and peanut butter.
- White almond bark: This is the magic coating that melts smoothly and hardens with a nice sheen; look for it near baking chips or candy melts.
- Creamy peanut butter: Use the classic creamy kind like Skippy or Jif for best results — natural peanut butter can throw off the texture.
- Rice krispies cereal: Fresh cereal adds the perfect crunch; don’t let it get stale before using.
- Miniature marshmallows: They melt just enough when mixed to add sweetness and chewiness without disappearing.
- Miniature chocolate chips: We use some inside and save some to sprinkle on top, giving a lovely chocolate burst and eye-catching finish.
Variations
I like to switch things up depending on what’s in my pantry or the occasion. Avalanche Cookies Recipe is so flexible—you can easily tailor it to suit dietary needs or just add your personal flair.
- Nut-Free Version: I once made these using sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter, and my niece who’s allergic to peanuts loved them just the same!
- Chocolate Avalanche: Replace white almond bark with milk or semi-sweet candy melts for a richer chocolate taste—I enjoyed this variation during the holidays.
- Add Crunch: Sometimes I toss in chopped nuts or pretzel pieces for an extra crunch and salty kick.
- Vegan Adaptation: Swap the marshmallows for vegan marshmallows and use dairy-free chocolate chips—results are still fantastic.
How to Make Avalanche Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Freeze Some Chocolate Chips Early
Before anything else, pop ½ cup of the miniature chocolate chips into the freezer. This keeps them firm for when you stir them in later, so they don’t all melt into the mixture—this is a little trick I discovered and it really helps give your cookies those delightful pockets of chocolate.
Step 2: Melt Almond Bark and Stir in Peanut Butter
Break 16 ounces of white almond bark into pieces and put them in a large microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 45-second intervals, stirring between each, until it’s smooth. Then stir in ¾ cup creamy peanut butter until it’s fully combined—this blend gives you that creamy but rich flavor I love so much about Avalanche Cookies Recipe.
Step 3: Mix In Rice Krispies and Cool
Next, add 2 cups of rice krispies cereal to the almond bark and peanut butter mixture. Stir gently but thoroughly until every flake is coated. Then, let this cool down until lukewarm—you don’t want it to be too hot or the marshmallows will melt right away in the next step.
Step 4: Add Mini Marshmallows and Frozen Chocolate Chips
Once the mixture has cooled enough, fold in 1½ cups miniature marshmallows and the frozen chocolate chips you set aside earlier. The marshmallows add softness while the frozen chocolate chips keep their shape and give bursts of chocolate with every bite.
Step 5: Drop and Decorate the Cookies
Scoop 2-tablespoon-sized drops of the mixture onto parchment paper. Repeat until you use all the dough. Don’t wait too long—before the cookies set, sprinkle the remaining miniature chocolate chips on top. Trust me, this finishing touch makes them look and taste irresistible!
Step 6: Cool Completely and Serve
Let the cookies cool until they’re firm to the touch. This usually takes about 30 minutes at room temperature, but you can speed it up by popping them in the fridge for 15 minutes. Once set, they’re ready to enjoy; store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days if you can resist!
Pro Tips for Making Avalanche Cookies Recipe
- Melting Gradually: Heating the almond bark in short bursts prevents it from seizing or burning, which I’ve learned saves a lot of headaches.
- Cooling Before Adding Marshmallows: Letting the mixture cool stops the marshmallows from melting completely, so they stay delightfully gooey instead of disappearing.
- Freezing Chocolate Chips: Using frozen chips gives the cookies texture contrast—they hold firm inside and soften only when you bite in.
- Quick Decorating: Sprinkling chocolate chips on top immediately after dropping the dough ensures they stick well and don’t sink or melt.
How to Serve Avalanche Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
I like to keep it simple and let the cookies shine, but sometimes I dust them with a little powdered sugar for a snow-like finish—it complements the “avalanche” name perfectly. Adding a few extra mini chocolate chips on top right before serving also makes them look extra inviting.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk or a warm cup of coffee or hot cocoa. For a festive party, I’ll serve them alongside creamy dips or fruit platters to balance the sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I’ve arranged Avalanche Cookies Recipe on a tiered dessert stand surrounded by fresh berries and mint leaves. You can even wrap individual cookies in clear cellophane tied with a cute ribbon—a great homemade gift that always impresses!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After making your Avalanche Cookies Recipe, store them in an airtight container at room temperature and they’ll stay fresh and tasty for up to 3 days. I learned that keeping them away from moisture is key to preserving that satisfying crunch.
Freezing
You can freeze these cookies for longer storage by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transferring to a sealed freezer bag once frozen solid. I thaw them at room temperature before serving, and they hold up beautifully without getting soggy.
Reheating
Since these cookies don’t require baking, reheating isn’t necessary, but if you want your chocolate slightly melty, a quick 10-second zap in the microwave works wonders. Just be careful not to overdo it or the marshmallows can toughen up.
FAQs
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Can I substitute natural peanut butter in the Avalanche Cookies Recipe?
Natural peanut butter isn’t recommended because it tends to be oilier and can affect the texture, making the cookies less stable and more greasy. Stick with creamy commercial brands like Skippy or Jif for the best results.
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What can I use if I can’t find white almond bark?
If you can’t find almond bark, white candy melts are a great substitute and often found in the same baking aisle. Some brands, like Ghirardelli, offer delicious white candy melts that work perfectly in the Avalanche Cookies Recipe.
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How long do Avalanche Cookies keep fresh?
Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies stay delicious for about 3 days. Beyond that, they can start to lose their crunch and freshness, so it’s best to enjoy them sooner rather than later.
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Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Rice krispies cereal is often gluten-free, but you should check the packaging to be sure or select a certified gluten-free brand. Avalanche Cookies Recipe is easily adaptable for gluten-free diets with just this one swap.
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Why do you freeze the chocolate chips?
Freezing the chocolate chips before adding them helps them stay intact instead of melting into the mixture. This adds lovely bursts of chocolate in each cookie, offering better texture contrast—definitely a trick I learned from experience!
Final Thoughts
I hope you give this Avalanche Cookies Recipe a try because it’s one of those simple pleasures that can brighten both an ordinary day and a special occasion. Whether you’re baking with kids, whipping something up last minute, or just craving a nostalgic sweet treat, it’ll deliver every time. I love how easy and forgiving it is, and I’m pretty sure once you make it, you’ll have a new favorite cookie recipe to share with your friends and family.
PrintAvalanche Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 minute
- Total Time: 6 minutes
- Yield: 18 cookies
- Category: No-Cook
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Avalanche Cookies are a no-bake, quick, and easy treat combining creamy white almond bark, peanut butter, crispy rice cereal, marshmallows, and chocolate chips. These bite-sized cookies offer a delightful mix of textures and flavors, perfect for a sweet snack or dessert that requires minimal effort and time.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 16 ounces white almond bark (white candy coating or candy melts)
- 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter
Mix-ins
- 2 cups rice krispies cereal
- 1 1/2 cups miniature marshmallows
Chocolate Chips
- 1 cup miniature chocolate chips, divided use
Instructions
- Freeze Chocolate Chips: Place 1/2 cup of the miniature chocolate chips in the freezer to chill. This helps them retain their shape when mixed into the warm batter later.
- Melt Almond Bark: Break the almond bark into pieces and place in a large microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 45-second increments, stirring in between, until completely melted and smooth.
- Combine Peanut Butter: Remove the melted almond bark from the microwave and stir in the creamy peanut butter until fully combined and smooth.
- Add Rice Krispies: Fold the rice krispies cereal into the almond bark and peanut butter mixture, stirring gently to coat all the cereal evenly. Allow the mixture to cool until lukewarm to prevent marshmallows from melting in the next step.
- Mix in Marshmallows and Frozen Chips: Stir in the miniature marshmallows followed by the chilled miniature chocolate chips. Mix gently to combine without melting the marshmallows or chocolate chips.
- Form Cookies: Working quickly, drop approximately 2 tablespoons of the mixture onto a piece of parchment paper. Repeat until all the mixture is used. Immediately sprinkle the remaining chocolate chips on top of each cookie to decorate.
- Set Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool completely at room temperature until firm and set. This should take about 15-20 minutes.
- Serve and Store: Once set, enjoy the cookies immediately or store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Notes
- Almond bark is a candy product resembling white chocolate, available in slabs in the baking aisle near chocolate chips. White candy melts can be used as a substitute.
- Use creamy peanut butter such as Skippy or Jif. Natural peanut butter is not recommended as it does not blend well with the almond bark.
- Cooling the chocolate chips before mixing prevents them from melting into the cookie mixture, maintaining texture and appearance.
- The recipe yields approximately 18 cookies.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg