Easy No Bake Avalanche Cookies Recipe

In the whirlwind of busy weeknights and the delightful chaos of weekend gatherings, finding a dessert that’s both incredibly easy and universally loved can feel like striking gold. For my family, that golden nugget of dessert perfection is the No-Bake Avalanche Cookie. From the moment I first stumbled upon this recipe, it was love at first bite – or should I say, love at first crunch? These aren’t your average cookies; they’re a symphony of textures and flavors, a delightful dance of creamy peanut butter, sweet white chocolate, crunchy rice cereal, and gooey marshmallows, all harmonizing in a no-bake wonder. My kids, usually discerning dessert critics, devour them with gusto, and even my less adventurous husband can’t resist reaching for seconds (and sometimes thirds!). What I appreciate most, beyond the sheer deliciousness, is the simplicity. No oven preheating, no fussy techniques, just a few pantry staples and a microwave – it’s the perfect recipe for those moments when you crave a sweet treat without wanting to spend hours in the kitchen. Whether it’s for a last-minute potluck, a school bake sale, or simply a cozy night in, these Avalanche Cookies are always a guaranteed hit. Prepare to be swept away by an avalanche of flavor and simplicity!

Ingredients

This recipe is wonderfully straightforward, requiring just a handful of ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. The beauty of Avalanche Cookies lies in their simplicity, allowing each component to shine and contribute to the overall delightful experience. Here’s what you’ll need to create these no-bake wonders:

• 6 cups Rice Krispies Cereal: The foundation of our Avalanche Cookies, Rice Krispies provide that signature crispy crunch. Look for the classic Kellogg’s Rice Krispies or a similar crispy rice cereal. The light and airy texture is crucial for the perfect bite. Generic brands will also work, just ensure they are plain, unsweetened crispy rice cereal. The volume is important here, so ensure you are using measuring cups to get an accurate 6 cups. Too little cereal and the cookies might be too soft, too much and they might become dry.
• 1 cup Mini Marshmallows: These little puffs of sweetness are essential for the gooey, melt-in-your-mouth texture of Avalanche Cookies. Mini marshmallows are preferred as they melt quickly and evenly. You can use regular-sized marshmallows if that’s what you have on hand, but you’ll want to chop them into smaller pieces to ensure they melt smoothly and distribute well throughout the cookie mixture. Fresh marshmallows are best as they melt more readily. If your marshmallows seem a bit stale, you can try microwaving them for a few seconds (very carefully!) with a tiny bit of water to soften them up before adding them to the recipe.
• 1 cup Creamy Peanut Butter: The creamy, nutty backbone of our cookies, peanut butter adds richness, flavor, and helps bind everything together. Opt for creamy peanut butter for the smoothest texture in your Avalanche Cookies. While you can use chunky peanut butter if you prefer, it will change the texture and make the cookies slightly less smooth overall. Natural peanut butter (the kind that separates) can be used, but make sure to stir it very well before measuring to ensure a consistent texture and oil distribution. For the best flavor, choose a good quality peanut butter that you enjoy eating on its own.
• 1 cup White Chocolate Chips: The sweet, creamy counterpoint to the peanut butter, white chocolate chips add a luxurious sweetness and melt beautifully to coat the cereal and marshmallows. High-quality white chocolate chips will melt more smoothly and contribute a better flavor. Avoid “baking chips” that are often made with less cocoa butter and may not melt as well. If you can’t find white chocolate chips, you can use a white chocolate bar, chopped into small pieces. Be careful when melting white chocolate as it can scorch easily.
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) Unsalted Butter: Butter adds richness, moisture, and helps all the ingredients bind together beautifully. Unsalted butter is recommended so you can control the salt level in your cookies. If you only have salted butter, you can use it, but consider omitting any additional salt that might be called for in some variations of the recipe. The butter needs to be melted, so you can melt it in the microwave or in a saucepan on the stovetop.
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract: A touch of vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor profile, adding warmth and depth to the sweetness of the cookies. Pure vanilla extract is preferred for the best flavor, but imitation vanilla extract will also work. Don’t skip the vanilla – it really rounds out the flavors and makes these cookies taste extra special.
• Optional: Pinch of Salt: A tiny pinch of salt can enhance the sweetness and balance the flavors, especially if you are using unsalted peanut butter. Salt is a flavor enhancer and can prevent the cookies from tasting overly sweet. If you are using salted butter or salted peanut butter, you may not need to add any extra salt.
• Optional: Sprinkles or Melted Chocolate for Decoration: For an extra touch of fun and visual appeal, consider adding sprinkles to the top of the cookies while the white chocolate is still melted, or drizzling with melted dark or milk chocolate after they have set. This is purely for aesthetics and can be tailored to any holiday or occasion.

Ingredient Quality Matters: While Avalanche Cookies are incredibly simple, using good quality ingredients will elevate the final result. Choose a peanut butter you love the taste of, good quality white chocolate, and fresh marshmallows. The better the ingredients, the more delicious your Avalanche Cookies will be!

Instructions

Making Avalanche Cookies is so easy, it’s almost magical! These no-bake delights come together in just a few simple steps, making them perfect for even the most novice bakers or when you need a quick dessert solution. Follow these step-by-step instructions for foolproof Avalanche Cookie success:

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Ingredients

• Line a baking sheet: Line a 9×13 inch baking sheet with parchment paper or wax paper. This will prevent the cookies from sticking and make for easy removal and cleanup. Make sure the parchment or wax paper overhangs the sides slightly, creating handles for lifting the cookies out later.
• Measure out your ingredients: Have all your ingredients measured and ready to go. This will make the process smooth and efficient, especially since the melted ingredients will cool down quickly. Measure the Rice Krispies cereal into a large bowl and set aside. Have the marshmallows, peanut butter, white chocolate chips, butter, and vanilla extract ready to use.

Step 2: Melt the Wet Ingredients

• Combine butter, peanut butter, and white chocolate: In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine the butter, peanut butter, and white chocolate chips. Using a large bowl is important as you will be adding the cereal and marshmallows directly into this bowl later.
• Microwave in intervals: Microwave the mixture in 30-second intervals, stirring well after each interval, until everything is completely melted and smooth. Be careful not to overheat the white chocolate, as it can scorch easily. Start with 30 seconds, stir, and then continue microwaving in shorter intervals (like 15 seconds) if needed, stirring in between, until melted. The mixture should be glossy and easily stirrable. If you prefer, you can also melt these ingredients in a double boiler or in a heatproof bowl set over a saucepan of simmering water, stirring constantly until melted and smooth.

Step 3: Incorporate Marshmallows and Vanilla

• Stir in marshmallows: Once the butter, peanut butter, and white chocolate are melted and smooth, immediately stir in the mini marshmallows and vanilla extract. Stir gently until the marshmallows are just beginning to melt and are coated in the chocolate mixture. You don’t want to melt the marshmallows completely; you want them to retain some of their shape and texture for that gooey bite. Some marshmallows will melt more than others, which is perfectly fine and adds to the texture.

Step 4: Add Rice Krispies Cereal

• Fold in Rice Krispies: Pour the Rice Krispies cereal into the bowl with the melted mixture. Gently fold the cereal into the wet ingredients until everything is evenly coated. Be careful not to crush the cereal while mixing. You want to maintain the crispiness of the Rice Krispies. Use a spatula or large spoon to gently fold and combine.

Step 5: Shape and Chill

• Spread onto prepared baking sheet: Immediately transfer the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Use a spatula or your hands (lightly dampened with water to prevent sticking) to spread the mixture evenly into a compact layer. You can make the cookies thicker or thinner depending on your preference. For thicker cookies, use a smaller pan; for thinner cookies, use a larger pan or spread the mixture thinner on the 9×13 inch sheet.
• Chill to set: Refrigerate the baking sheet for at least 30 minutes, or until the cookies are firm and set. Chilling is essential for the cookies to solidify and be easily cut or broken into pieces. You can chill them for longer, even overnight, if needed.

Step 6: Cut and Serve

• Cut into squares or break into pieces: Once the cookies are firm, remove them from the refrigerator. Lift the parchment paper out of the baking sheet using the overhang. Cut the cookies into squares using a sharp knife, or simply break them into irregular pieces for a more rustic “avalanche” look.
• Serve and enjoy! Avalanche Cookies are best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain their crispness and prevent the marshmallows from becoming too sticky.

Tips for Success:

• Don’t overheat the white chocolate: White chocolate is delicate and can scorch easily. Microwave in short intervals and stir frequently.
• Work quickly: Once the melted mixture is ready, work quickly to stir in the marshmallows and cereal and spread the mixture onto the baking sheet before it starts to set too much.
• Chill thoroughly: Make sure the cookies are chilled completely before cutting or serving to ensure they are firm and hold their shape.

By following these simple instructions, you’ll be rewarded with a batch of irresistible No-Bake Avalanche Cookies that are perfect for any occasion!

Nutrition Facts

Understanding the nutritional content of your treats can be helpful, especially when enjoying them as part of a balanced diet. Please note that these are estimated nutrition facts and can vary slightly based on specific ingredient brands and portion sizes.

Serving Size: Approximately 1 cookie (based on cutting the 9×13 inch pan into 24 squares)

Approximate Nutrition Facts Per Serving:

• Calories: 220-250
• Total Fat: 14-16g
  • Saturated Fat: 7-9g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Monounsaturated Fat: 4-5g
  • Polyunsaturated Fat: 2-3g
• Cholesterol: 15-20mg
• Sodium: 100-120mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 25-30g
  • Dietary Fiber: <1g
  • Total Sugars: 18-22g
    • Added Sugars: 16-20g (primarily from white chocolate, marshmallows, and cereal)
• Protein: 3-4g

Key Nutritional Considerations:

• Calories: Avalanche Cookies are a moderately calorie-dense treat due to the butter, peanut butter, and white chocolate. Enjoy them in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
• Fat: They contain a significant amount of fat, primarily from peanut butter and butter. While some fats are essential, saturated fat intake should be monitored.
• Sugar: These cookies are sweet, with a high sugar content primarily from added sugars in the white chocolate, marshmallows, and cereal. Be mindful of sugar intake, especially for children.
• Sodium: The sodium content is moderate and primarily comes from the butter and peanut butter.
• Protein: Peanut butter contributes a small amount of protein to each serving.

Disclaimer: These nutrition facts are estimates and for informational purposes only. For precise nutritional information, it’s best to calculate based on the specific brands and measurements of ingredients used. This recipe is intended as a treat and should be enjoyed in moderation.

Preparation Time

One of the greatest appeals of Avalanche Cookies is their speed and ease of preparation. From start to finish, you can have these delicious treats ready to enjoy in a relatively short amount of time.

Total Preparation Time: Approximately 30-45 minutes (including chilling time)

Breakdown:

• Active Preparation Time: 15-20 minutes
  • Measuring ingredients: 5 minutes
  • Melting ingredients: 5-7 minutes
  • Mixing ingredients: 5-8 minutes
  • Spreading mixture: 2-3 minutes
• Inactive Time (Chilling Time): 30 minutes (minimum)

Factors Affecting Preparation Time:

• Melting Time: The time it takes to melt the butter, peanut butter, and white chocolate can vary slightly depending on your microwave wattage and the type of white chocolate used. Melting in intervals and stirring frequently is key to prevent scorching and ensure smooth melting.
• Chilling Time: The chilling time can be adjusted based on your desired cookie firmness. 30 minutes is generally sufficient for the cookies to set, but longer chilling time will result in firmer cookies. If you are in a hurry, you can place the baking sheet in the freezer for a shorter time to speed up the setting process (but be careful not to freeze them solid).
• Ingredient Preparation: Having all your ingredients measured out before you start melting will streamline the active preparation time.

Time-Saving Tips:

• Microwave Melting: Using the microwave to melt the ingredients is the fastest and easiest method.
• Pre-measured Ingredients: If you are making these cookies frequently, you can pre-measure dry ingredients like Rice Krispies cereal into containers or bags to save time during preparation.
• Make Ahead: Avalanche Cookies can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for several days, making them a perfect make-ahead dessert for parties or gatherings.

Overall: Avalanche Cookies are a fantastic choice when you need a quick and easy dessert. The minimal active preparation time and relatively short chilling time make them a go-to recipe for last-minute cravings or spontaneous baking sessions.

How to Serve

Avalanche Cookies are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in numerous ways. Their delightful combination of textures and flavors makes them a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your Avalanche Cookie experience:

• Classic Chilled Cookies: The most straightforward and satisfying way to serve Avalanche Cookies is simply chilled, cut into squares or broken into pieces. The cold temperature enhances the crispiness of the cereal and the chewiness of the marshmallows, creating a refreshing and delightful treat.
• Dessert Platter Star: Include Avalanche Cookies as part of a larger dessert platter alongside other treats like brownies, fruit skewers, mini cupcakes, or chocolate-covered strawberries. Their unique texture and appearance make them a visually appealing addition to any dessert spread.
• Party Favors: Individually wrap Avalanche Cookies in cellophane bags or small boxes tied with ribbons to create charming and delicious party favors for birthdays, holidays, or special events. They are a thoughtful and homemade gift that guests will appreciate.
• Ice Cream Sundae Topping: Crumble Avalanche Cookies over scoops of vanilla, chocolate, or peanut butter ice cream for an extra layer of texture and flavor. The crunchy cookie pieces add a delightful contrast to the creamy ice cream.
• Lunchbox Treat: Pack a square or two of Avalanche Cookies in lunchboxes as a special treat for kids (and adults!). They are a fun and satisfying dessert that travels well.
• Coffee or Tea Companion: Enjoy Avalanche Cookies alongside a warm cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. The sweetness of the cookies pairs perfectly with the bitterness of coffee or tea, creating a comforting and balanced snack.
• Holiday Cookie Exchange: Avalanche Cookies are a unique and crowd-pleasing addition to holiday cookie exchanges. Their no-bake nature and delicious flavor make them stand out from traditional baked cookies.
• Potluck Dessert: Bring a platter of Avalanche Cookies to your next potluck or gathering. They are easy to transport, require no heating or special serving dishes, and are always a hit with a diverse crowd.
• Movie Night Snack: Instead of popcorn, offer Avalanche Cookies as a sweet and crunchy snack during movie nights. They are easy to eat and less messy than some other desserts.
• Garnish with Extras: Before serving, consider garnishing your Avalanche Cookies with a sprinkle of sea salt to enhance the sweetness, a drizzle of melted chocolate for added richness, or chopped nuts for extra crunch and flavor complexity.

No matter how you choose to serve them, Avalanche Cookies are guaranteed to be a delightful and memorable treat. Their simplicity and deliciousness make them a perfect dessert for any occasion, from casual weeknight snacking to more formal gatherings.

Additional Tips

To ensure your Avalanche Cookies are absolutely perfect every time, and to explore some fun variations, here are five additional tips to keep in mind:

1. Toast Your Rice Krispies for Enhanced Flavor: For an extra layer of nutty flavor and intensified crispiness, lightly toast your Rice Krispies cereal before adding them to the recipe. Spread the cereal in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until lightly golden and fragrant, stirring halfway through. Let them cool completely before using in the recipe. This step is optional but adds a subtle depth of flavor that elevates the cookies.
2. Customize with Different Extracts: While vanilla extract is classic, don’t be afraid to experiment with other extracts to customize the flavor profile of your Avalanche Cookies. Almond extract pairs beautifully with white chocolate and peanut butter, adding a subtle marzipan-like note. Peppermint extract is fantastic for holiday-themed cookies, especially when combined with crushed candy canes. Orange extract can add a bright and citrusy twist. Start with ¼ to ½ teaspoon of extract and adjust to your taste.
3. Add a Pinch of Salt (Even if Using Salted Peanut Butter): A tiny pinch of salt, even if you are using salted butter or peanut butter, can actually enhance the sweetness of the cookies and balance the overall flavor profile. Salt helps to counteract the sweetness and prevents the cookies from tasting cloying. A small pinch of sea salt sprinkled on top of the cookies just before they set can also add a delightful textural and flavor contrast.
4. Vary the Chocolate: While white chocolate is traditional for Avalanche Cookies, you can easily experiment with other types of chocolate to create different flavor combinations. Milk chocolate chips or chunks will add a richer, more classic chocolate flavor. Dark chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate will provide a less sweet and more sophisticated taste. You can even use a combination of white, milk, and dark chocolate for a marbled effect and complex flavor.
5. Store Properly for Maximum Crispness: To maintain the crispiness of your Avalanche Cookies, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The refrigerator helps to keep the cereal crunchy and prevents the marshmallows from becoming overly sticky at room temperature, especially in warmer climates. They will keep well in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze them in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

FAQ Section

Here are five frequently asked questions about making Avalanche Cookies, to help you troubleshoot and perfect your no-bake creations:

Q1: My Avalanche Cookies are too sticky, what did I do wrong?

A: Stickiness in Avalanche Cookies is often due to over-melting the marshmallows or not chilling them long enough. Ensure you are only melting the marshmallows until they are just beginning to soften and are coated in the melted chocolate mixture, not completely melted and liquid. Also, make sure you chill the cookies for at least 30 minutes, or longer, until they are firm. If your kitchen is warm, you may need to chill them for a longer period. Storing them in the refrigerator will also help reduce stickiness.

Q2: Can I use a different type of cereal instead of Rice Krispies?

A: While Rice Krispies are the classic choice for Avalanche Cookies due to their light and crispy texture, you can experiment with other cereals. Corn Chex or Crispix cereals can work as substitutes, providing a similar crispness. Avoid using cereals that are too sweet or have a strong flavor that might clash with the peanut butter and white chocolate. Puffed wheat or puffed rice cereals could also be interesting options to try.

Q3: My white chocolate is seizing up and becoming grainy when I melt it, how can I prevent this?

A: White chocolate is delicate and can seize easily if overheated or if it comes into contact with even a tiny bit of water. To prevent seizing, microwave it in short intervals (30 seconds or less) and stir very frequently. Make sure your bowl and utensils are completely dry. If your white chocolate does seize, you can sometimes rescue it by adding a teaspoon of vegetable oil or shortening and stirring vigorously until it smooths out. However, prevention is key, so gentle melting is crucial.

Q4: Can I make Avalanche Cookies ahead of time?

A: Yes, Avalanche Cookies are excellent make-ahead desserts! They can be made 1-2 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. In fact, chilling them overnight can actually improve their texture and allow the flavors to meld together even more. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 2-3 months.

Q5: Can I make these cookies without peanut butter due to allergies?

A: Yes, you can adapt Avalanche Cookies to be peanut-free. Substitute the peanut butter with another nut butter alternative like almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter (sunbutter). Ensure that your chosen alternative butter has a similar creamy consistency to peanut butter. Always double-check all ingredient labels to ensure they are safe for individuals with allergies, especially if you are making them for someone with known allergies.

By keeping these tips and FAQs in mind, you’ll be well-equipped to create perfect and delicious No-Bake Avalanche Cookies that are sure to impress and delight every time!