No-Bake Avalanche Cookies Recipe

If you’re in the mood for something truly indulgent and blissfully easy, you have to try these No-Bake Avalanche Cookies. They’re loaded with creamy peanut butter, sweet marshmallows, crispy rice cereal, and a decadent blend of both white and semi-sweet chocolate chips. You don’t even need to turn on the oven! Just a few steps and a bit of chilling time deliver cookies that taste like childhood joy in every bite. Perfect for snack trays, potlucks, or whenever your sweet tooth strikes, No-Bake Avalanche Cookies are your ticket to dessert happiness—no baking skills required.

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about No-Bake Avalanche Cookies is that you only need a handful of everyday ingredients, but each one brings something special to the party! Their unique flavors and textures combine to make these cookies deliciously unforgettable—plus, no fancy shopping trip required.

• Rice cereal: Adds crunch and structure that makes every bite light and crispy.
• Creamy peanut butter: Provides rich, salty-sweet depth and helps bind everything together with luscious smoothness.
• Powdered sugar: Delivers sweetness and that signature cookie “melt-in-your-mouth” texture.
• Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Bring a hint of cocoa depth and balance out the overall sweetness.
• White chocolate chips: Add vanilla undertones and a creamy finish to each cookie.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors, tying them together into pure cookie bliss.
• Mini marshmallows: Offer delightful pops of chewy, gooey sweetness throughout.

How to Make No-Bake Avalanche Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Your Sheet

Begin by lining a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This ensures the No-Bake Avalanche Cookies will lift off easily, and cleaning up couldn’t be more effortless.

Step 2: Mix Peanut Butter and Powdered Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter and powdered sugar. Stir until they form a silky, uniform mixture—this is the lush foundation for all the flavors to come.

Step 3: Add Vanilla

Drizzle in the vanilla extract and mix again, making sure every bit of the peanut butter base takes on that sweet aroma and richness.

Step 4: Fold in Rice Cereal

Now, gently add the rice cereal to the bowl. Use a light hand when folding to preserve the cereal’s crunch, ensuring every cookie will have that irresistible bite.

Step 5: Add the Mini Marshmallows

Toss in the mini marshmallows next, folding them through so they’re evenly scattered. This gives each Avalanche Cookie a chewy, melty surprise in every mouthful.

Step 6: Melt the Chocolates

Place the semi-sweet and white chocolate chips together in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring after each, until the mixture is creamy, glossy, and utterly irresistible.

Step 7: Mix Everything Together

Pour the melted chocolate over your prepared rice cereal mixture. Gently fold everything together until every morsel is coated in that gorgeous chocolate-peanut butter blend.

Step 8: Scoop Onto Sheet

Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop generous dollops of the mixture onto your lined baking sheet. Give them a bit of space so they set up nicely.

Step 9: Chill to Set

Refrigerate the cookies for 30 minutes to allow them to set and firm up. This is the hardest part—waiting!

Step 10: Serve or Store

Once they’re set, remove from the fridge and dig in! Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week (if they last that long!).

How to Serve No-Bake Avalanche Cookies

No-Bake Avalanche Cookies Garnishes

To add a little flair to your No-Bake Avalanche Cookies, try sprinkling them with extra mini marshmallows, a zigzag of melted chocolate, or a pinch of flaky sea salt. These touches make your cookies look bakery-fancy and taste even more decadent.

No-Bake Avalanche Cookies Side Dishes

For a fun dessert spread, serve your cookies with a tall glass of cold milk, a hot cup of coffee, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Their combination of sweet and crunchy pairs perfectly with creamy, cool treats or your favorite warm drink.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack a handful in a decorative cellophane bag for adorable edible gifts, display them on a tiered cake stand for parties, or arrange them around a bowl of fresh berries for a pop of color. No-Bake Avalanche Cookies also look lovely nestled in colorful cupcake liners or shared on a rustic wooden platter at gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

No-Bake Avalanche Cookies keep well in an airtight container for up to a week at room temperature. If your kitchen is warm, consider stashing them in the fridge to help preserve their texture and keep the chocolate firm.

Freezing

If you want to get ahead or save some for a later date, these cookies freeze beautifully! Place them in single layers separated by wax paper in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep for up to three months, ready for an emergency sweet fix.

Reheating

No reheating needed—just thaw frozen No-Bake Avalanche Cookies at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes. They’ll be as delicious as the day you made them, with all their texture and flavor intact.

FAQs

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter adds another level of nutty texture and bite. Just be aware that your cookies will end up with a bit more crunch than the traditional recipe, which many people consider a bonus.

Can I substitute other cereals for the rice cereal?

Definitely—you can try cornflakes, crisped wheat, or even oat-based cereals. Although the classic No-Bake Avalanche Cookies flavor comes from rice cereal’s light crispiness, experimenting can lead to new tasty discoveries.

Do No-Bake Avalanche Cookies need to be refrigerated?

If your kitchen is on the warmer side or if you like a firmer cookie, it’s best to store them in the fridge. Otherwise, they’re fine at room temperature for several days, especially in an airtight container.

How do I prevent the chocolate from seizing while melting?

Always melt your chocolate in short bursts (about 30 seconds), stirring in between. Avoid letting any water get into the bowl, and stop microwaving as soon as it’s mostly melted—residual heat will take care of the rest.

Can I add extra mix-ins?

You sure can! Popular additions to No-Bake Avalanche Cookies include chopped nuts, dried fruit, or even a handful of toffee bits. Just don’t overload the mixture so the cookies keep their shape.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a quick, truly satisfying treat, you’ll fall for No-Bake Avalanche Cookies in no time. They’re easy, adaptable, and always a crowd-pleaser. So go ahead—gather your ingredients, whip up a batch, and enjoy every delicious, messy mouthful!

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