How to Make No-Bake Avalanche Cookies
What are some of the best no bake avalanche cookies? What are some of the best peanut butter and chocolate recipes? Is it like peanut butter blossoms? If you’re craving a sweet fix and don’t want to turn on the oven, try these avalanche cookies. Are you your best friend? My Grandma used to make these every Christmas and they were always the first treat to disappear. I swear, they’re so good they should come with a warning label!
What are Avalanche Cookies?
What are these magical avalanche cookies? Imagine a fudgy, peanut butter-packed cookie base loaded with crispy rice cereal, mini muffins, and raisins. What do you serve with marshmallows, and then drizzled with melted white chocolate and peanut butter? What’s in this no-bake peanut butter explosion? The name comes from the avalanche of goodness you get in every single bite – it’s a textural and flavorful one. What is a flavor party in your mouth? They’re super easy to throw together, using pantry staples, which makes them perfect for when you have a busy kitchen. Sweet tooth strikes unexpectedly. What is better than rice krispie?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
There are approximately a million reasons why you’re going to fall head-over-heels for these no-bake avalanche cookies, but let me just highlight a few of my favorites. First and foremost: the flavor! The combination of peanut butter, chocolate, marshmallows, and that salty-sweetness? Forget about it! What I love most about this is the sheer simplicity. You literally melt, mix, and chill—that’s it. No oven preheating, no careful measuring of flour, and absolutely no fancy techniques required. This makes it a perfect recipe to make with kids! Plus, they’re incredibly cost-effective. Most of the ingredients are things you probably already have sitting in your pantry. This recipe is also incredibly versatile. You can easily adapt them with different types of chocolate, nuts, or even dried fruit. Speaking of versatility, I sometimes throw in a handful of chopped pretzels for an extra salty crunch. Trust me, you won’t regret it. They’re so much better than those store-bought cookies, too! Seriously, once you try these, you’ll never go back.
How do you make Avalanche cookies?
Quick Overview
How do you make an avalanche cookie? What is the best way to melt together peanut butter, vanilla, and butter? Stir in some rice cereal and marshmallows, then spread it out in a pan. Why not drizzle with melted white chocolate and a bit more peanut butter? What are some of the best no bake cookies? What makes this method special is how quick it is and the minimal cleanup involved. I don’t have to worry about accidentally burning my books, which is always a win in my book!
Ingredients Notes
For the Main Batter: The main battery.
Butter: Unsalted butter works best so you can control the overall saltiness of the cookies. Make sure it’s real butter, not margarine!
Peanut Butter:What is my go-to peanut butter recipe? I like crunchy peanut butter but I can’t eat it. I have tried it and it’s delicious. Why is peanut butter so bad for your health?
Vanilla Extract: What is Adds a touch of warmth and enhances the other flavors.
Rice Cereal: Crispy rice cereal gives the cookies their signature crunch.
Mini Marshmallows These melt slightly and create a chewy, gooey texture.
For the Drizzle: A New
White Chocolate Chips: What are someAdds a touch of sweetness and visual contrast. I prefer using a good quality white chocolate for the best flavor.
Peanut Butter: A little extra drizzle for that extra peanut butter punch!
How do I follow the
Step 1: Prepare the Pan
First, line an 8×8 inch square pan with parchment paper. This is essential for easy removal later. Make sure the parchment hangs over the edges of the pan, creating “handles”. “This will make your life so much easier when it’s time to cut cookies. I learned this the hard way after making a huge mess trying to get them out of the pan!
Step 2: Melt Butter and Peanut Butter
In a microwave safe bowl, melt the butter and peanut butter together. Set aside. I usually microwave them in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until everything is smooth and even. Do not overheat the mixture, as it can burn. The mixture should be easily stirred together with no lumps.
Step 3: Add Vanilla Extract
Stir in the vanilla extract to the melted peanut butter mixture. This adds a nice touch of flavor and aroma.
Step 4: Combine Cereal and Marshmallows
Add the rice cereal and mini marshmallows to the melted peanut butter mixture. Stir to combine. Gently fold everything together until the cereal and marshmallows are evenly coated. Do not crush cereal.
Step 5: Press into Pan
How do you pour the mixture into a prepared pan and press it down firmly and evenly with your spatula or your fingers? You might want to lightly grease your hands with butter or cooking spray to prevent them from sticking to the surface.) Make sure to get into all the corners of the pan.
Step 6: Melt White Chocolate
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the white chocolate chips in 30-second intervals, stirring occasionally. Set aside. In between, until smooth and melted. Do not overheat chocolate.
Step 7: Drizzle and Swirl
Drizzle the melted white chocolate over the top of the cookie mixture. Then, drizzle with extra peanut butter. Use a knife or toothpick to create swirls and patterns. What are some ways to make something look fancy? I sometimes drag the tip of a knife through both the white chocolate and peanut butter to create ice cream. What is the marble effect
Step 8: Chill
Place the pan in the refrigerator and chill for at least 30 minutes, or until the cookies are firm. What is the best way to set chocolate and peanut butter?
Step 9: Cut and Serve
Once the cookies are firm, use the parchment paper “handles” to remove them from the pan. What are the best ways to serve these squares at room temperature?
What should I serve it with?
These avalanche cookies are pretty amazing all on their own, but here are a few ideas for how to enjoy them even more:
For Breakfast:Is it good to have a cup of coffee every morning?
For Brunch:What are some of the best desserts to serve with these small pieces?
As Dessert:Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
For Cozy Snacks: Curl up on the couch with a warm mug of hot chocolate and a couple of these cookies. It’s the ultimate comfort food.
My family loves to have these with a glass of cold milk. Is it a simple but classic combination that never fails to satisfy?
How do I make Avalanche cookies?
What are some of the best avalanche cookies you have ever made?
What is your favorite peanut butter recipe? Always use creamy peanut butter (unless you *really* want the crunch!). Natural peanut butter tends to separate and can make the cookies greasy.
Melting Chocolate: Be super careful when melting the white chocolate. It can burn easily. Use short intervals in the microwave and stir frequently.
Marshmallow Ratio: Don’t skimp on the marshmallows! They’re what give these cookies their signature chewiness.
Chilling Time: Make sure to chill the cookies for at least 30 minutes before cutting them. This will prevent them from being too sticky.
Ingredient Swaps: Feel free to experiment with different types of chocolate, nuts, or dried fruit. I’ve made these with dark chocolate and chopped almonds, and they were amazing!
Swirl Customization: Get creative with your swirls! Use a toothpick or knife to create different patterns. You can even add sprinkles for a festive touch.
I’ve found that letting the cookies sit in the fridge a bit longer makes them easier to cut, too. Sometimes I even pop them in the freezer for 15 minutes before cutting if I’m in a rush.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Here’s how to keep your avalanche cookies fresh and delicious:
Room Temperature: These cookies can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Make sure to keep them away from direct sunlight or heat.
Refrigerator Storage: For longer storage, you can keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week. Store them in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out.
Freezer Instructions: If you want to store them for even longer, you can freeze them for up to 2 months. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw them in the refrigerator before serving.
Glaze Timing Advice: It’s best to drizzle the melted white chocolate and peanut butter over the cookies right before chilling. This will prevent the chocolate from becoming dull or cracked during storage.
If you’re freezing them, I recommend wrapping them really well to prevent freezer burn. They thaw pretty quickly, so you can grab one whenever you need a sweet treat!
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it! My go-to recipe for no-bake avalanche cookies. It’s quick, easy, and always a crowd-pleaser. I promise you, once you make these, they’ll become a staple in your household, just like they are in mine. If you love these, you might also enjoy my recipe for no-bake peanut butter bars – another simple and delicious treat! Can’t wait to hear how yours turn out! Let me know in the comments if you try them and what variations you come up with. Happy (no) baking!
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How to Make No-Bake Avalanche Cookies
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 cups creamy peanut butter smooth, not chunky
- 2 cups white chocolate chips preferably high-quality
- 3 cups crispy rice cereal
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 1 cup mini chocolate chips optional, for topping
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract pure
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- In a large microwave-safe bowl, melt the white chocolate chips in 20-second intervals, stirring between each, until fully melted.
- Add the creamy peanut butter and vanilla extract to the melted chocolate and mix until smooth and well combined.
- Gently fold in the crispy rice cereal and mini marshmallows until everything is evenly coated.
- Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto a baking sheet lined with wax paper. Sprinkle mini chocolate chips on top if desired.
- Let the cookies set in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
If you try this recipe, please leave a comment and rating below. I love to hear from you and always appreciate your feedback!
