Avalanche Cookies Recipe

If you’re looking for a fun, no-bake treat that combines the best flavors of peanut butter, white chocolate, and cereal crunch, then you’re going to love this Avalanche Cookies Recipe. I absolutely adore how these cookies come together in under half an hour and then chill into a crispy, creamy delight that’s just perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s an afternoon snack, a party treat, or a sweet surprise for your kids, these Avalanche cookies never fail to please.

What’s special about this Avalanche Cookies Recipe is how effortlessly it blends simple pantry ingredients into such a tasty, nostalgic bite. When I first made these, I was surprised by how little fuss there was, but the texture and flavor totally wowed my family. You’ll find that once you’ve tried them, they’ll be your go-to cookie for impressing guests without heating up the kitchen.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in the Avalanche Cookies Recipe works together to create that classic sweet and salty balance, with plenty of crunchy surprise from the cereal and plenty of melty chocolatey goodness.

• Mini chocolate chips: Freezing them before folding in helps keep little pockets of chocolate from melting completely, creating a fun texture burst.
• White chocolate chips: The creamy sweetness here balances the peanut butter and gives the base a smooth richness.
• Creamy peanut butter: I love using Skippy because it melts beautifully and has just the right saltiness.
• Rice Krispies cereal: Adds that signature crispy crunch that makes Avalanche Cookies so addictive.
• Miniature marshmallows: These create a light chewiness and act as a binder without weighing the cookies down.

Variations

I like to mix things up a bit when I make Avalanche Cookies, depending on my mood or what I have on hand. Feel free to customize this recipe to suit your taste—it’s super forgiving and always delivers.

• Use dark chocolate chips instead of mini chocolate chips: I tried this once, and the deeper chocolate flavor really elevated the cookies.
• Add chopped nuts: If you’re a fan of extra crunch, chopped almonds or pecans add a nice nutty contrast.
• Swap marshmallows for vegan marshmallows: For a dairy-free twist that still keeps the chewiness intact.
• Add a hint of sea salt on top: Sprinkling a pinch of flaky sea salt onto each cookie before chilling balances the sweetness wonderfully.

How to Make Avalanche Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace and Freeze the Chocolate Chips

Start by lining two large sheet pans with parchment paper or your preferred liner. I always use parchment because it’s easy to peel off the cooled cookies. Then, pop those mini chocolate chips in the freezer—this little trick keeps them from melting when you mix them into the warm white chocolate and peanut butter base later.

Step 2: Melt White Chocolate and Mix with Peanut Butter

Place the white chocolate chips in a large microwave-safe bowl and melt them in 25-second increments, stirring every 20 seconds for smooth, even melting. Don’t rush this part because white chocolate can seize easily if overheated. Once smooth, stir in the creamy peanut butter until you have a glossy, well-blended mixture. This is the heart of your Avalanche Cookies Recipe and what makes these cookies so luscious.

Step 3: Combine the Cereal and Marshmallows

In a large bowl, pour in the crispy rice cereal, then gently fold in the white chocolate and peanut butter mixture until every piece is well coated. Toss in the miniature marshmallows and give it another gentle stir. At this point, the mixture should still be warm but not hot—this is perfect for folding in the frozen mini chocolate chips without melting them.

Step 4: Add Frozen Mini Chocolate Chips and Scoop Cookies

Now, bring those chilled mini chocolate chips back out and fold them carefully into the mixture. Use a 2-tablespoon measuring spoon or cookie scoop to portion the dough onto the lined sheet pans, spacing them evenly. Top each cookie with a few extra mini chocolate chips so they look irresistible. Pat the tops lightly if you want them to stick better.

Step 5: Chill and Set

Pop the cookie trays into the refrigerator for about one hour to let the mixture firm up. I like to serve these straight from the fridge because they’re perfectly firm but still tender and chewy. If you leave them at room temperature too long, they can start to soften too much.

How to Serve Avalanche Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple and sprinkle a few extra mini chocolate chips on top before chilling. Sometimes I dust them lightly with powdered sugar for a festive look — it reminds me of fresh snow on a mountain, which is fun for winter holidays.

Side Dishes

These cookies are sweet enough to be a dessert star on their own, but if I’m serving a cookie platter, I like pairing them with fresh fruit slices like apples or strawberries for a bit of brightness. A cold glass of milk or a cup of coffee pairs perfectly, balancing the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday parties, I’ve presented Avalanche Cookies stacked on a rustic wooden board with sprigs of pine and little bowls of extra chocolate chips and mini marshmallows for guests to sprinkle as they wish. Wrapped individually with festive cellophane and tied with ribbon, they make adorable edible gifts.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover Avalanche Cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep them fresh and firm. They stay delicious for up to a week, although they rarely last that long in my house. The fridge keeps them from getting too soft and sticky.

Freezing

If I want to make these ahead of time, I freeze the cookies in a single layer on parchment-lined trays, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag once firm. This way, they freeze beautifully and can be enjoyed whenever a sweet tooth strikes—just thaw in the fridge.

Reheating

I don’t recommend microwaving these since the marshmallows and chocolate can get melty and messy. Instead, I let frozen cookies thaw overnight in the fridge and then bring them to room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving. That keeps their signature chewy texture intact.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Honestly, the Avalanche Cookies Recipe has become one of those staples I turn to when I want an easy, delicious treat that feels a little special without any stress. I love how versatile it is and how it always brings smiles, whether for a quick snack or a party crowd. I hope you give it a try—you’ll enjoy how simple ingredients and a tiny bit of chilling come together for such a crowd-pleaser. Trust me, these cookies will make you feel like you’re sharing something truly homemade and heartfelt.

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