Avalanche Cookies: A No-Bake Holiday Delight

When the holidays arrive, everyone is on the lookout for quick, delicious, and crowd-pleasing desserts. If you want something festive but don’t want to spend hours baking, Avalanche Cookies are a perfect choice. These no-bake treats combine the creamy sweetness of white chocolate and peanut butter with soft mini marshmallows and crunchy rice cereal to create a dessert that’s both indulgent and fun.

Also known as “snowy” or “winter wonderland” cookies, Avalanche Cookies are perfect for holiday parties, potlucks, or even as a simple sweet treat for family and friends. Despite their simple preparation, these cookies are visually impressive, giving the appearance of a snowy avalanche of chocolate, marshmallows, and cereal.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the ingredients, preparation, and tips for making Avalanche Cookies. Additionally, we’ll cover some frequently asked questions to ensure your cookies turn out perfectly every time.

Why You’ll Love Avalanche Cookies

Avalanche Cookies are a holiday favorite for several reasons:

1. No-Bake Convenience – No oven? No problem! These cookies set in the fridge or at room temperature, making them perfect for those who want a fast dessert.
2. Creamy and Crunchy – The combination of smooth white chocolate and peanut butter with crispy rice cereal and soft marshmallows creates a delightful texture contrast.
3. Customizable – Add mini chocolate chips, sprinkles, or even crushed nuts for a personalized touch.
4. Kid-Friendly – These cookies are fun to make with children, as there’s no hot oven involved, just stirring, scooping, and setting.
5. Perfect for Holiday Gifting – Pack these cookies in cellophane bags, boxes, or tins for an impressive and tasty holiday gift.

Avalanche Cookies aren’t just tasty—they’re festive, versatile, and simple enough to make on a busy holiday schedule.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe makes approximately 20 cookies. All ingredients are easy to find in most grocery stores, and you may even have some in your pantry already.

• 2 cups crispy rice cereal – Provides crunch and structure for the cookies.
• 1 1/2 cups mini marshmallows – Adds softness and a melt-in-your-mouth sweetness.
• 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter – Enhances flavor and adds creamy richness.
• 12 ounces white chocolate chips (1 bag) – The star ingredient that binds the mixture.
• Optional toppings: Mini chocolate chips or sprinkles for decoration.

Note: You can experiment with variations, such as using dark or milk chocolate chips instead of white chocolate or swapping peanut butter for almond or cashew butter for a different flavor profile.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Making Avalanche Cookies is quick, easy, and almost foolproof. Follow these steps for perfect results:

Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or wax paper. This prevents the cookies from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Have your mini ice cream scoop, spoon, or cookie scoop ready for portioning the cookies later.

Step 2: Melt the White Chocolate

Place the white chocolate chips in a medium or large microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth.

Tip: Be careful not to overheat the chocolate, as white chocolate can burn easily. Stirring frequently helps distribute heat evenly.

Step 3: Add Peanut Butter

Once the chocolate is melted, add the creamy peanut butter to the bowl. Stir until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and fully combined. The peanut butter not only adds flavor but also helps the mixture stick together.

Step 4: Combine Marshmallows and Rice Cereal

Add the mini marshmallows and crispy rice cereal to the melted chocolate and peanut butter mixture. Use a spatula or spoon to gently fold the ingredients together until everything is evenly coated in the chocolate-peanut butter mixture.

Tip: Fold gently to avoid crushing the marshmallows too much—they should remain soft and puffy.

Step 5: Portion the Cookies

Using a spoon or mini ice cream scoop, portion 1–2 tablespoons of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Space the cookies slightly apart to maintain shape.

Optional: Sprinkle with mini chocolate chips, holiday-themed sprinkles, or even a light dusting of powdered sugar for a snowy effect.

Step 6: Chill or Set

Avalanche Cookies need time to set and harden:

• Room Temperature: Leave the cookies on the counter for about 2 hours.
• Refrigerator: Place in the fridge for 15–20 minutes for faster setting.

Once firm, the cookies are ready to enjoy!

Step 7: Serve or Store

Avalanche Cookies are best served within a few days, but they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to two weeks. These cookies can also be frozen in a single layer with parchment between them for up to a month.

Tips for Perfect Avalanche Cookies

1. Use High-Quality White Chocolate: This ensures a smooth and creamy texture. Lower-quality white chocolate may not melt evenly.
2. Don’t Overheat the Chocolate: White chocolate burns quickly, so stir every 30 seconds while microwaving.
3. Mini Marshmallows are Key: Standard marshmallows can make the mixture too sticky or dense. Mini marshmallows distribute more evenly.
4. Scoop Evenly: Use a small ice cream or cookie scoop for uniform cookies that set at the same rate.
5. Customize Your Toppings: Add sprinkles, chopped nuts, or drizzle with dark chocolate for extra flair.

Variations and Flavor Enhancements

Avalanche Cookies are highly versatile. Here are some ideas to make them unique:

• Chocolate Avalanche Cookies: Substitute white chocolate with milk or dark chocolate for a richer flavor.
• Nut-Free Version: Replace peanut butter with sunflower seed butter to avoid allergens.
• Festive Colors: Mix in red and green sprinkles for a holiday-themed look.
• Coconut Crunch: Add shredded coconut for extra texture and flavor.
• Mini Candy Mix: Incorporate small candies like M&Ms or crushed peppermint for variety.

These variations make Avalanche Cookies perfect for any occasion, not just the holidays.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per Cookie)

• Calories: 150 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Sodium: 40 mg
• Fiber: 1 g
• Sugar: 12 g

Note: Nutritional values may vary depending on the exact brands and quantities used.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make Avalanche Cookies without peanut butter?
Yes, you can substitute peanut butter with almond butter, cashew butter, or even leave it out entirely, but the mixture may be slightly less sticky.

2. Do these cookies need to be refrigerated?
Refrigeration is optional. Cookies will set at room temperature within 2 hours, but chilling speeds up the process.

3. Can I use large marshmallows instead of mini marshmallows?
Mini marshmallows are recommended for even distribution. If using large marshmallows, cut them into smaller pieces before mixing.

4. How long do Avalanche Cookies last?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, in the fridge for 2 weeks, or freeze for up to a month.

5. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the mixture and scoop onto a baking sheet, then refrigerate until ready to set. These cookies are perfect for prepping in advance for holiday gatherings.

6. Can I add other mix-ins?
Yes! Mini chocolate chips, sprinkles, crushed candy, dried fruit, or nuts all work beautifully. Be mindful of the overall texture; too many add-ins may affect setting.

Conclusion

Avalanche Cookies are the ultimate no-bake holiday treat. They combine creamy white chocolate, rich peanut butter, fluffy marshmallows, and crunchy rice cereal into a dessert that is easy to make, visually appealing, and delicious. Perfect for kids, holiday parties, gift-giving, or a simple sweet snack, these cookies are both practical and indulgent.

Whether you stick to the classic recipe or experiment with toppings, mix-ins, and variations, Avalanche Cookies are sure to become a favorite in your holiday baking repertoire. Their ease of preparation makes them ideal for busy bakers, while their irresistible flavor ensures that everyone will keep coming back for more.

Make a batch, share the joy, and watch these sweet little snow-capped treats disappear quickly. With Avalanche Cookies, the holidays just got a little sweeter—and a lot more fun.

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