Can I use natural peanut butter in this recipe?

While it's possible, traditional creamy peanut butter (like Jif or Skippy) works best in this recipe because it has stabilizers that help the cookies set properly. If you prefer natural peanut butter, make sure it's well-stirred and consider adding an extra ounce of white chocolate to help with setting.

Why did my white chocolate seize or become grainy?

White chocolate is particularly sensitive to heat. If it becomes grainy, it likely overheated or came into contact with water. Always use a completely dry bowl and utensils, and melt over very low heat, removing from heat before it's completely melted and letting the residual heat finish the job.

How can I make these cookies more giftable?

These cookies make wonderful gifts! For best presentation, wait until they're completely set, then place in decorative tins or boxes lined with parchment paper. If shipping, choose cooler weather months and use expedited shipping to prevent melting.

My cookies aren't setting up firmly. What went wrong?

If your cookies remain too soft after the setting time, the ratio of wet to dry ingredients might be off. Try adding a few more Rice Krispies next time. Meanwhile, place your current batch in the refrigerator to help them firm up.

Avalanche Cookies Recipe - LazyDayRecipes

Name: Avalanche Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 2 h 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 2 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 ounces white chocolate chips (340 grams or 1 bag); ⅔ cup creamy peanut butter (180 grams); 2 cups Rice Krispies cereal (56 grams); 1 cup mini marshmallows (43 grams); ¼ cup mini chocolate chips (44 grams)

These irresistible Avalanche Cookies are a no-bake dream come true! Featuring a perfect blend of creamy white chocolate, peanut butter, crispy cereal, and pillowy marshmallows, these treats come together in just 15 minutes of active time. They’re the perfect solution for last-minute guests, bake sales, or when you simply need a sweet fix without turning on the oven.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

No Baking Required: Perfect for hot summer days or when you don’t want to wait for the oven to preheat.
Kid-Friendly Process: Little hands can help mix and shape these cookies, making it a fun family activity.
Customizable: The basic recipe is fantastic on its own, but you can easily adapt it with different mix-ins and flavors.
Quick Preparation: Just 15 minutes of hands-on time means you can whip these up even on busy weeknights.

Ingredients You’ll Need

White Chocolate Chips: The foundation of our cookie, providing sweetness and structure as they set. Choose high-quality chips for the best melt and flavor.
Creamy Peanut Butter: Adds a rich nuttiness and helps bind everything together. The natural oils in peanut butter also contribute to the cookies’ fudgy texture.
Rice Krispies Cereal: Delivers that signature crispy crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft, creamy base. They stay remarkably crisp even after mixing with the wet ingredients.
Mini Marshmallows: Create pockets of soft, sweet goodness throughout each cookie. They don’t fully melt, giving you delightful chewy surprises in every bite.
Mini Chocolate Chips: Optional but recommended for those delicious bursts of chocolate and a lovely color contrast against the white cookie base.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Different Chocolate Options

Swap white chocolate for milk, dark, or semisweet chocolate chips for a completely different flavor profile. Each creates a unique cookie with its own personality!

Nut Butter Alternatives

Don’t care for peanut butter? Try almond butter for a milder flavor, Biscoff spread for a spiced cookie taste, or sunflower seed butter for a nut-free option that’s school-friendly.

Mix-In Magic

Consider adding chopped nuts (peanuts or almonds work beautifully), dried fruit bits, or different flavored baking chips. Butterscotch or caramel chips create an extra layer of indulgence.

Dietary Adaptations

Make these gluten-free by using certified gluten-free crisp rice cereal. For a different texture altogether, try corn flakes or a crunchy granola.

How to Make Avalanche Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Your Station

Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and gather all your ingredients. Having everything ready makes the process seamless, especially since you’ll need to work quickly once the chocolate melts.

Step 2: Melt the Base

In a double boiler, gently melt the white chocolate chips, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. Once they’re almost completely melted, whisk in the peanut butter until completely smooth. Remove from heat immediately to prevent separation.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

While your chocolate mixture is melting, combine the Rice Krispies and mini marshmallows in a large mixing bowl, gently tossing them together.

Step 4: Mix Everything Together

Pour the warm white chocolate-peanut butter mixture over the cereal and marshmallows. Using a spatula, fold everything together with a light touch until all ingredients are evenly coated. Be careful not to crush the cereal or fully melt the marshmallows.

Step 5: Shape and Decorate

Working quickly before the mixture sets, use a medium cookie scoop to drop portions onto your prepared baking sheet. Immediately sprinkle mini chocolate chips on top of each cookie so they slightly melt and adhere to the surface.

Step 6: Setting Time

Let the cookies set at room temperature for at least 2 hours until completely hardened. If you’re in a hurry, you can speed up this process by placing them in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Temperature Matters: Be careful not to overheat the white chocolate as it can separate and become grainy. Low and slow is the approach here.
Work Quickly: The mixture will begin to set as it cools, so have everything ready and move efficiently once your chocolate is melted.
Shaping Options: For perfectly uniform cookies, use a cookie scoop. For a more rustic look, two spoons work well. Want flatter cookies? Gently press down with the bottom of a glass.
Marshmallow Freshness: Using fresh marshmallows is crucial—stale ones won’t provide that delightful chewy texture that makes these cookies special.
Hands-Off Mixing: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, use a gentle folding motion rather than aggressive stirring to maintain the cereal’s crunch.

How to Serve

Perfect Pairings

These cookies are wonderfully versatile! Serve them:

With a cold glass of milk for classic cookie enjoyment
Alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an elevated dessert
With hot coffee or tea for an afternoon treat
Packaged in cellophane bags tied with ribbon for homemade gifts

Presentation Ideas

For special occasions, try drizzling the set cookies with additional melted chocolate in contrasting colors. A light dusting of sea salt on top creates a sophisticated sweet-salty combination that’s absolutely irresistible.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

If your home is particularly warm, refrigerate these cookies to prevent them from becoming too soft or melting.

Freezing

These cookies freeze beautifully! Place in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container with parchment between layers. They’ll keep for up to 3 months.

Thawing

Allow frozen cookies to thaw in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving. The texture remains nearly identical to freshly made cookies.

FAQs

Can I use natural peanut butter in this recipe?

While it’s possible, traditional creamy peanut butter (like Jif or Skippy) works best in this recipe because it has stabilizers that help the cookies set properly. If you prefer natural peanut butter, make sure it’s well-stirred and consider adding an extra ounce of white chocolate to help with setting.
Why did my white chocolate seize or become grainy?

White chocolate is particularly sensitive to heat. If it becomes grainy, it likely overheated or came into contact with water. Always use a completely dry bowl and utensils, and melt over very low heat, removing from heat before it’s completely melted and letting the residual heat finish the job.
How can I make these cookies more giftable?

These cookies make wonderful gifts! For best presentation, wait until they’re completely set, then place in decorative tins or boxes lined with parchment paper. If shipping, choose cooler weather months and use expedited shipping to prevent melting.
My cookies aren’t setting up firmly. What went wrong?

If your cookies remain too soft after the setting time, the ratio of wet to dry ingredients might be off. Try adding a few more Rice Krispies next time. Meanwhile, place your current batch in the refrigerator to help them firm up.

Final Thoughts

These Avalanche Cookies are truly one of those miracle recipes that deliver maximum impact with minimal effort. Their irresistible combination of textures and flavors makes them disappear faster than you can say “no-bake”! Whether you’re a seasoned baker looking for a quick treat or someone who’s intimidated by traditional baking, these cookies deliver foolproof deliciousness every time. Give them a try—I bet they’ll become a regular in your dessert rotation!