Name: Easy Avalanche Cookies Recipe – No-Bake Sweet Treats
Prep time: 40 min
Cook time: 2 min
Total time: 42 min
Yield: 18 cookies
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups white chocolate chips; 2/3 cup creamy peanut butter; 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 2 cups crispy rice cereal; 1 cup mini marshmallows; 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips; Flaky sea salt

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Nothing beats the moment when you realize you can create a stunning dessert without turning on the oven. These avalanche cookies became my go-to solution when unexpected guests arrive or when the kids need a quick sweet treat after school. With just a handful of pantry staples and about 40 minutes total time, you’ll have gorgeous, crowd-pleasing cookies that taste like they came from a fancy bakery. What makes these avalanche cookies so special is their perfect balance of creamy white chocolate, crunchy cereal, and fluffy marshmallows—all topped with a sprinkle of sea salt that elevates every bite. Let me walk you through this foolproof recipe that’s about to become your new favorite no-bake dessert.

Why Avalanche Cookies Matter

In our busy lives, having a reliable dessert recipe that doesn’t require baking is pure gold. These avalanche cookies deliver bakery-quality results with minimal effort, making them perfect for potluck dinners, school events, or those moments when you need something sweet but don’t want to heat up the kitchen. The combination of textures and flavors creates a treat that appeals to both kids and adults, while the quick preparation time means you can whip them up even on the busiest weeknights.

Behind the Recipe

This recipe came to life during one of those chaotic December afternoons when my sister called to say she was bringing her kids over for an impromptu visit. I needed something sweet, fast, and impressive. Rummaging through my pantry, I found white chocolate chips, some leftover cereal, and mini marshmallows from hot chocolate season. The first batch disappeared so quickly that I knew I had stumbled onto something magical. The name “avalanche” came from my nephew, who said they looked like little snowy mountains—and honestly, he wasn’t wrong!

External Resources

When you’re ready to expand your no-bake dessert repertoire, I highly recommend checking out our easy no-bake cookies recipe for another foolproof option. You might also love our Christmas fudge recipe for the holidays. For more inspiration on no-bake treats, Beyond Frosting’s no-bake dessert collection offers wonderful variety. If you’re curious about the nutritional aspects of white chocolate, Whitakers Chocolates provides detailed nutrition facts that might interest you.

Ingredients

Everything You Need for Perfect Avalanche Cookies
2 cups white chocolate chips (I swear by Ghirardelli or Guittard for that smooth, creamy melt) 2/3 cup creamy peanut butter (the smooth kind works best here—save the crunchy for sandwiches) 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (that warm, sweet note that ties everything together) 2 cups crispy rice cereal (Rice Krispies are classic, but any brand works beautifully) 1 cup mini marshmallows (these little clouds of sweetness make all the difference) 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips for sprinkling (because more chocolate is never a bad idea) Flaky sea salt for sprinkling (this is your secret weapon for gourmet flavor)

Ingredient Spotlight

The quality white chocolate is absolutely crucial here—it’s the foundation of your avalanche cookies. Cheap white chocolate can seize up or taste artificial, while good brands like Ghirardelli melt smoothly and provide that rich, buttery flavor. The creamy peanut butter acts as both a flavor enhancer and a binding agent, helping everything stick together beautifully. Those mini marshmallows aren’t just for show—they add pockets of chewy sweetness that contrast perfectly with the crispy cereal. And that flaky sea salt? It’s the grown-up touch that transforms these from simple treats into sophisticated confections.

Timing

Quick Timing Breakdown
Prep time: 40 minutes (including chilling) Active cooking time: 2 minutes Total time: 42 minutes Chilling time: 30 minutes Servings: 18 generous cookies

These avalanche cookies are about 20% faster than most traditional cookie recipes since there’s no preheating, baking, or cooling time required. Perfect for those weeknight dessert emergencies!

Instructions

Step-by-Step Guide to Avalanche Cookie Success
### Prepare Your Workspace Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside. Trust me, you’ll want this ready before you start melting chocolate—these cookies set up quickly once you start scooping! ### Melt the White Chocolate In a large microwave-safe bowl, melt the white chocolate chips in 30-second intervals, stirring thoroughly after each burst. My grandmother always said patience is key with white chocolate—it burns faster than you think, so don’t rush this step. ### Add the Binding Ingredients Once your chocolate is silky smooth, immediately stir in the peanut butter and vanilla extract. The residual heat will help everything combine into a glossy, gorgeous mixture that smells absolutely divine. ### Fold in the Fun Stuff Gently fold in the crispy rice cereal and mini marshmallows, being careful not to crush the cereal. I like to use a large spoon and fold from the bottom up—it keeps everything intact and evenly distributed. ### Shape Your Avalanche Cookies Using a 1.5 tablespoon cookie scoop (or a regular spoon), drop the mixture onto your prepared baking sheet. Shape each mound slightly with your fingers—they should look like little snowy peaks. ### Add the Finishing Touches Immediately sprinkle each cookie with mini chocolate chips and a light dusting of flaky sea salt. Don’t wait on this step—the chocolate needs to be slightly warm for the toppings to stick properly. ### Chill and Set Refrigerate the cookies for 30 minutes until completely set. I know it’s tempting to sneak one early, but trust the process—properly set cookies have the perfect texture.

Tips & Tricks for Perfect Avalanche Cookies

Pro Tips for Cookie Success
Use a microwave-safe bowl that’s larger than you think you need—melted chocolate can bubble up unexpectedly, and cleanup is no fun. Stir the chocolate every 30 seconds without exception. White chocolate goes from perfect to seized faster than you can blink. Work quickly once you add the cereal and marshmallows—the mixture firms up as it cools, making scooping more difficult. If your mixture gets too stiff, pop it back in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to soften slightly. Store these in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking—they’ll keep fresh for up to a week.

Recipe Variations & Substitutions

For busy cooks, try using almond butter instead of peanut butter for a more sophisticated flavor profile. Kids absolutely love a birthday cake version—swap the vanilla for cake batter extract and add rainbow sprinkles instead of sea salt. If you’re dealing with nut allergies, sunflower seed butter works beautifully as a substitute. For a tropical twist, replace the mini marshmallows with dried coconut flakes and add a handful of mini dried pineapple pieces. These avalanche cookies are incredibly forgiving and adapt well to whatever you have on hand.

Leftover & Reuse Ideas

Leftover avalanche cookies (if there are any!) can be chopped up and stirred into vanilla ice cream for an instant upgrade. They also make fantastic pie crust crumbs when crushed—just press into a pie pan for a no-bake cheesecake base. Crumble them over yogurt for breakfast, or pack them in lunch boxes for a special midday treat. I’ve even seen creative bakers use them as cupcake toppers for birthday parties.

Pairing Ideas

These sweet treats pair beautifully with a tall glass of cold milk or a steaming mug of hot chocolate. For adult gatherings, serve alongside coffee or chai tea—the warm spices complement the sweet, salty flavors perfectly. Fresh strawberries or sliced apples provide a lovely contrast to the rich sweetness. During summer, they’re delightful with fresh lemonade or iced tea.

Serving Suggestions

Present these avalanche cookies on a rustic wooden board for casual gatherings, or arrange them on a tiered serving stand for more formal occasions. They look stunning in clear glass jars as gifts—tie with a ribbon and include the recipe card. For parties, consider making mini versions using a smaller scoop for bite-sized treats that guests can easily enjoy while mingling.

Nutritional Information

Each avalanche cookie contains approximately 185 calories, 9g fat, 24g carbohydrates, 3g protein, and 2g fiber. These treats provide quick energy from the natural sugars and contain small amounts of calcium and iron from the fortified cereal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

The biggest mistake I see is overheating the white chocolate—it becomes grainy and unusable if it gets too hot. Remember, white chocolate is more delicate than regular chocolate, so patience is key. Another common issue is adding the cereal and marshmallows while the chocolate is too hot, which can melt the marshmallows completely. Let the chocolate mixture cool for just a minute or two before folding in the dry ingredients. Don’t worry if you make these mistakes—we’ve all been there, and it’s all part of the learning process!

Storage & Reheating Tips

Store your avalanche cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week, or refrigerate for up to two weeks. Layer them between parchment paper to prevent sticking. These cookies actually taste great straight from the fridge—they become a bit firmer and more fudge-like. For longer storage, freeze them for up to three months in a freezer-safe container. No reheating needed—just let them come to room temperature for the perfect texture.

Are avalanche cookies gluten-free?: Most crispy rice cereals are gluten-free, but always check the package to be sure. The other ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free, making these a great option for those avoiding gluten.
Can I make avalanche cookies without peanut butter?: Absolutely! Try almond butter, sunflower seed butter, or even Nutella for different flavor profiles. Each substitute will give your cookies a unique taste while maintaining the same great texture.
How long do avalanche cookies need to set?: These cookies need at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator to set properly. In a pinch, you can pop them in the freezer for 15 minutes, but the refrigerator method gives the best texture.
Are avalanche cookies kid-friendly?: These cookies are perfect for kids! They love helping mix the ingredients, and the sweet, familiar flavors are always a hit. Just be mindful of any nut allergies in the group.
Can I double the avalanche cookies recipe?: Yes, this recipe doubles beautifully! Just make sure you have a large enough bowl for mixing and enough baking sheet space for all the cookies. The timing remains the same.

Conclusion

Finished avalanche cookies arranged on a white serving plate, topped with mini chocolate chips and flaky sea salt, showing their beautiful snowy appearance

These avalanche cookies prove that the best treats often come from the simplest ingredients and techniques. With their perfect balance of sweet and salty, creamy and crunchy, they’re destined to become a staple in your dessert repertoire. Whether you’re feeding a crowd, need a quick weeknight dessert, or want to get the kids involved in the kitchen, this recipe delivers every single time. The beauty lies in their versatility—customize them with your family’s favorite add-ins and watch them disappear faster than fresh snow.

Made these Avalanche Cookies? Drop your twist in the comments, rate the recipe, and tag us on facebook, instagram with #erinrecipes — we might feature your creation!

Servings:

Author: Sarah Jenkins