Name: No Bake Avalanche Cookies
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 16 ounces vanilla flavored candy coating (broken into pieces for faster melting); 15 ounces creamy peanut butter (room temperature for easier mixing); 2 cups Rice Krispies cereal (measured lightly, do not pack); 1.5 cups mini marshmallows (fresh, not stale); 0.5 cup mini chocolate chips (place in the freezer until ready to use)

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Creamy, crunchy, and impossibly easy — No Bake Avalanche Cookies are one of those no-fuss treats that deliver big flavor with almost no effort. These little clusters combine smooth vanilla candy coating, peanut butter, crisp Rice Krispies, gooey mini marshmallows, and bursts of mini chocolate chips for a texture-packed bite that vanishes fast at parties and snack time. Fun fact: no-bake cookies were originally a pantry-clearing marvel during busy holiday seasons — they let you make a crowd-pleasing sweet without turning on the oven.

This recipe shines because it’s simple, quick, and wildly family-friendly. If you love other quick favorites on the blog, you’ll find a familiar comfort in this one — and you can check out our No Bake Avalanche Cookies recipe page for a handy reference and extra notes. Whether you’re making an after-school snack, potluck contribution, or an easy dessert, these cookies come together fast and please a crowd. Read on and get excited to whip up a batch in under 30 minutes.

What is No Bake Avalanche Cookies?

Why call them Avalanche Cookies — are they snowdrifts or snack bombs? The name evokes a playful image: a mound of marshmallowy, chocolaty, crunchy goodness tumbling into your mouth. Who doesn’t love a cookie that sounds like a winter storm of treats? Maybe someone first dropped a huge scoop of this mix and it cascaded onto the sheet pan — hence the avalanche. Or maybe it’s because these clusters look like tiny snowy peaks when dusted with confectioners sugar (optional).

Could the saying “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach” have inspired the name? A warm-hearted baker might agree — one taste and you’ll see why this dessert wins hearts fast. Try the recipe and decide for yourself; the playful textures and nostalgic flavors make it a joyful treat to share.

Why You’ll Love This

Crowd-pleasing texture: Each bite balances a silky vanilla coating and creamy peanut butter with light crunch from Rice Krispies and chewy mini marshmallows — delightfully addictive.
Wallet-friendly: Pantry staples like cereal, peanut butter, and marshmallows keep cost low while delivering big flavor. Homemade batches are far cheaper than box-of-cookies or specialty candies.
Versatile flavor boosts: Mini chocolate chips add pockets of chocolatey richness, and you can easily swap toppings or coatings to suit dietary needs or preferences.

If you enjoy other no-bake classics on the blog, like quick chocolate peanut clusters, these Avalanche Cookies feel familiar but fresher thanks to the marshmallow pop and vanilla coating. Go on — make a batch and watch them disappear.

How to Make:

Quick Overview

This recipe is delightfully straightforward: melt the vanilla candy coating, fold in peanut butter and Rice Krispies, cool slightly, then add marshmallows and frozen chocolate chips. No baking, no fuss, and about 20–30 minutes total from start to finish. The standout element is the creamy vanilla coating that binds everything together and sets to a satisfying snap around the chewy interior.

Approximate time: 10 minutes active prep, 10–20 minutes to set.

Ingredients

1/2 cup mini chocolate chips — place in the freezer until ready to use (keeps them firm in the clusters)
16 ounces vanilla flavored candy coating (Almond Bark or CandiQuik) — broken into pieces for faster melting
1 jar creamy peanut butter (15 ounces) — room temperature for easier mixing
2 cups Rice Krispies cereal — measured lightly, do not pack
1 1/2 cups mini marshmallows — fresh, not stale

Directions

Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats so cookies won’t stick and cleanup is easy. Place the 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips in the freezer for at least 5 minutes to firm up.
In a microwave-safe bowl, add the 16 ounces vanilla candy coating. Microwave in 30-second intervals at 50 percent power, stirring after each interval, until fully melted and smooth. This prevents scorching.
In a large bowl, combine the 2 cups Rice Krispies with the melted candy coating and the 15 ounces creamy peanut butter. Stir with a sturdy spatula or wooden spoon until every flake is evenly coated and glossy.
Let the mixture cool to room temperature, about 5 to 10 minutes. Cooling prevents the marshmallows and frozen chips from melting when folded in.
Gently fold in the 1 1/2 cups mini marshmallows and the chilled mini chocolate chips you set in the freezer. Stir just enough to distribute them without crushing the marshmallows.
Drop the mixture by rounded tablespoons onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart. Use a small scoop or two spoons for consistent mounds.
Let the cookies set at room temperature for 15 to 30 minutes, or chill in the refrigerator for 10 minutes if you want them firmer sooner. Once set, store in an airtight container.

No Bake Avalanche Cookies

What to Serve With

A tall glass of cold milk or chocolate milk for classic pairing.
Hot coffee or espresso to balance sweetness for adult guests.
Fresh fruit plate (berries, apple slices) to add a bright, refreshing contrast.
A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette if serving as part of a dessert spread.
Scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent treat: place a cookie beside or under the scoop for texture contrast.

Top Tips for Perfecting

Substitutions: Use sunbutter or almond butter for a nut-free or different nut flavor. Dark chocolate chips add more intensity if you prefer less sweetness.
Timing: Chill the chocolate chips to prevent them from melting into the mixture. If the candy coating firms too much while working, warm briefly at 20-second intervals.
Texture: Don’t overmix after adding marshmallows — you want fluffy pockets, not smashed bits.
Flavor boost: Add a pinch of flaky sea salt on top of each cookie for a sweet-salty finish. A teaspoon of vanilla extract in the melted coating deepens flavor.
Common mistake: Folding in marshmallows when the coating is too hot will make them melt — always cool slightly first.

Storing and Reheating Tips

At room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep layers separated with parchment if stacking.
Refrigeration: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 10 days; cookies will be firmer when chilled.
Freezing: Individually freeze on a tray until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature for 15–20 minutes before serving.
Reheating: These are best served at room temperature; if chilled, let sit 10 minutes to soften. Avoid microwave reheating — it can make marshmallows gummy.

FAQs

Can I use natural peanut butter instead of creamy peanut butter?
Yes, but natural peanut butter tends to be oilier and runnier. You may need to chill the mixture briefly to help it set, or use a slightly smaller amount.

What can I use instead of vanilla candy coating?
You can use white chocolate chips or melting wafers. If using white chocolate chips, temper carefully or stir in a small amount of coconut oil to smooth melting.

Can I make these nut-free?
Absolutely. Substitute with sunflower seed butter (SunButter) and ensure all other ingredients are nut-free.

How do I prevent the marshmallows from melting?
Let the melted coating cool for 5–10 minutes before folding in marshmallows. Also, fold gently to avoid compressing them.

Can I add mix-ins like chopped nuts or dried fruit?
Yes. Add up to 1/2 cup total of mix-ins, folding them in gently so the clusters hold together.

Conclusion

No Bake Avalanche Cookies are an effortless, crowd-pleasing treat that combines creamy, crunchy, and chewy elements in every bite. They’re quick to make, budget-friendly, and perfect for parties, lunchboxes, or an easy family dessert. Give them a try — they’re dependable, forgiving, and a guaranteed hit with kids and adults alike. For another inspiring version and more tips, visit No Bake Avalanche Cookies | An Easy No Bake Cookie Recipe.