When my wife and I stumbled upon a recipe for “avalanche cookies” shared by another member, we were intrigued. We decided to try making them with our own twist. These treats are perfect for New Year’s Eve, combining the rich flavors of white chocolate and peanut butter with the crunch of Rice Krispie cereal and the fun of M&M’s and marshmallows. Here’s how we made them, along with some tips, reasons to love them, and storage suggestions.
Ingredients
- 1 bag of white chocolate chips
- 2 cups of Rice Krispie cereal
- 1 cup of melted peanut butter
- 1 cup of M&M’s
- 1 cup of marshmallows
Instructions
- Melt the Chocolate and Peanut Butter: Begin by melting the white chocolate chips in a saucepan over low heat. Stir continuously to prevent burning. Once the chocolate chips are completely melted, pour in the melted peanut butter. Stir until the peanut butter is fully incorporated and you have a smooth mixture.
- Mix with Cereal: Remove the saucepan from the heat. Pour the Rice Krispie cereal into the mixture and stir until the cereal is evenly coated with the chocolate and peanut butter mixture.
- Add Marshmallows and M&M’s: Gently fold in the marshmallows and M&M’s. Make sure they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
- Form Cookies and Bars: Using a cookie scoop, form the mixture into cookies. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. For the remaining mixture, use a springform pan to shape it into bars.
- Refrigerate: Place the cookies and bars in the refrigerator until they are cold and firm. This usually takes about 30 minutes to an hour.
- Enjoy: Once chilled, your avalanche cookies and bars are ready to enjoy!
Why You’ll Love Avalanche Cookies and Bars
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these treats are perfect for quick preparation.
- No Baking Required: These no-bake cookies and bars save time and reduce the hassle of using an oven.
- Kid-Friendly: The colorful M&M’s and gooey marshmallows make them a hit with kids.
- Versatile: You can shape them into cookies or bars, depending on your preference.
- Delicious Combination: The blend of white chocolate, peanut butter, and crunchy cereal is irresistible.
- Perfect for Parties: These treats are great for sharing at gatherings and events.
- Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite mix-ins, such as nuts or dried fruit.
- Quick Chilling: A short time in the refrigerator is all it takes to set these treats.
- Portable: Easy to pack and take to any celebration.
- Festive: The colorful M&M’s add a festive touch, making them ideal for holiday celebrations.
Tips for Making Avalanche Cookies and Bars
- Watch the Heat: Melt the white chocolate chips over low heat to avoid burning.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure your marshmallows are fresh and your cereal is crisp for the best texture.
- Mix Thoroughly: Stir the cereal in well to ensure even coating and prevent clumping.
- Gentle with Mix-Ins: Fold in the marshmallows and M&M’s gently to avoid crushing them.
- Shape Quickly: The mixture can firm up quickly, so shape the cookies and bars as soon as everything is combined.
- Chill Properly: Refrigerate until the treats are fully set to ensure they hold their shape.
How to Store Avalanche Cookies and Bars
- Refrigeration: Store your avalanche cookies and bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to a week.
- Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze them. Place the cookies and bars in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze initially, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
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Room Temperature: If you prefer them at room temperature, keep them in a cool, dry place in an airtight container. They will last for 2-3 days.
