Easy Crockpot Avalanche Cookies: The Ultimate No-Bake Slow Cooker Recipe
Imagine the delightful chewiness of classic no-bake cookies merged with the satisfying crunch of rice krispie treats, all infused with the creamy goodness of peanut butter and white chocolate. That’s exactly what you get with these incredible Crockpot Avalanche Cookies! This recipe takes convenience to a whole new level, allowing you to create rich, fudgy, and utterly irresistible cookies right in your slow cooker. Forget heating up your oven; these easy dump-and-go cookies are perfect for busy holidays or any time you crave a quick, delicious treat.
You might be surprised to learn that your slow cooker isn’t just for savory stews and roasts. It’s a secret weapon for crafting truly gooey and delicious desserts, especially these fudgy avalanche cookies. Their texture is remarkably similar to traditional no-bake cookies, but with an even simpler preparation method that makes them virtually foolproof.
Getting started on these delectable slow cooker cookies requires just a handful of common pantry staples: almond bark, creamy peanut butter, crispy rice cereal, and miniature marshmallows. For a touch of festive flair, we recommend adding some holiday sprinkles. With minimal effort, you’ll have a creamy, gooey “cookie dough” mixture ready to be scooped and chilled to perfection. It’s an almost effortless dessert that delivers maximum flavor and satisfaction!
If you’re a fan of our other no-bake delights like peanut butter cornflake cookies, sweet and salty Fritos candy, or our popular chocolate peanut butter balls with rice krispies, then you are absolutely going to adore these slow cooker avalanche cookies. The flavor profile is wonderfully similar, boasting that irresistible combination of sweet and nutty. And much like our beloved crockpot candy recipe, making these cookies is incredibly simple: just dump the ingredients, mix them, and let your slow cooker do the rest. It’s truly a set-it-and-forget-it dessert!
Be warned: these sweet, chewy, and utterly delightful crockpot cookies are seriously addictive. You’ll find it incredibly hard to stop at just one, so prepare for them to disappear quickly!
Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Crockpot Avalanche Cookie Recipe
These slow cooker avalanche cookies aren’t just easy to make; they’re also packed with flavor and offer several benefits that make them a standout dessert. Here’s why this recipe will become a new favorite:
- Irresistibly Delicious: They are wonderfully sweet, perfectly chewy, delightfully nutty from the peanut butter, and boast a rich, fudgy texture that melts in your mouth.
- Effortless Preparation: This is a true one-pot, 4-ingredient wonder! Minimal ingredients and simple steps mean less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re assembling impressive cookie trays for holiday gatherings, preparing thoughtful homemade gifts for friends and neighbors, or simply treating yourself, these cookies fit the bill perfectly.
- Frees Up Your Oven: Since they’re made in your slow cooker, your oven remains available for other holiday baking or cooking tasks, making multi-tasking a breeze during busy times.
- No-Bake Convenience: Ideal for hot weather or when you just don’t want to turn on the oven. Enjoy delicious cookies without the heat!
- Customizable Fun: Easily adapt the toppings and mix-ins to suit your taste or match any holiday theme.
Ingredient Notes & Smart Substitutions for Avalanche Cookies
This section provides detailed notes on the ingredients, along with helpful substitution options to ensure your Crockpot Avalanche Cookies turn out perfectly every time. For exact measurements and full instructions, please refer to the printable recipe card at the end of this post.
- Almond Bark: This is a key ingredient for its smooth melt and ability to set firmly without tempering. Ensure it’s broken into pieces or roughly chopped for even melting in the slow cooker.
- Substitution: If almond bark isn’t available, white candy melts or high-quality melting chocolate wafers are excellent alternatives. Avoid using regular white chocolate chips as they often contain stabilizers that can make them harder to melt smoothly and result in a less ideal texture for setting.
- Peanut Butter: For the best creamy and cohesive texture, we highly recommend using creamy peanut butter. It blends seamlessly with the melted almond bark.
- Substitution: If you prefer crunchy peanut butter, be aware it will add a different texture. For a peanut-free alternative, almond butter, sunflower seed butter (SunButter), or even Biscoff cookie butter can be used, though the flavor profile will change slightly. Ensure your chosen alternative is creamy.
- Rice Krispies: The classic crispy rice cereal is essential for that signature crunch.
- Substitution: Any brand of crispy rice cereal will work perfectly. You can also experiment with other cereals like cornflakes for a different twist, similar to our cornflake cookies.
- Mini Marshmallows: These tiny pockets of sweetness add a delightful chewiness and gooeyness when mixed into the warm chocolate and peanut butter mixture.
- Tip: Miniature marshmallows are ideal as they distribute evenly and soften perfectly without becoming overwhelming. Larger marshmallows can be used if chopped down.
- Holiday Sprinkles: These are purely for decoration and add a festive touch. We used Yummallo Mini Holiday Baking Chips for their vibrant colors and melt-in-your-mouth quality.
- Substitution: Feel free to use any Christmas sprinkles, mini chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even finely crushed candy canes. You can also skip the topping altogether if you prefer a simpler look.
Essential Equipment for Crockpot Avalanche Cookies
One of the beauties of this recipe is its simplicity, which extends to the minimal equipment required. Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious no-bake cookies:
- Slow Cooker: A standard 6-quart slow cooker works best, providing ample space for melting and mixing.
- Wooden Spoon or Rubber Spatula: For stirring the melting ingredients and incorporating the cereal and marshmallows. A sturdy rubber spatula is also great for scraping down the sides.
- Baking Sheets: You’ll need at least two baking sheets to spread out your cookies for setting.
- Parchment Paper or Wax Paper: Essential for lining your baking sheets to prevent sticking and make for easy cleanup and removal of the set cookies.
- Cookie Scoop: A 2-Tablespoon size cookie scoop is ideal for portioning uniform cookies, but any spoon will work.
How to Make Crockpot Christmas Avalanche Cookies: Step-by-Step Guide
This section provides a visual and detailed step-by-step guide to making these easy Crockpot Christmas Avalanche Cookies. Follow these instructions along with the accompanying photos for a seamless baking experience. For the complete, printable recipe, including precise measurements, please see the recipe card at the very end of this post.
- Melt the Base: Begin by placing the chopped almond bark and creamy peanut butter into your slow cooker. Cover the crockpot and cook on the low setting for about 1 hour. Make sure to stir the mixture periodically (every 20 minutes or so) to ensure even melting and prevent sticking or scorching. The goal is a smooth, fully melted, and well-combined base.
- Cool Slightly: Once the almond bark and peanut butter are completely melted and smooth, turn off your slow cooker and uncover it. Allow the mixture to cool slightly for about 15 minutes. This step is crucial; if the mixture is too hot, the marshmallows will melt completely, losing their chewy texture.
- Add Crispy & Chewy Elements: After the mixture has cooled slightly, stir in the crispy rice cereal and the mini marshmallows. Mix gently but thoroughly until all the add-ins are evenly coated and distributed throughout the luscious peanut butter and white chocolate mixture.
- Scoop and Decorate: Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or wax paper. Using a cookie scoop (a 2-Tablespoon size works great for a good cookie portion) or a large spoon, drop dollops of the no-bake cookie “dough” onto the lined pans. Immediately after scooping each cookie, top it with your holiday sprinkles or other chosen decorations, as the chocolate will begin to harden relatively quickly.
- Set and Enjoy: Allow the cookies to set completely. This can be done by placing them in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes, which speeds up the process, or by letting them sit at room temperature for approximately 4 hours until firm. Once set, they are ready to serve and enjoy!
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips for Avalanche Cookies
One of the best features of these Crockpot Avalanche Cookies is how well they store, making them perfect for preparing in advance for parties or holiday gifting.
- Counter Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. Ensure they are completely set before stacking them to prevent sticking. You can place a piece of parchment paper between layers if desired.
- Refrigerator Storage: For an extended shelf life and a firmer, chewier texture, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
- Freezer Storage: These cookies freeze beautifully! Place the completely set cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe airtight container or bag, separating layers with parchment paper. They will keep well in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.
- Serving Temperature: These cookies are best served cold or at room temperature. If warmed, the chocolate and peanut butter mixture will become a gooey, sticky mess, losing its desired texture.
Serving Suggestions for Crockpot Avalanche Cookies
These chewy no-bake cookies are incredibly versatile and perfect for a variety of serving occasions, from casual family desserts to elegant holiday gatherings.
- Party Platters: For serving a crowd, arrange the cookies artfully on a nice serving platter. Provide a pair of tongs for easy grabbing and some cocktail napkins or small dessert plates for guests. Their vibrant sprinkles make them a visually appealing addition to any dessert spread.
- Holiday Gifting: Package these delightful avalanche cookies into pretty decorative boxes, cellophane bags tied with ribbon, or festive goodie bags. They make a thoughtful and delicious homemade gift for neighbors, friends, teachers, or colleagues during the holiday season.
- Dessert Bar Addition: Incorporate them into a larger dessert bar alongside other holiday treats, providing a variety of textures and flavors for your guests to enjoy.
- Cozy Treat: No matter how you choose to present them, these crockpot avalanche cookies are best enjoyed alongside a tall, frosty glass of cold milk. The combination of the sweet cookie and refreshing milk is simply divine! For adults, a cup of coffee or hot chocolate also pairs wonderfully.
Pro Tips & Creative Variations for Your Avalanche Cookies
Take your Crockpot Avalanche Cookies to the next level with these expert tips and exciting variations!
- Almond Bark Alternatives: If you can’t find almond bark, don’t fret! White candy melts or high-quality melting chocolate are excellent substitutes. These options are specifically designed to melt smoothly and set firmly, much like almond bark. Avoid using regular white chocolate chips, as they often contain ingredients that make them difficult to melt and set without a grainy texture.
- Chocolate Avalanche: Not a fan of white chocolate? No problem! You can easily swap out the white almond bark for chocolate almond bark (milk chocolate or semi-sweet) to create rich, decadent chocolate avalanche cookies. This simple change yields a completely different yet equally delicious treat.
- Bring on the Mix-Ins: Get creative with your additions! You can halve the amount of marshmallows and pair them with another delightful mix-in. The possibilities are endless:
- Salty Crunch: Crushed pretzels or even potato chips add a fantastic sweet and salty contrast.
- Nutty Goodness: Chopped peanuts, pecans, or walnuts will enhance the nutty flavor and add extra crunch.
- Caramel & Toffee: Toffee bits or small caramel pieces will provide a chewy, buttery element.
- Tropical Twist: Toasted coconut flakes add a wonderful aroma and texture.
- Fruity Chew: Dried cranberries, cherries, or chopped apricots can introduce a lovely tartness and chewiness.
- More Chocolate: Mini chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, or peanut butter chips can be added for an extra layer of flavor.
- Size Matters: You have full control over the size of your cookies! I typically use a 2-Tablespoon cookie scoop to yield about 24 generously sized cookies. However, if you’re making treats for a large crowd or prefer smaller, bite-sized portions, use a 1-Tablespoon scoop. This will effectively double the number of cookies you get from the recipe, perfect for sampling or mini dessert platters.
- Ensuring Smooth Melting: When melting the almond bark and peanut butter, ensure your slow cooker is on the ‘low’ setting. Stirring every 20 minutes is key to preventing burning and achieving a perfectly smooth, lump-free base.
- Cooling is Crucial: Don’t skip the cooling step before adding the rice cereal and marshmallows! If the chocolate mixture is too hot, the marshmallows will completely dissolve, and the rice cereal might lose some of its crispness.
Frequently Asked Questions About Crockpot Avalanche Cookies
Yes, absolutely! If you have a peanut allergy or simply don’t prefer peanut butter, you have a few options. You can either omit the peanut butter entirely, which will result in a sweeter, more white-chocolate-forward cookie, or you can substitute it with another nut or seed butter. Excellent alternatives include almond butter, cashew butter, sunflower butter (like SunButter for a nut-free option), or even Biscoff cookie butter for a unique, spiced flavor. Just ensure your chosen substitute has a creamy consistency.
You certainly can! While the slow cooker offers hands-off convenience, these cookies can easily be made on the stovetop or even in the microwave. To do so, combine the almond bark (or melting chocolate) and peanut butter in a large saucepan over very low heat, stirring constantly until completely melted and smooth. Alternatively, melt them in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring well after each, until smooth. Once melted, proceed with adding the rice cereal and marshmallows, and then scoop, top, and allow your avalanche cookies to set as normal.
Almond bark, also known as vanilla coating or confectionery coating, is a sweet, vanilla-flavored candy coating that is designed to melt smoothly and harden quickly at room temperature. It’s similar in flavor and appearance to white chocolate but is often made with vegetable fats instead of cocoa butter. This composition makes it much easier to work with than traditional white chocolate, as it doesn’t require tempering to achieve a smooth, glossy finish, making it perfect for dipping and coating. It’s widely available in the baking aisle of most grocery stores.
Yes, this recipe can easily be gluten-free! Most brands of crispy rice cereal and marshmallows are naturally gluten-free. Almond bark and peanut butter are also typically gluten-free. Always double-check the labels of all your ingredients to ensure they are certified gluten-free, especially for sprinkles or any other mix-ins you might add.
The setting time for Crockpot Avalanche Cookies can vary depending on whether you chill them or let them set at room temperature. In the refrigerator, they typically firm up in about 30 minutes. At room temperature, it will take longer, usually around 3-4 hours, especially if your kitchen is warm. To speed things up, the fridge is your best friend!
More Delicious No-Bake Holiday Treats
If you loved the ease and flavor of these Crockpot Avalanche Cookies, you’ll definitely want to explore these other fantastic no-bake holiday treats that are perfect for sharing!
- Sugar Cookie Christmas Fudge
- Christmas Popcorn Balls
- Homemade Peppermint Patties
- Honeycomb Candy
- Reindeer Bark
- Martha Washington Candy
- Church Window Cookies
- Santa Hat Rice Krispies Treats
Crockpot Avalanche Cookies
Author: Jaclyn
Ingredients
- 1 pound almond bark broken or chopped
- 1 ½ cups creamy peanut butter
- 2 cups Rice Krispies
- 2 cups mini marshmallows
- ¼ cup holiday sprinkles we used holiday mini chips
Instructions
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Add the almond bark and peanut butter to the crockpot. Cover and cook on low for 1 hour, stirring every 20 minutes.
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Turn the crockpot off, uncover, and allow the mixture to cool for 15 minutes.
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Stir in the rice cereal and marshmallows.
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Line 2 baking sheets with wax or parchment paper. Using a cookie scoop or large spoon, scoop the mixture out onto the lined pans. Top with sprinkles immediately, before the chocolate begins to harden.
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Allow the cookies to set either in the refrigerator (about 30 minutes) or at room temperature (about 4 hours).
Notes
We used a 2-Tablespoon size cookie scoop and yielded 24 cookies. The recipe yield will change depending on the size of your cookies.
Nutrition
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