There’s something about mixing gooey peanut butter with sweet white chocolate and that irresistible crunch of Rice Krispies that just screams holiday joy. This No-Bake Christmas Crunch Cookies Recipe comes together fast, making it perfect for last-minute gift baskets or a cozy afternoon treat.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
I adore this No-Bake Christmas Crunch Cookies Recipe because it’s a fuss-free way to capture that classic holiday flavor without turning on the oven. Plus, it’s a recipe that both kids and adults rave about — and it’s ridiculously quick to whip up!
- No baking needed: Skip the oven heat and still get melt-in-your-mouth cookies with a crunchy twist.
- Simple ingredients: You probably have everything on hand, making this a stress-free last-minute treat.
- Perfect festive textures: The mix of gooey marshmallows and crisp rice cereal brings joyful chewiness and crunch in every bite.
- Versatile to customize: You can easily swap or add mix-ins like nuts or holiday sprinkles to make it your own.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Each ingredient in this No-Bake Christmas Crunch Cookies Recipe plays a key role in creating that perfect balance of sweet, salty, and crunchy. Here’s a quick peek at what makes them shine together and some tips for picking just the right ones.
- White chocolate chips: They melt down creamy and sweet, binding everything together with a lovely vanilla undertone.
- Peanut butter: I love using creamy peanut butter here for smoothness and a slightly salty contrast.
- Rice Krispies: These bring the crucial crunch that defines the cookie’s texture and keeps each bite interesting.
- Marshmallows: The mini marshmallows add chewiness and melt lightly into the mix, perfect for that holiday feel.
Make It Your Way
This is a recipe I love customizing depending on who I’m sharing it with. Adding a handful of crushed peppermint or a sprinkle of holiday sprinkles really amps up the festive spirit! Don’t be afraid to play around a bit.
- Variation: Once, I swapped peanut butter for almond butter—and while still delicious, the classic peanut butter flavor really shines best in this cookie.
- Dietary swap: Feel free to try sunflower seed butter if allergies are a concern; it blends beautifully with white chocolate.
- Extra crunch: Toss in some chopped nuts or festive candy pieces to get more texture and holiday flair.
Step-by-Step: How I Make No-Bake Christmas Crunch Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Melt and Blend the Magic
Start by melting your white chocolate chips in a double boiler—that gentle steam heat is perfect to avoid burning the chocolate. Once smooth, stir in the peanut butter until the mixture is silky and creamy. This part sets the base for the cookies, so take your time here to get a luscious blend.
Step 2: Fold in the Fun Crunch
Turn off the heat and mix in your Rice Krispies and marshmallows. Make sure these get evenly coated but be gentle—too much stirring can crush the cereal and change the texture.
Step 3: Drop, Chill, and Enjoy
Drop tablespoons of cookie mix onto waxed paper. Pop them in the fridge and let them set until firm — about 30 minutes does the trick. After that, they’re ready for devouring or gifting!
Top Tip
Through making this No-Bake Christmas Crunch Cookies Recipe more times than I can count, I’ve learned a few tricks to get it just right every time. Here are some tips to keep you on track and impress your friends and family.
- Use a double boiler or makeshift set-up: I once burned white chocolate by rushing the melt—steam heat is gentle and keeps the texture silky.
- Measure cereal carefully: Too much Rice Krispies can make the cookies crumbly; stick with the recipe’s amounts for balance.
- Chill long enough: Don’t rush the cooling; cold helps the cookies set firmly, so they hold shape and don’t melt in your hands.
- Watch the marshmallows: Mini marshmallows work best—they soften slightly but keep their chew without overpowering the crunch.
How to Serve No-Bake Christmas Crunch Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
I like to add a dusting of powdered sugar or a few festive sprinkles on top for some sparkle and holiday cheer. Sometimes crushed candy canes on the side add a minty kick and look beautiful on the serving tray.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a warm mug of spiced hot chocolate or a classic eggnog. For a party, I set out a platter of mixed nuts and dried fruits alongside to complement the sweet and salty vibes.
Creative Ways to Present
I once wrapped these in festive parchment paper tied with twine for a homemade gift that everyone loved. Arranging them on a tiered stand with fairy lights adds a cozy, inviting touch to your holiday table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I keep leftover cookies in an airtight container in the fridge to hold their shape and freshness. They last about a week this way, perfect if you make a big batch for parties.
Freezing
These cookies freeze really well! I pop them in a freezer-safe bag with parchment layers between so they don’t stick together. When you’re ready, just thaw in the fridge overnight and enjoy.
Reheating
Since they’re no-bake, reheating isn’t usually necessary, but if you want them softer, a few seconds in the microwave (10-15 seconds) works great. Just watch closely so they don’t get too melty.
Frequently Asked Questions:
You can definitely swap white chocolate for milk or dark chocolate, but keep in mind this will change the flavor and sweetness of the cookies. Milk chocolate adds a creamier taste, while dark chocolate gives a richer, slightly bitter contrast to the peanut butter.
No worries! Just create a makeshift double boiler by simmering a few inches of water in a saucepan and placing a heatproof bowl on top. Stir the chocolate and peanut butter gently to avoid overheating or burning.
Absolutely! Use dairy-free white chocolate chips and a nut-free butter like sunflower seed butter. Also, ensure your marshmallows are vegan or substitute with melted vegan marshmallow fluff for a similar texture.
Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, these cookies stay fresh for up to one week. For longer storage, freezing is your best bet—wrap them tightly, and they’ll keep for a couple of months.
Final Thoughts
This No-Bake Christmas Crunch Cookies Recipe holds a special place in my holiday traditions because it’s quick, joyful, and brings a smile every time. It’s just one of those simple recipes that feels like a warm hug on a chilly winter day. I’m excited for you to try it and make some sweet memories of your own!
Print
No-Bake Christmas Crunch Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious and easy-to-make No-Bake Christmas Crunch Cookies featuring white chocolate, peanut butter, rice krispies, and marshmallows. These festive treats come together quickly without the need for an oven, making them perfect for holiday gatherings or quick snacks.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 12 oz white chocolate chips
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 2 cups rice krispies
- 2 cups marshmallows
Instructions
- Melt Chocolate: In a double boiler, melt the white chocolate chips over simmering water. Remove from heat once fully melted, being careful not to overheat or burn the chocolate.
- Add Peanut Butter: Stir the peanut butter into the melted white chocolate until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Mix in Dry Ingredients: Fold in the rice krispies and marshmallows, stirring gently until all ingredients are well combined.
- Form Cookies: Drop the mixture by tablespoons onto waxed paper, shaping each mound carefully to form cookie shapes.
- Chill: Place the cookies in the refrigerator and chill until they are firm and set, about 30-45 minutes.
- Store: Transfer the firmed cookies to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator to keep fresh.
Notes
- If you don’t have a double boiler, create one by simmering a few inches of water in a saucepan and placing a metal or glass bowl snugly on top to melt the chocolate safely.
- Be cautious when removing the bowl from the heat as it will be hot and steam may escape.
- For easier shaping, slightly wet your hands or use a small scoop to drop the mixture uniformly.
- Store cookies in the fridge to maintain their firmness and freshness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 45 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
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