Chocolate Avalanche Cookies are rich, no-bake chocolate treats made with chocolate, peanut butter, and crunchy mix-ins that come together quickly for an easy, crowd-pleasing dessert.

Let me introduce you to your newest obsession: Chocolate Avalanche Cookies. These chewy, crunchy, creamy, and chocolatey treats are the ultimate sweet snack mashup. Think Rice Krispies meets chocolate fudge—with a peanut butter twist and a hint of cookie crunch. Want a white chocolate version? Try my Avalanche Cookies too!

Why you’ll love this recipe:

If you’re craving a rich, chocolatey treat that doesn’t require turning on the oven, Chocolate Avalanche Cookies are about to become your new favorite dessert. These irresistible no-bake cookies come together with minimal ingredients, take just minutes to prepare, and deliver big flavor with hardly any effort.

Whether you’re making dessert for a party, holiday gathering, or a quick weeknight treat, Chocolate Avalanche Cookies check all the boxes: creamy, crunchy, and totally crowd-pleasing!

Ingredients you’ll need:

Semi-sweet chocolate chips
Creamy peanut butter
Rice Krispie cereal
Mini marshmallows
Mini chocolate chips

Chocolate Avalanche Cookies are a decadent no-bake cookie made by melting chocolate with peanut butter combining it with both crunchy and chewy mix-ins like cereal, marshmallows, or even nuts. Once scooped and set, they form rich, chewy clusters with a satisfying crunch!

They’re often described as a cross between classic no-bake cookies and white chocolate avalanche cookies, but with a deeper, more indulgent chocolate flavor. If you love traditional no-bake cookies but want something to switch it up, these are the perfect upgrade.

One of the biggest reasons people love Chocolate Avalanche Cookies is how simple they are.

No baking required – perfect for hot days or busy schedules
Minimal ingredients – no complicated shopping lists
Beginner-friendly – great for kids and new bakers
Quick prep time – ready in minutes, not hours

With just a saucepan or microwave, a mixing bowl, and a spoon, you can have homemade cookies without any stress. This makes Chocolate Avalanche Cookies ideal for last-minute desserts or spontaneous sweet cravings.

How to make the best Chocolate Avalanche Cookies:

In a microwave safe bowl, combine semi-sweet chocolate chips and peanut butter. Microwave in 30 second intervals, stirring in-between, until completely melted and smooth.
Add in the Rice Krispies and mini marshmallows, then stir to combine.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat, then scoop the mixture into mounds and immediately sprinkle with mini chocolate chips.
Let set completely before enjoying!

The flavor is where these cookies truly shine! Chocolate Avalanche Cookies are rich, smooth, and deeply chocolatey, balanced by crunchy textures in every bite. The melted chocolate coats each mix-in perfectly, creating a soft-set cookie that’s chewy, crisp, and melt-in-your-mouth all at once!

Compared to white chocolate avalanche cookies, the chocolate version has a bolder flavor that chocolate lovers can’t resist. Compared to classic no-bake cookies, they’re less oat-heavy and more dessert-forward, making them feel extra indulgent.

Chocolate Avalanche Cookies are also incredibly versatile, which is why they’re such a popular choice for all kinds of events:

Holiday cookie trays
Birthday parties
Potlucks and bake sales
After-school snacks
Quick homemade gifts

Because they’re no-bake and easy to transport, they’re ideal when you need a dessert that travels well and still looks impressive!

My top tips:

LINING YOUR PAN: Don’t skip the step of lining your pan with parchment paper or a silicone mat! Lining your baking sheet prevents the chocolate from sticking and makes it easy to remove the cookies once they’re set.
MICROWAVING: It’s important to heat the chocolate and peanut butter in 30 second intervals to prevent it from burning. It’s hard to reverse clumpy chocolate, so I recommend watching this closely! You can also do this in a double boiler over medium low heat if you prefer.
Mix-Ins: The marshmallows and Rice Krispie cereal help hold these cookies together and give texture. They are traditional, but you could stir in nuts or dried fruit or anything else you like as well. Use peanuts and you have a rocky road thing going on!
SCOOPING: I recommend using a triggered cookie scoop to portion out the cookies. This ensures each cookie is the same size and keeps things mess-free. You can also use two spoons-one for scooping and one for sliding the mixture off the spoon and onto the baking sheet.
TOPPING: The mini chocolate chips in this recipe are completely optional and can be switched up for festive sprinkles depending on the holiday or occasion. It’s just important to add them while the chocolate is still wet. The wet chocolate acts as a glue, then once the chocolate sets, the toppings will stick.
COOLING: You can let these set at room temperature, but it will take about an hour (depending on the temperature of your house) for the chocolate to fully harden. To speed up the process, feel free to place these cookies in the fridge or freezer for 30 minutes to set.
STORING: Leftover cookies will keep stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place at room temperature for 1 week. You can also freeze these for up to 3 months, then thaw in the fridge before enjoying.

If you’re looking for a foolproof dessert that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort, Chocolate Avalanche Cookies are the answer. They’re:

Fast and easy to make
Made with pantry-friendly ingredients
Loved by kids and adults alike
A delicious twist on classic no-bake cookies

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just getting started, these cookies are a guaranteed win. Once you try them, they’ll quickly earn a permanent spot in your dessert rotation!

Looking for more no-bake cookies? Try these out!

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