Nothing says cozy holiday vibes quite like a crunchy, sweet treat that doesn’t require turning on the oven. This No-Bake Christmas Crunch Cookies Recipe is hands down one of my go-to festive snacks because it’s simple, speedy, and bursting with that perfect mix of peanut butter, white chocolate, and marshmallow goodness.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
I honestly can’t recommend this No-Bake Christmas Crunch Cookies Recipe enough when you want something festive without extra fuss. It’s one of those recipes where the method is as delightful as the result—plus, no oven time means more moments for holiday cheer.
- Quick & Easy: It takes about 10 minutes to prep and you don’t need any baking skills, perfect for last-minute holiday baking or an easy activity with kids.
- Minimal Ingredients: The recipe uses just a handful of pantry staples, so you probably have everything on hand already.
- Delicious Texture: The crunch from rice krispies and softness from marshmallows combined with creamy peanut butter make every bite addictive.
- Versatile & Fun: It’s easy to personalize with different add-ins or shaped into festive forms to brighten up your holiday spread.
Ingredients & Why They Work
One reason this No-Bake Christmas Crunch Cookies Recipe is so reliable is the way the ingredients come together to create balance—sweet, creamy, and crunchy. Here’s a quick breakdown and some buying tips so you get the best results every time.
- White Chocolate Chips: Choose good-quality white chocolate chips since they melt smoothly and add gentle sweetness without overpowering.
- Peanut Butter: Creamy peanut butter works best here to bind everything together and provide richness; natural peanut butter can be used but might affect texture slightly.
- Rice Krispies: These give the signature crunch and keep the cookies light—don’t substitute with other cereals for the best texture.
- Marshmallows: Mini marshmallows melt slightly when mixed, adding chewiness and a festive touch.
Make It Your Way
I love mixing things up depending on my mood or who I’m treating. This No-Bake Christmas Crunch Cookies Recipe is so flexible that adding a personal twist is part of the fun—don’t be shy to experiment!
- Variation: Once, I added a handful of crushed peppermint candy canes for a classic holiday crunch—totally elevated the flavor and made these cookies feel extra festive!
- Dairy-Free Option: Try using dairy-free white chocolate chips and your favorite nut or seed butter for a vegan-friendly version that still tastes amazing.
- Nut Allergies: Swap peanut butter for sunflower seed butter to make it safe for everyone while keeping that creamy binding texture.
- Shape Fun: Instead of dropping by spoonfuls, press the mixture into silicone molds shaped like Christmas trees or stars for a festive presentation.
Step-by-Step: How I Make No-Bake Christmas Crunch Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Melt Together White Chocolate and Peanut Butter
I always use a double boiler for this step—it’s gentle and prevents scorching. Start by melting the white chocolate chips over simmering water, stirring frequently. When it’s smooth and glossy, quickly stir in the peanut butter until it's incorporated perfectly creamy. If you don’t have a double boiler, just improvise with a heat-safe bowl over a saucepan with simmering water. Hot steam helps melt without burning, just be careful not to get burned by the steam or bowl.
Step 2: Combine Rice Krispies and Marshmallows
Take your melted mixture off the heat and gently fold in the rice krispies and marshmallows right away. The marshmallows will start softening but won’t fully melt, which adds the perfect chewy texture alongside the crunch. Mix until everything is evenly coated in that luscious peanut buttery goodness.
Step 3: Drop and Chill
Using a tablespoon, drop dollops of cookie mix onto waxed paper or a lined baking sheet. Then pop the tray in the fridge to chill for about an hour, or until the cookies firm up. This brief chill helps them set so they hold together perfectly and don’t get sticky in your hands.
Top Tip
From my many batches of these cookies, I’ve learned a few tips that make all the difference between a perfect cookie and a messy one. Trust me on this, it will save you time and keep cleanup easy.
- Use a Silicone Spatula: Mixing these cookies gets sticky fast, so a silicone spatula helps scrape every last bit from the bowl.
- Don’t Overheat Chocolate: Keep the heat low when melting to avoid grainy white chocolate — low and slow wins every time.
- Timing With Marshmallows: Add marshmallows last and fold gently so they soften but don’t completely melt, preserving that soft, chewy texture.
- Cool Your Pan: Make sure your waxed paper or tray is cool and flat to keep your cookies uniform and easy to remove after chilling.
How to Serve No-Bake Christmas Crunch Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
I usually sprinkle crushed red and green holiday sprinkles or mini chocolate chips on top before chilling—makes them look extra festive and adds a tiny pop of fun! Sometimes a light dusting of powdered sugar after they're firm also gives that snowy effect I love.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair beautifully with a mug of hot cocoa or your favorite holiday spiced latte. For a holiday party, I like serving alongside spiced nuts or dried fruit for a lovely mix of flavors and textures on the dessert table.
Creative Ways to Present
Once, I arranged these cookies in a festive tin lined with colorful tissue paper and tied with a rustic ribbon—it made a perfect homemade gift. You can also stack them on a pretty plate and garnish with fresh evergreen sprigs and cinnamon sticks for an inviting presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge where they stay fresh and firm for up to a week. Keeping them chilled preserves the crunch and prevents any stickiness, especially in warmer kitchens.
Freezing
These cookies freeze wonderfully! I separate layers with wax paper and pop them in a freezer-safe container. When I want a quick sweet fix, I just thaw them in the fridge overnight and they’re good as new.
Reheating
Since these are no-bake, reheating isn’t necessary—in fact, I recommend enjoying them cold or at room temperature to keep the perfect crunch. If you like a softer texture, leave them out for about 10 minutes before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions:
You absolutely can substitute milk chocolate chips for the white chocolate, but keep in mind the flavor will be richer and less sweet. Also, milk chocolate tends to thicken faster as it cools, so work quickly when mixing in peanut butter and other ingredients.
If you’re out of marshmallows, you can skip them or use mini marshmallow creme instead, folding it in gently. The texture will be less chewy but you’ll still get great flavor and sweetness from the other ingredients.
When stored in an airtight container in the fridge, these no-bake cookies last about a week. Freezing extends their life to up to three months if wrapped well and separated with wax paper.
Absolutely! This recipe is excellent for kids because there’s no hot oven involved. With adult supervision during the melting process, kids can help with stirring and dropping spoonfuls onto wax paper. It’s a fun and safe holiday activity.
Final Thoughts
This No-Bake Christmas Crunch Cookies Recipe is close to my heart because it brings the magic of the holidays together in a few quick moments—no oven required, just joy and deliciousness. Give it a try; I promise you’ll find yourself reaching for seconds and sharing smiles with every bite. It’s one of those recipes that becomes a holiday staple for a reason, and I can’t wait for you to experience just how easy and tasty holiday baking can be.
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No-Bake Christmas Crunch Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
No-Bake Christmas Crunch Cookies are a delightful and easy holiday treat combining white chocolate, peanut butter, crunchy rice krispies, and gooey marshmallows. These cookies require no baking, making them perfect for quick festive snacks that set firm in the fridge.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 12 oz white chocolate chips
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 2 cups rice krispies
- 2 cups marshmallows
Instructions
- Melt the Chocolate: In a double boiler, gently melt the white chocolate chips by placing a bowl over simmering water, stirring occasionally until fully melted. Remove the bowl from heat carefully.
- Add Peanut Butter: Stir the peanut butter into the melted white chocolate until the mixture is smooth and evenly combined.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: Fold in the rice krispies and marshmallows, mixing until everything is well coated and combined.
- Form Cookies: Drop the mixture by tablespoons onto waxed paper to form individual cookies.
- Chill to Set: Place the cookies in the fridge and chill until firm, which typically takes about 30 minutes.
- Store Properly: Store the set cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep them fresh.
Notes
- If you don’t have a double boiler, create one by simmering water in a saucepan and placing a metal or glass bowl on top, ensuring it fits snugly without touching the water. Be cautious when removing the bowl as it will be hot and steam may escape.
- Use waxed paper to prevent the cookies from sticking during chilling and storage.
- Peanut butter can be substituted with almond butter for a variation, keeping in mind flavor and texture changes.
- For extra crunch, add chopped nuts or festive sprinkles before chilling.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 90 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg
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