Name: No-Bake Christmas Crunch Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 oz white chocolate chips; 1 cup peanut butter; 2 cups rice krispies; 2 cups marshmallows

There’s something truly magical about the crunch and sweetness of these holiday treats—the perfect blend of peanut butter, marshmallows, and white chocolate. This No-Bake Christmas Crunch Cookies Recipe is a quick, fuss-free way to bring a festive sparkle to your kitchen that everyone will love.

A white plate holds about eight clusters of light beige treats that have a glossy, bumpy texture from what looks like puffed rice or cereal covered in a creamy coating. Each cluster is round and uneven, showing the small grains stuck together closely, creating a rough surface with small pockets and lumps. The plate sits on a white marbled surface, and behind it, a cloth with red and white stripes is partially visible. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make No-Bake Christmas Crunch Cookies Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve No-Bake Christmas Crunch Cookies Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
No-Bake Christmas Crunch Cookies Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Honestly, this no-bake cookie has been my go-to holiday treat for years because it’s ridiculously simple yet festive and fun. It’s the kind of recipe that feels like a warm hug during the busy season, perfect for making with friends or kids. Plus, no oven means less fuss and more cheer!

Speedy Prep: Ready in just about 10 minutes, making it perfect for last-minute holiday magic.
Zero Baking Required: Just melt, mix, and chill—no heat, no mess, no stress.
Festive Crunch: The combination of fluffy marshmallows and crispy rice krispies is pure holiday joy in every bite.
Customizable Delight: Easy to tweak to your taste or dietary needs — I’ll share some fun variations later!

The image shows a baking tray covered with white parchment paper, placed on a white marbled surface with a red and white striped cloth partially visible. On the tray, there are several clusters of light beige, shiny, and bumpy no-bake cookies made from puffed cereal and a smooth coating, arranged in spaced rows. The clusters have an irregular shape, with visible small puffed cereal pieces creating a textured, chunky appearance. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient plays a starring role, blending sweetness, creaminess, and just the right crisp. Knowing how they work together makes pulling this recipe off a breeze—and adjusting it to your liking even easier.

Flat lay of white chocolate chips in a small heap, a smooth swirl of creamy peanut butter on a simple white ceramic plate, a neat mound of puffed rice krispies, a pile of fresh white marshmallows arranged loosely, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

White Chocolate Chips: They melt smoothly and add a gentle, sweet creaminess that binds everything wonderfully.
Peanut Butter: Adds richness and a slight savory depth that balances the sweetness perfectly; creamy peanut butter works best here.
Rice Krispies: The secret to that addictive crunch—light and airy, they give this treat its fun texture.
Marshmallows: They bring chewiness and those little pockets of softness that contrast just right with the crunch.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love experimenting with this No-Bake Christmas Crunch Cookies Recipe, especially around the holidays when I want to surprise family and pals. You can make it your own with just a few easy tweaks.

Variation: I once swapped half the peanut butter for almond butter to great effect—still creamy with a lovely nutty twist.
Dairy-Free Version: Use dairy-free white chocolate chips and a plant-based butter alternative; it still sets up beautifully.
Add Some Color: Stir in mini red and green sprinkles or crushed peppermint candies for an extra festive vibe.
Crunch Upgrade: Mix in some chopped nuts or toasted coconut flakes to add a little texture dimension.

Step-by-Step: How I Make No-Bake Christmas Crunch Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Melt White Chocolate & Peanut Butter

Set up a double boiler (or a DIY version with a heatproof bowl over simmering water). Stir the white chocolate chips gently until melted. Then, add the peanut butter and mix until it's silky and smooth. This step is crucial to get a glossy, well-combined base—take your time, and don’t rush to avoid burning the chocolate.

Step 2: Fold In Rice Krispies & Marshmallows

Remove the bowl from heat and quickly stir in the rice krispies and marshmallows. Stir thoroughly but gently so those marshmallows stay a bit fluffy and don’t melt entirely. Your mix should look sticky but still soft enough to scoop.

Step 3: Scoop Onto Waxed Paper and Chill

Grab a tablespoon and drop dollops of the mixture onto a waxed or parchment-lined tray. Give the cookies enough space to set without sticking. Pop them in the fridge for at least 30 minutes or until firm. They’ll hold their shape and have that perfect "crunch and chew" texture.

Step 4: Store and Enjoy

Once set, transfer the cookies to an airtight container and keep them chilled until ready to enjoy. They keep well for a few days, so you can make them ahead and stress less on the big day!

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve learned a few handy tricks to get these cookies just right every time—and I’m excited to share them so your batch turns out fantastic.

Double Boiler Setup: If you don’t have one, just use a metal or glass bowl over a semi-simmering saucepan and stir constantly to prevent burning—be mindful of the steam when lifting the bowl!
Don’t Overheat: Melting the white chocolate on too high heat can cause it to seize. Low and slow is key.
Mix Quickly: Once the chocolate and peanut butter mixture is off the heat, add the cereal and marshmallows promptly to keep marshmallows from melting fully.
Chill Before Handling: Give the cookies enough fridge time so they firm up completely—this makes them easier to pick up and keeps the texture perfect.

How to Serve No-Bake Christmas Crunch Cookies Recipe

Christmas Crunch Cookies - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love topping a few of the cookies with mini candy canes or colorful holiday sprinkles to brighten up the platter. Sometimes I dust a light sprinkle of edible glitter for that extra festive magic—it’s a simple touch that guests always ask about!

Side Dishes

These cookies go brilliantly with a warm mug of spiced hot chocolate or a cozy cup of peppermint tea. If you’re serving a holiday dessert board, pair them alongside classic gingerbread or salted caramel treats for variety and wow-factor.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, I’ve wrapped clusters of three or four cookies with clear cello bags tied with red or green ribbons—it’s an easy, charming gift idea. Another fun way is to display them on a tiered serving tray with fresh pine sprigs or cinnamon sticks accenting the plates.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover No-Bake Christmas Crunch Cookies in an airtight container in the fridge. I usually layer wax paper between the cookies to prevent them sticking together. They stay fresh and crunchy for up to a week, perfect for nibbling throughout the festive season.

Freezing

Freezing works well if you want to stash some treats early. Just freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer to freezer bags. Thaw in the fridge before serving to maintain the best texture—no soggy bites here!

Reheating

Since these are no-bake and best served chilled, I don’t recommend reheating. If you want them softer, let the cookies sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before enjoying. This brings out the creamy flavors without losing the crunch.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use milk or dark chocolate instead of white chocolate?

Absolutely! Milk or dark chocolate will work, though it changes the flavor profile—darker chocolate makes these cookies richer and less sweet. Just be sure to melt on low heat for a smooth texture.

How do I make this recipe nut-free?

To make it nut-free, simply swap peanut butter for a seed butter like sunflower seed butter. It still gives that creamy binding effect without the allergen. Just make sure your peanut butter and other ingredients are checked for cross-contamination.

Why do the marshmallows sometimes melt completely?

When the chocolate-peanut butter mixture is too hot or you stir in the marshmallows too long, they can melt fully. To avoid this, remove the melting bowl from heat before adding marshmallows and fold them gently and quickly.

Can I double this recipe for a larger batch?

Yes! Doubling the ingredients works perfectly. Just be sure to melt and mix in a larger bowl to keep everything manageable. The chilling time remains about the same.

Final Thoughts

This No-Bake Christmas Crunch Cookies Recipe has been a joyful staple in my kitchen for seasons, creating memories and sweet moments with every batch. I hope when you try it, whether for a festive party or a quiet afternoon treat, it brings you the same warmth and fun. Trust me, once you make these, they’ll be the star snack on your holiday roster, delighting family and friends again and again.