There's something truly delightful about a sweet treat that requires zero baking but still delivers all the festive crunch and creamy goodness you crave. This No-Bake Christmas Crunch Cookies Recipe is exactly that—a quick, fuss-free holiday snack that comes together in minutes and fills your kitchen with warm, comforting aromas. Plus, it’s perfect for those busy days when the oven stays off but the sweet tooth is on.

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

I remember making this No-Bake Christmas Crunch Cookies Recipe last holiday season when the snow was falling outside, and I didn’t want to heat up the house with the oven. These cookies offered everything from crunchy rice krispies to melty white chocolate and peanut butter—all in one bite. They’re easy, no fuss, and have a nostalgic charm that makes them feel like a holiday classic.

Super Quick to Make: You can whip these cookies up in about 10 minutes—no oven needed!
Simple Ingredients: No fancy extras, just staples you probably already have at home.
Perfect Texture: The combination of crunchy rice krispies and gooey marshmallows is irresistible.
Great for Gifting: They store well and make charming homemade presents wrapped in cellophane.

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

This recipe comes together beautifully because each ingredient plays an essential role. The white chocolate chips add sweetness and creaminess, the peanut butter brings richness and that perfect nutty flare, and the rice krispies mixed with marshmallows deliver the signature crunch and chewiness you expect in a festive treat. Tip: choose quality ingredients – it makes all the difference!

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: These melt smoothly and create a luscious, sweet base for the cookies.
Peanut butter: Adds creamy texture and a slight saltiness that balances the sweetness.
Rice krispies: Give the cookies that satisfying crunch and lightness.
Marshmallows: Provide gooey chewiness that binds everything together perfectly.

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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

One of my favorite things about this No-Bake Christmas Crunch Cookies Recipe is how easy it is to tweak to match your tastes or pantry. I sometimes swap in almond butter for peanut butter to give it a different twist, or I add a handful of festive sprinkles on top just before chilling for extra color and fun.

Variation: I once tried substituting dark chocolate chips for white chocolate, and it gave the cookies a rich depth that chocolate lovers will appreciate.
Dairy-Free Option: Use dairy-free white chocolate and your favorite nut butter for an allergy-friendly treat.
Add-Ins: Toss in chopped nuts or dried cranberries for texture and tart bursts of flavor.

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

Step 1: Melt the Chocolate and Peanut Butter

Start by setting up your double boiler—or improvise with a metal or glass bowl perched on a saucepan of simmering water. Stir the white chocolate chips gently until fully melted and smooth. Then, add the peanut butter straight in and stir again until everything is silky and combined. Patience here is key to avoid overheating, which can cause the chocolate to seize up.

Step 2: Mix in the Crunch and Gooey

Remove your bowl from heat carefully—remember, it will be hot! Fold in the rice krispies and marshmallows using a spatula. Stir gently but thoroughly so that every crisp and fluff gets coated with that creamy chocolate-peanut butter mix.

Step 3: Scoop and Chill

Drop tablespoon-sized heaps onto waxed paper or a silicone mat. You can use a cookie scoop for even sizing. Pop the tray into the fridge and let the cookies chill until firm—usually about 30 minutes. This step is non-negotiable if you want that perfect chewy crunch.

Top Tip

When I first tried this recipe, I was nervous about the melting stage—white chocolate can be a bit tricky. I learned that gently melting it over a double boiler and stirring constantly keeps everything smooth. Plus, when folding in the marshmallows, don’t overmix—just enough to coat so they don’t melt away entirely and keep their delightful texture.

Gentle Melting: Never let your white chocolate boil or touch water, or it will seize up and become grainy.
Use a Cookie Scoop: It helps keep your cookies uniform and easy to portion out quickly.
Chill Time is Key: Don’t rush the fridge step—these cookies need it to firm up enough to hold their shape.
Wax Paper or Silicone Mat: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

How to Serve No-Bake Christmas Crunch Cookies Recipe

Christmas Crunch Cookies - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love sprinkling a few festive red and green sugar crystals or tiny edible pearls on top for the holidays. It adds a playful, sparkling touch without changing the flavors—perfect if you want these to stand out on a holiday cookie tray.

Side Dishes

Serving these cookies alongside a warm cup of spiced hot chocolate or eggnog really brings out their cozy vibe. They also pair wonderfully with fresh fruit slices, especially tart oranges, which cut through the sweetness beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For gifting or parties, arrange the cookies on a festive platter lined with parchment and surround them with sprigs of fresh pine or holly. Or wrap them individually in clear cellophane tied with a ribbon—everyone loves receiving these as homemade gifts!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover cookies in an airtight container in the fridge to keep them fresh and prevent melting, especially if your kitchen is warm. They’ll stay good for about a week if kept chilled.

Freezing

Freezing works well too! I separate layers with parchment paper in a freezer-safe container, then thaw them in the fridge before serving. This way, you can make a big batch and enjoy them throughout the holiday season.

Reheating

Since these are no-bake, reheating isn’t necessary. If you want them soft rather than firm from the fridge, just let them sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other types of chocolate in this recipe?

Absolutely! While the recipe calls for white chocolate chips, you can use milk or dark chocolate chips if you prefer. Just keep an eye on melting times since dark chocolate can behave a bit differently.

What’s the best way to melt the chocolate and peanut butter without burning it?

The best method is using a double boiler or a heat-safe bowl over simmering water. Stir constantly to ensure even melting. Keeping the heat low and avoiding steam or water getting into the chocolate will prevent burning or seizing.

Can kids help make this recipe?

Definitely! This No-Bake Christmas Crunch Cookies Recipe is kid-friendly and fun to make together. They can help with mixing and dropping spoonfuls onto wax paper, making it a festive family activity.

How long do these cookies keep fresh?

Stored in an airtight container in the fridge, these cookies stay fresh for up to a week. For longer storage, freezing is a great option and they’ll keep for up to three months.

Final Thoughts

Making this No-Bake Christmas Crunch Cookies Recipe always brings back warm memories of joyful kitchen moments with friends and family. They're quick, satisfying, and just fun to eat. I hope you give them a try this holiday season—you’ll find yourself reaching for the recipe again and again and sharing it with everyone you know!