If you’re craving a winter treat that dazzles both your taste buds and your eyes, this No-Bake Winter White Cookies Recipe is guaranteed to become your new go-to. Imagine snowy white chocolate enveloping crispy cereal, pillowy marshmallows, tart cranberries, and crunchy nuts — all in a blissfully easy, no-oven-required package. These cookies aren’t just delicious; they’re ready in minutes and perfect for gifting, cookie exchanges, or sneaking straight off the tray with a mug of cocoa. They’re a true celebration of winter flavors with that irresistible, cozy crunch in every bite!
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of my favorite things about this No-Bake Winter White Cookies Recipe is how it takes a handful of pantry staples and transforms them into something magical. Each ingredient plays a starring role, from the creamy richness of white chocolate to the sweet, chewy pops of cranberry. Here’s what you’ll need and why you’ll want every single one:
- White Chocolate Chips (2 cups): The snowy, sweet foundation that holds these treats together and creates that signature white winter glow.
- Creamy Peanut Butter (1/2 cup): Adds a mellow warmth and helps bind all the good stuff for a perfectly chewy bite.
- Crispy Rice Cereal (2 cups): Lends irresistible crunch that keeps every cookie light and airy.
- Mini Marshmallows (1 cup): For gooey, soft pockets of sweetness that gently melt into the mix.
- Chopped Dried Cranberries (1/2 cup): These bring a sweet-tart zing and highlight the festive spirit of winter.
- Chopped Almonds or Pecans (1/2 cup, optional): For extra crunch and a rustic flavor (or swap for sunflower seeds to keep it nut-free).
- Vanilla Extract (1/2 teaspoon): Rounds out all the flavors, adding that cozy, cookie-shop aroma.
- Pinch of Salt: Elevates every single element, bringing balance and depth.
- Sparkling Sugar or White Sprinkles (optional): For shimmering winter magic and a playful crunch on top.
How to Make No-Bake Winter White Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Melt the White Chocolate and Peanut Butter
Start by grabbing a large, microwave-safe bowl (trust me, you’ll want the extra space for mixing!). Add your white chocolate chips and creamy peanut butter, then microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring after each interval. Do this until everything is silky smooth and fully blended — no lumps, just creamy winter bliss.
Step 2: Stir in Vanilla and Salt
Once your chocolate and peanut butter are perfectly melted, stir in the vanilla extract and a generous pinch of salt. The vanilla infuses the mixture with a cozy aroma, while the salt deepens the flavors and cuts through the sweetness, making everything sing.
Step 3: Fold in the Crunch and Chew
Now comes the fun part! Gently fold in the crispy rice cereal, mini marshmallows, dried cranberries, and nuts (if you’re using them). Take your time—use a spatula and a soft hand, making sure every bit is coated but not crushed, so the cookies are satisfyingly textured.
Step 4: Shape the Cookies
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and drop heaping spoonfuls of the mixture onto it, shaping them into round, chunky cookies about 2 inches wide. This is a great step for kids to help with—messy fingers are half the fun! If you like, top each one with a shower of sparkling sugar or white sprinkles for a snowy finish.
Step 5: Let the Cookies Set
No baking here! Just leave your cookies to set at room temperature for about an hour. If you’re short on time, pop the tray into the fridge for 20 to 30 minutes and watch that white chocolate firm up to a candy-like sheen. Once set, they’re ready to eat or share!
How to Serve No-Bake Winter White Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
A finishing touch can transform these snowy cookies into little winter jewels. I love dusting them with sparkling sugar or the tiniest white nonpareils for a frosty sparkle that’s totally irresistible. A drizzle of melted dark chocolate on top is gorgeous too and adds an extra hint of richness.
Side Dishes
Pairing these cookies is pure joy. They’re lovely with hot cocoa (extra marshmallows, please!), strong coffee, or even mulled wine for adults at a holiday gathering. For a festive dessert board, serve them alongside spiced nuts, peppermint bark, or citrus wedges for a vibrant, tangy contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn this No-Bake Winter White Cookies Recipe into edible gifts by nestling a few into cellophane bags tied with ribbon or stacking them in a festive tin lined with parchment. If you’re hosting a party, arrange them in a snowy wreath shape on a platter, or skewer smaller cookies onto candy-cane sticks for a playful twist!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
These cookies keep their delightful crunch and flavor for up to five days stored in an airtight container at room temperature. Separate layers with parchment to prevent sticking and keep that snowy exterior pristine.
Freezing
If you want to get a jump on your holiday prep, the No-Bake Winter White Cookies Recipe freezes beautifully! Place the cookies in a single layer in a freezer-safe container, with parchment between layers. Freeze for up to 2 months and let thaw at room temperature before serving.
Reheating
There’s really no need to reheat these cookies (one of the perks of no-bake treats!), but if you prefer them slightly softer, just let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes after chilling or freezing. They’ll return to that melt-in-your-mouth perfection in no time.
FAQs
Can I make this No-Bake Winter White Cookies Recipe nut-free?
Absolutely! Just swap out the peanut butter for sunflower seed butter and skip the nuts. You’ll still get all the creamy, crispy goodness—perfect for sharing with friends or kiddos with nut allergies.
What if I don’t have mini marshmallows?
No worries! You can chop up regular marshmallows into smaller pieces. The goal is to scatter little clouds of sweetness throughout each cookie, so any size will do in a pinch.
How long do these cookies take to set?
At room temperature, plan for about an hour for the cookies to firm up, or just 20 to 30 minutes in the fridge. The cold helps the white chocolate set quickly, so you’re never far from cookie bliss!
Do I need a special pan or mold?
No special equipment needed at all! A baking sheet lined with parchment paper is perfect for dropping, shaping, and setting these cookies. Just scoop and shape by hand.
Can I double the recipe for a party?
Yes, this No-Bake Winter White Cookies Recipe is a party lifesaver! Simply double (or triple) all the ingredients. Work in batches if needed—just make sure your bowl is big enough for mixing.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like whipping up a batch of the No-Bake Winter White Cookies Recipe to bring warmth, cheer, and a bit of sparkle to any winter day. These cookies are as much fun to make as they are to share, so gather your friends and family and give them a try—you just may create a new seasonal tradition!
Print
No-Bake Winter White Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes (plus chilling time)
- Yield: 20 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These No-Bake Winter White Cookies are a delightful treat perfect for the holiday season. Made with white chocolate, marshmallows, and a mix of crunchy and chewy add-ins, they are easy to prepare and require no baking.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 2 cups white chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 cups crispy rice cereal
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 1/2 cup chopped dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup chopped almonds or pecans (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- pinch of salt
- sparkling sugar or white sprinkles for decoration (optional)
Instructions
- Melt White Chocolate and Peanut Butter: In a large microwave-safe bowl, melt the white chocolate chips and peanut butter in 30-second intervals until smooth.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir in vanilla extract, salt, rice cereal, marshmallows, dried cranberries, and nuts if using. Mix until well coated.
- Shape Cookies: Drop spoonfuls onto a parchment-lined sheet, shaping into round cookies. Decorate with sugar if desired.
- Set: Let the cookies set at room temperature for 1 hour or chill in the fridge for 20–30 minutes until firm.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- For a nut-free version, use sunflower seed butter and omit nuts.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
