Easy Recipe for Almond Bark Cookies

For most dessert lovers, cookies are a staple and the perfect snack for any occasion. This is another one of my no-bake recipes I shared many years ago when we were living in our RV full-time and I was trying to troubleshoot my camper oven. These almond bark cookies are not just your typical sweet treat. They are a perfect blend of textures and flavors, which include a crunchy exterior from the almond bark coating and a soft, chewy interior filled with the goodness of peanut butter, rice cereal, marshmallows, and peanuts. So let’s explore the ins and outs of this simple yet satisfying recipe.

Overview of My Almond Bark Cookie Recipe

Before we delve into the almond bark cookie recipe, let’s talk about the basics of the ingredients in this recipe.

What is Almond Bark?

Contrary to its name, almond bark doesn’t contain any almonds. It’s a type of candy coating, often used in desserts and sweet treats. Melted almond bark has a smooth, creamy, chocolate-like texture. However, it is unlike chocolate in that almond bark contains vegetable fats instead of cocoa butter. You can find almond bark in both chocolate and vanilla flavors.

Must-Have Ingredients

To create these delightful no-bake cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients:

1. White almond bark coating: This is the star player in our recipe. You can find it in the baking aisle alongside chocolate chips.
2. Creamy peanut butter: This adds a creamy texture and a rich, nutty flavor to the cookies. You may use natural peanut butter for this recipe. Just make sure that your natural peanut butter is mixed well and the oil is incorporated before you measure it for this recipe.
3. Dry roasted peanuts: These provide a delightful crunch to the cookies, contrasting with the soft marshmallows.
4. Rice Krispies: The crispy texture of Rice Krispies complements the crunchy peanuts and enhances the overall taste of the cookies.
5. Miniature marshmallows: They add a soft, chewy texture to the cookies, balancing the crunchiness of the peanuts and Rice Krispies.

Making Your Almond Bark Cookies

Whipping these cookies up is a breeze. Here’s a step-by-step guide to make your batch of almond bark no-bake cookies:

1. Melt the almond bark: Start by melting the white almond bark in the microwave in 30-second intervals, for a total of about two minutes. Stir almond bark between each interval and continue to microwave until it’s completely melted.
2. Add the peanut butter: Stir in the peanut butter until the mixture is well combined and smooth.
3. Blend in the remaining ingredients: Toss in the dry roasted peanuts, Rice Krispies, and miniature marshmallows. Ensure that all the ingredients are well incorporated.
4. Shape the cookies: Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto a tray lined with wax paper or parchment paper and allow them to harden. My recipe breakdown calls for a standard cookie-scoop size ( About 2 tablespoon capacity) but you may use a tablespoon or teaspoon based on your preferred cookie size.

Preservation Tips: Storing Your Cookies

One of the significant advantages of these cookies is their long shelf life. They can stay fresh for a couple of weeks when stored in the fridge. Ensure you keep them in an airtight container to prevent them from absorbing moisture. When ready to serve, you can either serve them straight from the fridge or let them sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes.

Can You Freeze Them?

Yes! You can freeze these cookies for up to three months. Use freezer ziploc bags for storage. When you’re ready to serve them, defrost them overnight in the fridge.

When to Serve Almond Bark Cookies

These cookies are a hit during the festive season, making them a fantastic addition to your Christmas baking list. You can also share them as gifts, bring them to parties, or leave them as a special treat for Santa. Beyond the holiday season, they are an excellent snack for any occasion, thanks to their ease of preparation and delightful taste.

Variations to the Classic Almond Bark Cookie Recipe

While the classic almond bark cookie recipe is a treat in itself, you can add a few twists to make these cookies more exciting. Here are a few suggestions:

1. Sprinkle mini chocolate chips: You can stir in some mini chocolate chips at the end. They will add a sweet twist and enhance the chocolate flavor of the cookies. These cookies are sometimes called Avalanche Cookies
2. Swap peanut butter: If you have a peanut allergy or just want to try something different, substitute the peanut butter with almond butter or sunflower butter. Keep in mind that this may alter the texture a bit.
3. Use Chocolate Bark: For those of you who love chocolate, you can substitute chocolate bark for almond bark.
4. Change the cereal: If you’re not a fan of Rice Krispies, you can use Cheerios or cornflakes. They will still give you a crispy cookie, depending on the cereal you choose.

Other No-Bake Recipes

If you’re looking for some other no-bake dessert inspirations, check out my Decadent No-Bake Fudge Cookies & Delicious Ritz Peanut Butter Cookies, which are longtime favorites of ours.

Wrapping Up

The almond bark cookie recipe is easy, quick, and incredibly delicious. It’s the perfect solution for last-minute dessert needs or when you want to whip up something sweet without the hassle of baking. With its blend of crunchy, creamy, and chewy textures, it’s guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth. So get your apron on and let the cookie-making begin!