These No-Bake Almond Bark Cookies come straight from a treasured collection, and they’re as comforting as they are delicious. Sometimes, the best recipes are those that bring a sense of nostalgia. With just a handful of ingredients and no oven required, this is a treat you’ll love to share.
During the holiday season, we often turn to nostalgic cookie recipes that remind us of cherished family traditions. Perfect for a cookie tray at your next cookie exchange or as an easy bake cookie recipe for last-minute guests, this fun recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
However, you don’t have to wait for the Holidays to come around to make these no-bake sweet snacks. Any time of year is the perfect time. Kids love them as a sweet breakfast option or after school snack.
Why We Love Almond Bark Cookies
This past week, we gathered around the kitchen counter with my great-grandma Joy’s cookbook in hand. Since she recently passed away, baking her recipes was a way to keep her memory alive. One standout? These No-Bake Almond Bark Cookies. They’re a unique twist on traditional cookie recipes, combining cereals, coconut, and dates for a chewy, flavorful treat.
These cookies are packed with sentimental value and deliciousness.
These cookies are more than just a delicious treat. They’re versatile, easy to make, and ideal for any occasion. Whether you’re making Christmas cookies or need a last-minute bake treat for a party, they’re sure to be a big hit.
Using a cookie scoop ensures uniform cookies, while the option to drizzle extra white chocolate chips or candy melts over the top of each cookie makes them look as good as they taste.
No-Bake Almond Bark Cookies: Easy, Sweet, and Delicious
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Kitchen Essentials
Ingredients
- 2/3 Cup White Sugar
- 1 Cup Dates but fine
- 2 Large Eggs beaten
- 1 Cup Captain Crunch Cereal
- 1 Cup Special K Cereal
- 1 Teaspoon Vanilla
- 1 Cup Coconut
- ½ Cup Nuts chopped
- 12 Ounces Almond Bark optional
Instructions
- Combine the dates, sugar, butter, and beaten egg in a heavy skillet over low heat. While stirring constantly, cook for 5 to 7 minutes until the mixture is bubbly.2/3 Cup White Sugar, 1 Cup Dates, 2 Large Eggs
- Remove from heat. Add the Captain Crunch Cereal, Special K Cereal, Vanilla, coconut and chopped nuts. Stir to combine thoroughly.1 Cup Captain Crunch Cereal, 1 Cup Special K Cereal, 1 Teaspoon Vanilla, 1 Cup Coconut, ½ Cup Nuts
- Let the cookie mixture cool to touch but still warm, with greased hands, form into 1 inch balls. Set them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or waxed paper.
- Let them cool thoroughly before serving.
- Optional, dip the balls into white chocolate melted (almond bark), or drizzle over the top. Melt the bark in a microwave for 30 second intervals, stir and microwave until melted.12 Ounces Almond Bark
Your Own Private Notes
Nutrition
Tips for Making No-Bake Almond Bark Cookies
- Stir Constantly: While cooking the date mixture, stir continuously to avoid scrambling the eggs or burning the sugar.
- Cooling the Mixture: Allow the mixture to cool slightly before handling, but work while it’s still warm. This ensures the cookies hold their shape.
- Use Greased Hands: Lightly grease your hands with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking when forming the balls. Or shape with a cookie scoop to make handling even easier.
- Consistency Adjustments: If the mixture is too sticky, add a little extra cereal or coconut to firm it up.
- Melting Almond Bark. Use a microwave-safe bowl to melt your almond bark in 30-second intervals or a slow cooker for larger batches.
- Chop the dates quickly. Just run them through a food processor for a few seconds.
- Avoid using pre-chopped dates. They don’t have as much moisture as whole dates. The moisture from the dates helps make sure the cookies stick together when rolling.
Date Skillet Cookies with Crispy Rice Cereal and Coconut Cookies Recipe Variations
For Peanut Allergies. Swap creamy peanut butter for almond butter or even cookie butter spread for a nut-free alternative.
Substitute Dates. Try dried figs or prunes for a different flavor profile.
Add Chocolate Chips. Mix in mini chocolate chips after the mixture cools slightly for an extra indulgence.
Flavor Enhancements. Swap vanilla for almond or coconut extract for a unique twist.
Use Other Cereals. Replace Captain Crunch or Special K with Rice Krispies, Corn Flakes, Cheerios, or a granola blend for a crunch variation.
Coating Options. Roll the cookies in powdered sugar, cocoa powder, or extra shredded coconut before they cool.
Avalanche Bark-Inspired. Mix in chewy marshmallows and extra white chocolate mixture for an ultimate treat similar to those famous Rice Krispie treats.
Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory Style. Roll cookies in cocoa powder or drizzle with white candy coating for a gourmet touch.
Extra Chocolate. Add a little bit of melted dark chocolate or extra mini chocolate chips to the peanut butter mixture for a richer flavor.
Kitchen Sink Date Skillet Cookies. Customize these cookies with whatever crunchy or chewy ingredients you have on hand—hence the name “Everything-but-the-kitchen-sink cookies.” Toss in extras like different nuts, chocolate chips, seeds, dried fruit, or even M&Ms to make them uniquely yours.
Here are Storage Options for These Drop Cookies
- Room Temperature. Store the cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Separate layers with wax or parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Refrigeration. For extended freshness, keep the cookies in the fridge for up to 10 days.
- Freezing. Yes, these cookies freeze well! Arrange them on a prepared baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag or airtight container. They’ll last up to 3 months in the freezer. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Whether you’re honoring a loved one’s memory or simply whipping up something quick and sweet, these No-Bake Almond Bark Cookies are a must-try. With minimal prep time, customizable flavors, and long-lasting freshness, they’re a versatile treat for any occasion.
Kids love them.