This easy, no-bake Haystack Cookies Recipe is a delicious treat for enjoying during the holidays (or really any time!). The cookies use minimal ingredients and tools and come together in under 15 minutes. They're salty, sweet, and perfectly crunchy!
Delicious and easy no-bake haystack cookies
If you're craving something sweet, these haystack cookies are exactly what you're looking for. They're quick and easy and the perfect mix of sweet, salty, crunchy, and chocolatey! These treats are made with a handful of pantry staples and require minimal kitchen tools. But apart from their delicious flavor and simple ingredient list, one aspect takes their selling point even further: they're no bake! Just mix, form, and chill. That's it!
Haystack cookies are great for holiday platters, desserts, after-school snacks, or for when you just need a little something sweet and don't feel like turning on the oven. So grab your ingredients and kitchen tools, and be prepared for these cookies to be eaten up fast!
Ingredients in this haystack cookie recipe
Each ingredient used in this list loads in flavor, and the combination tastes fantastic. Salty, sweet, crunchy... this haystack cookie recipe has it all. Below is a list of all of the simple ingredients you'll need!
- Butterscotch chips: First up for these haystack cookies is 1 cup of butterscotch chips. These are going to form the base of the stacks.
- Chocolate chips: Next, add chocolate flavor by including ½ cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips. If preferred, you may use milk chocolate chips.
- Peanut butter: 3 tablespoon of creamy peanut butter will help the ingredients stick together, and it will pair deliciously with the other items on the list. If you have crunchy peanut butter, that works too!
- Chow mein noodles: Some crunch is a must! Achieve this by including 5 oz of crunchy chow mein noodles.
- Salted peanuts: Salt always works well with sweet. Add some salty flavor by including ¾ cups of chopped salted peanuts.
- Toppings: Last but not least, grab some nonpareil sprinkles for adding on top! Festive sprinkles work too.
Tools used to make these chow mein noodle cookies
Minimal kitchen tools = minimal cleanup! You'll only need four main items for this recipe, along with 4 measuring cup sizes.
- Microwave safe bowl
- Stirring utensil
- Cookie scoop or spoon
- Wax paper lined baking sheet or tray
To measure out the ingredients, you will need the following sized measuring cups: 1 tbsp, ½ cup, ¾ cup, and 1 cup.
How to make these haystack cookies
No-bake butterscotch haystacks couldn't be easier to make! Just grab your ingredients and a microwave safe bowl, and your recipe will be ready in under 15 minutes.
First, add the butterscotch chips, chocolate chips, and peanut butter to a microwave safe dish. Microwave the mixture at 50% power to melt the chocolate. Do this in 30 second increments to avoid burning. Stir in between and continue until the mixture is fully melted.
Once melted, add the chow mein noodles and salted peanuts. Stir until they become completely coated in the melted chocolate mixture.
Using a 3 tablespoon cookie scoop or a spoon, scoop the mixture into stacks. Sprinkle them with the nonpareil sprinkles, and then place on a parchment paper lined tray. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to harden or let cool at room temperature for at least 2 hours. Store at room temperature.
Recipe Tips
What are haystack cookies?
Haystack cookies are easy, no-bake cookies formed using chocolate chips, peanut butter, and various dry and salty ingredients.
Is there another name for haystack cookies?
Yes! Some refer to the chocolatey treats as no-bakes or mudballs.
Do I need to break the noodles?
Yes, be sure to break the noodles before adding to the mix. Don't crush them into crumbs, but do break them into bite-sized pieces.
How do I store these cookies?
Haystack cookies can be stored in an airtight container and kept at room temperature. Keeping them at room temperature will help maintain the texture.
Substitution Tip
Want to add to your haystacks? Below are a few more ingredients that will mix in well! When adding dry ingredients, you may need to increase the peanut butter slightly so that everything sticks together.
- White chocolate chips
- Crushed pretzels
- Chopped candy bars (Twix, Reese's, etc.)
- Mini M&Ms
- Mini marshmallows
- Chopped cornflakes
When it comes to substitutions, you can swap in milk chocolate chips for semi-sweet, peanut butter chips for butterscotch, or chopped cashews or walnuts for peanuts.
If you liked this recipe, you'll want to try these!
Looking for some more sweet treat ideas? Here are some additional recipes that you'll love!
- Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars
- Pretzel Christmas Crack
- Double Chocolate Mint Paleo Cookies
- Healthy White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
All recipes by Erin Morrissey and Photos by Sierra Inn
Haystack Cookies Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- In a microwave safe dish, add butterscotch chips, chocolate chips, and peanut butter. Microwave at 50% power in 30 second increments, stirring in between, until totally melted.
- Once melted, add in chow mein noodles and salted peanuts. Stir until completely coated.
- Using a 3tbsp cookie scoop, scoop into stacks. Alternatively, use a spoon to form stacks. Sprinkle with nonpareils. Place in fridge for 30 minutes to harden or let cool at room temperature for at least 2 hours.
- Store at room temperature.
jenn says
We’re a hit at a family party. They disappeared so fast that I didn’t even get to try one! Looking forward to making a double batch next time 🙂
Erin says
Hi Jenn, so happy everyone loved them!!
Megan J says
Made these with the kids last year for our annual Christmas Cookie baking day. They were so different than all the other cookies we make! Very good and fun for a no bake recipe!
Erin says
Hi Megan, so happy they were a big hit!!