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Haystacks have been a Christmas classic in my kitchen for years and these two versions are the most reliable ones I have ever tested. I dialed in the right ratio of chocolate, peanut butter, and chow mein noodles so they set up perfectly every time. You can make them in ten minutes and you can easily customize them with your favorite mix ins. If you want a recipe that is simple, foolproof, and guaranteed to impress, start here.
So easy and fun to make! I love the dimension they add to my Christmas cookie tins to give to friends and family! Highly recommend!
-Sara
The “Right Way” to Make Haystacks
I have been making haystacks for years and I never get over the fact that something this simple can taste this good.
These are the exact recipes I use when I am building out my Christmas cookie tins because they come together fast and they always hold their shape.
I have tested everything from butterscotch only to chocolate blends to see which combinations set up firmly without getting chalky or greasy. My two versions below are the perfect base recipes so you can easily customize your own haystacks with confidence.
I also love that haystacks vary from family to family. I grew up seeing them made with different mix ins every year. Sometimes people add in cocktail peanuts, crunchy peanut butter, mini marshmallows, other nuts, or festive sprinkles. Lots of people call these chow mein cookies!
These recipes give you a dependable starting point that feels familiar but still gives you freedom to make them your own.
Both recipes were created with home bakers in mind. You do not need any special equipment and you can make a big batch in ten minutes. I break down the steps so you know exactly what your mixture should look like at every stage. When you follow my method, you get perfectly set haystacks that stay crunchy for days and look beautiful on any cookie plate.
What are Haystacks Cookies?
Haystack Cookies are a no bake cookie that’s made using crunchy chow mein noodles, a variety of chocolate chips (butterscotch morsels, semi-sweet chocolate chips, or white chocolate chips), and peanut butter.
For more no bake recipes, try Peanut Butter Balls, Church Window Cookies, and Turtle Bark.
Haystacks Recipe Ingredients
For the full recipe scroll down to the recipe card.
- butterscotch chips
- semi-sweet chocolate chips
- creamy peanut butter
- chow mein noodles
How to Melt Chocolate in the Microwave
- Use a microwave safe bowl – I like to use a medium sized glass bowl.
- Microwave on 50% power to ensure that the chocolate doesn’t scorch.
- Stir the chocolate after each minute to ensure the chocolate doesn’t scorch.
- Do not over microwave. It’s best to stop microwaving when some of the chocolate chips still have their shape. Stirring the mixture together will help melt the remaining chips.
How to Make Haystacks
Butterscotch Haystack Recipe
- Baking sheet. Line 2 baking sheets with silicone mats, parchment paper or wax paper.
- Melt. Place the butterscotch chips and peanut butter in a large microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for 1 minute on 50% power. Stir. Repeat, microwave for 1 minute on 50%, stir. If not completely melted, microwave for 30-45 seconds on 50% power. Stir until smooth.
- Stir. Gradually add the crunchy noodles to the melted chocolate, mixing well to coat them.
- Scoop. Use a cookie scoop (I used a large #20 cookie scoop also 3.5”) to quickly scoop mounds of noodles onto the prepared baking sheet. Allow the haystacks to harden completely at room temperature, about 1-2 hours before removing from the tray. Store in an airtight container.
Chocolate Haystacks Recipe
- Baking sheet. Line 2 baking sheets with silicone mats, parchment paper or wax paper.
- Melt. Place the butterscotch chips and chocolate chips in a large bowl. Microwave for 1 minute on 50% power. Stir. Repeat, microwave for 1 minute on 50%, stir. If not completely melted, microwave for 30-45 seconds on 50% power. Stir until smooth.
- Stir. Gradually add the crunchy noodles to the melted chocolate, mixing well to coat them.
- Scoop. Use a cookie scoop (I used a large #20 cookie scoop also 3.5”) to quickly scoop mounds of noodles onto the prepared baking sheet. Allow the haystacks to harden completely at room temperature, about 1-2 hours before removing from the tray. Store in an airtight container.
Time Required
- 3 minutes to melt the chocolate
- 2 minutes to mix in the chow mein noodles
- 5 minutes to scoop haystacks onto baking sheet
- 1-2 hours to harden and set
Haystack Recipe Variations
Feel free to add 1/2 cup of your favorite add-in to our haystack cookie recipe.
- Marshmallows. Fold in mini marshmallows.
- Nuts. Add chopped nuts, such as walnuts, almond, pecans or cashews.
- Sprinkles. For the Christmas season, top these with holiday sprinkles.
- Pretzels. Fold in chopped pretzels for a sweet & salty treat.
- White chocolate chips. Use white chocolate chips in place of the semi-sweet chocolate chips for a creamy, white version.
- Mint. Add mint extract for an extra minty treat.
Haystacks Cookies Tips for Success
- Wipe your bowls clean before melting the chocolate in the microwave. Water will cause melted chocolate to seize.
- Use a cookie scoop or spoon to scoop the melted chocolate mixture onto the baking sheet.
- Be sure to scoop the chow mein noodle cookies onto a lined baking sheet for easy removal. Line the baking sheet with a silicone mat, parchment paper or wax paper.
- To speed up the setting process, you can place the baking sheets in your garage if you live somewhere cold.
How to Store Haystacks
To store haystack cookies, place them in an airtight container. Store the container at room temperature in a cool, dry place for up to a week.
Recipe for Haystacks FAQs
No. They can be stored in an airtight container on the counter. https://amzn.to/3gI0xs0 However, if you live somewhere warm, I recommend storing them in the fridge or in a dry, dark spot.
How To Store – These little haystacks can be stored in an airtight container on the counter for up to 2 weeks.
How To Freeze – You can also freeze your haystack cookies for up to 3 months. Place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. Thaw in the fridge overnight.
No-bake chow mein haystack cookies can become dry if you use too many dry ingredients (like chow mein noodles or oats) relative to the wet ingredients (such as melted chocolate or butterscotch chips). It’s important to maintain the right balance of ingredients to achieve a moist and chewy texture in these cookies
More Christmas Treats
- Peanut Butter Blossoms
- Chocolate Cherry Cookies
- Christmas English Toffee
- Cut Out Sugar Cookies
- Tiger Butter
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Recipe for Haystacks
Ingredients
Butterscotch Haystacks
- 11 oz butterscotch chips
- 1 cup (270g) creamy peanut butter
- 12 oz chow mein noodles
Chocolate Haystacks
- 11 oz butterscotch chips
- 1 ½ cups (255g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 12 oz chow mein noodles
Instructions
Butterscotch Haystacks
- Line 2 baking sheets with silicone mats, parchment paper or wax paper.
- Place the butterscotch chips and peanut butter in a microwave safe bowl. Microwave for 1 minute on 50% power. Stir. Repeat, microwave for 1 minute on 50%, stir. If not completely melted, microwave for 30-45 seconds on 50% power. Stir until smooth. Gradually add the noodles to the chocolate, mixing well to coat them.11 oz butterscotch chips, 1 cup (270g) creamy peanut butter, 12 oz chow mein noodles
- Use a cookie scoop (I used a large #20 cookie scoop also 3.5”) to quickly scoop mounds of noodles onto the silicone mat. Allow the haystacks to harden completely, about 1-2 hours before removing from the tray. Store in an airtight container.
Chocolate Haystacks
- Line 2 baking sheets with silicone mats, parchment paper or wax paper.
- Place the butterscotch chips and chocolate chips in a microwave safe bowl. Microwave for 1 minute on 50% power. Stir. Repeat, microwave for 1 minute on 50%, stir. If not completely melted, microwave for 30-45 seconds on 50% power. Stir until smooth. Gradually add the noodles to the chocolate, mixing well to coat them.11 oz butterscotch chips, 1 1/2 cups (255g) semi-sweet chocolate chips, 12 oz chow mein noodles
- Use a cookie scoop (I used a large #20 cookie scoop also 3.5”) to quickly scoop mounds of noodles onto the silicone mat. Allow the haystacks to harden completely, about 1-2 hours before removing from the tray. Store in an airtight container.
You have some wonderful recipes. I can’t wait to make the turtle bark.
Thank you for sharing all the great recipes.
So easy and fun to make! I love the dimension they add to my Christmas cookie tins to give to friends and family! Highly recommend!
Can I do chocolate chips and peanut butter together, instead of butterscotch?
Yes!! Another good combo!
Do you have to use chow mein noodles? Could you use something like cheerios or another type of plain cereal?
Using cheerios is a great idea!
Chex mix would be another one!
Hi I need to make 120 of these. It says it serves 30, is this after making both the butter scotch and Chocolate, 15 of each flavor? Or will there be 30 butterscotch and 30 chocolate?
30 of each!
I use shoe string potatoes, no peanut butter just chips. Family favorite that my grandmother made
My kids love this! Thank you for the recipe 💕🥰
In Australia – we call these chocolate spiders.
How long can I freeze them? I really want to get ahead on my christmas baking. Please and thank you!
You can freeze your haystack cookies for up to 3 months. Place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. Thaw in the fridge overnight.
If adding mint, how many drops would you say to use?
1/8 to 1/4 tsp!