Quick and Easy No Bake Haystack Cookies
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Who would’ve thought you could whip up a batch of irresistible cookies without even turning on the oven? My No Bake Haystack Cookies recipe is a lifesaver for those moments when you’re craving something sweet but want to keep things simple.
With just a handful of simple ingredients and a few minutes of prep, you’ll be enjoying a treat that’s both crunchy and chewy in no time. Plus, these cookies are perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a last-minute party or an after school snack.
Not to mention they’re a tried and true classic during the holiday season. Be sure to check out the fun variations I’ve included below to put your own spin on them.
Made with crunchy noodles, creamy peanut butter, rich chocolate and velvety butterscotch this no bake cookie recipe blends chewy and crispy textures in every bite. They’re perfect for busy days, and best of all, they’re ready in a snap! Just melt, mix, and drop them onto parchment paper to set.
But I think the best part of this recipe is that you don’t have to turn on the oven to make them. For more easy no-bake cookie recipes be sure to check out my preacher cookies and homemade Star Crunch cookies recipes.
We’re sharing tips to help you get the best results with this recipe. If you don’t need the tips, scroll to the bottom for the full recipe and a printable recipe card.
What are Haystack Cookies?
Sometimes called chow mein cookies, they are the ultimate quick and easy treat. With a delicious mix of texture and flavors, they typically feature creamy peanut butter, rich chocolate and butterscotch and a crunchy element like chow mein noodles.
Haystack Cookie Ingredients
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: adds just the right hint of cocoa without being too sweet or overly bitter. The Ghirardelli brand is our go-to for chocolate chips – they melt beautifully and have rich chocolate flavor.
- Butterscotch chips: the creamy, buttery sweetness perfectly complements the chocolate.
- Creamy peanut butter: the smooth texture binds everything together.
- Crunchy chow mein noodles: adds a satisfying crunch and gives the cookies that signature haystack look. You can purchase these in the Asian section of your grocery store (here’s a link to the noodles so you know what to look for).
Get the complete ingredients & directions in the recipe card below.
How to Make Haystack Cookies with Chow Mein Noodles
Prepare a big baking sheet by covering it with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Set it aside for later.
Now, in a large bowl, toss in the butterscotch chips, chocolate chips, and peanut butter. Pop it in the microwave for a minute, give it a stir, and keep cooking it for 20-30 seconds at a time.
Be careful when you take the bowl out of the microwave as it will be hot, then stir again until smooth until the mixture is smooth.
Add the crispy chow mein noodles to the chocolate mixture and mix until everything’s nicely coated.
Working fast, scoop the mix into little haystacks onto the lined baking sheet, using a large cookie scoop or an ice cream scoop.
Let the cookies harden and cool for about 1-2 hours. Once they’re set, move them to an airtight container.
Tips for Making the No Bake Haystack Cookie Recipe
- We recommend heating the chocolate in short bursts to avoid scorching it or causing it to seize. You’re looking for a glossy and smooth texture.
- When mixing in the chow mein noodles stir the ingredients gently to avoid crushing the noodles.
- Make sure the cookies have completely set and cooled before storing them. Rushing this step can cause them to fall apart.
Recipe Substitutions and Variations
One of the reasons I love this easy recipe is its versatility. You can easily tweak the recipe to suit different tastes, occasions or ingredients that you have on hand.
- Nutty Variations: Use crunchy peanut butter for a simple twist. Or swap out the peanut butter for almond or cashew butter for a new flavor profile. You can also toss in some chopped nuts like almonds or pecans for added crunch.
- Chocolate Lovers: Double down on chocolate by using dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet or use milk chocolate chips for a richer chocolate flavor. If you prefer white chocolate, use white chocolate chips instead.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or a dash of cayenne pepper to the melted chocolate – these spices add depth and warmth, perfect for a cool weather treat.
- Fruity Twist: Mix in a handful of raisins or chopped dried cranberries for chewiness and a burst of natural sweetness.
- Festive Additions: Use colorful, festive sprinkles for an easy way to customize the cookies for holidays or themed parties. I like to use white chocolate chips when I’m using sprinkles.
Can I Freeze No Bake Haystack Cookies
You sure can! It’s a handy option if you want to make a big batch to save some for later or if you’re in holiday baking mode. They’ll keep for about 2 months when stored properly. After the cookies have fully set up and cooled on the baking sheet, transfer the sheet pan to the freezer to flash freeze the cookies for about an hour. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe airtight container or bag, placing a sheet of parchment paper between the layers.
To thaw the cookies, simply let the cookies sit out at room temperature for about an hour. I don’t recommend thawing in the microwave because it can alter the texture and make them soggy.
How to Store Chocolate Haystack Cookies
After the cookies have completely cooled and set up, store them in an airtight container at room temperature, where they’ll stay fresh for about a week. If you need to stack the cookies, just place parchment or wax paper in between the layers. If you want to store them a tad longer, pop them in the fridge – the texture may be a little softer but they’ll keep for about two weeks.
These chow mein cookies are a sweet treat that’s almost too easy to make but still so satisfying. You get that fun mix of crunchy and creamy with every bite, plus a sweet combo that’s just right—not too much, not too little.
And they’re a great choice for those busy days when you need to whip up a snack in a snap or don’t want to turn on the oven. Give them a go the next time you want a no-fuss, sweet bite.
More no bake treat recipes…
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Haystack Cookies with Chow Mein Noodles
Ingredients
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 11 ounces butterscotch chips
- 3 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
- 12 ounces chow mein noodles
Instructions
- Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat and set aside.
- Place butterscotch chips, chocolate chips and peanut butter in a large bowl.1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, 11 ounces butterscotch chips, 3 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
- Heat in the microwave for 1 minute, stir and continue heating for 20-30 second intervals and stirring until the chocolate is almost melted. Carefully remove the bowl from the microwave and stir the mixture until it’s smooth.
- Add the chow mein noodles and gently stir until they’re well coated.12 ounces chow mein noodles
- Working quickly, use a large cookie dough scoop or ice cream scoop to portion out the mixture onto the lined baking sheet.
- Let the cookies set until they’ve hardened and cooled, about 1-2 hours.
Notes
- To avoid scorching, melt the chocolate slowly in short intervals.
- If you want to make these for holidays or special occasions, use white chocolate chips in place of the semi-sweet chips, then immediately add colored sprinkles after scooping the cookies.
- Make sure the cookies are completely cooled and set before storing them.
- Store cooled cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week at room temperature. If you need to stack the cookies, place a sheet of parchment paper between the layers.
- Freezer storage: flash freeze the cooled cookies for about an hour, then place in a freezer-safe container or bag, separating the layers with parchment paper, for up to 2 months. Allow cookies to thaw at room temperature before serving.
- This recipe makes about 24 cookies but the yield will vary based on the size of your cookies.
Nutritional Estimate
Nutritional information is provided as a reference, using an online calculator. We recommend verifying the information independently for accuracy.
