Print

Classic No-Bake Butterscotch Haystack Cookies

A close-up of two golden-brown, glossy haystack cookies made from crunchy chow mein noodles coated in caramel.

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Make these quick, crunchy, and sweet haystack cookies using just a few simple ingredients. This no-bake recipe is perfect for fast desserts or holiday cookie trays.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 (12 ounce) package butterscotch chips
  • 1 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 6 cups chow mein noodles (crispy, not soft)
  • 1 cup chopped nuts (optional)

Instructions

  1. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or wax paper.
  2. In a large, microwave-safe bowl, combine the butterscotch chips and peanut butter.
  3. Microwave on medium power for 1 minute. Stir well. Continue microwaving in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until the mixture is smooth and completely melted.
  4. Pour the chow mein noodles and optional nuts into the melted mixture. Stir gently until the noodles are evenly coated. Work quickly before the mixture sets.
  5. Drop rounded tablespoons of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheets. You can form them into small mounds or ‘haystacks’.
  6. Let the cookies set at room temperature for about 30 minutes, or place them in the refrigerator for 15 minutes to speed up the process.
  7. Store the finished cookies in an airtight container.

Notes

  • For a chocolate version, substitute semi-sweet chocolate chips for the butterscotch chips.
  • To make Peanut Butter Haystacks, add 1/2 cup of creamy peanut butter to the melted chocolate chips instead of using butterscotch chips.
  • These cookies are a great alternative to complex recipes when you are looking into meal planning for quick snacks.
  • If you need a very fast set time, you can use a sous-vide precision cooker to gently melt the chips if your microwave is unreliable.

Nutrition