Haystack Cookies

Haystack Cookies are an incredibly crunchy, delightfully sweet, and effortlessly simple no-bake treat that will become your new go-to recipe. Requiring only four core ingredients – creamy peanut butter, rich butterscotch chips, crispy chow mein noodles, and delectable honey-roasted peanuts – these cookies deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort. Perfect for last-minute cravings, holiday platters, or a sweet gift, their unique texture and irresistible taste make them a crowd-pleaser every time.

Why Everyone Loves Haystack Cookies: A No-Bake Sensation

In the world of baking, sometimes the simplest recipes yield the greatest joy. No-bake cookies are a testament to this, offering a shortcut to deliciousness without ever turning on your oven. Recently, our Avalanche Cookies took social media by storm, proving just how much love there is for quick, delightful treats. Inspired by that overwhelming positive response, we knew it was time to introduce a butterscotch-infused “haystack” version, a classic reimagined with a few irresistible twists.

This recipe builds on the beloved no-bake concept but introduces a delightful combination of textures and flavors. We’ve replaced the white chocolate of our Avalanche Cookies with luscious butterscotch, adding a warm, caramel-like sweetness. Instead of crispy rice cereal, we’ve opted for crunchy chow mein noodles – a personal favorite for their incredible texture in dishes like Hawaiian Haystacks. To elevate the nutty flavor, we chose honey-roasted peanuts over plain, much like in our popular Crockpot Candy, adding an extra layer of sweetness and depth. The result? A perfectly balanced cookie that’s sweet, salty, crunchy, and utterly addictive. Finish them off with a sprinkle of mini chocolate chips or a touch of flaky sea salt for an extra touch of gourmet appeal.

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Haystack Cookies

The beauty of Haystack Cookies lies in their simplicity, utilizing just a handful of readily available ingredients. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why each component is key to their success:

• Creamy Peanut Butter: For the best results, opt for a smooth, creamy peanut butter variety like Jif or Skippy. Natural peanut butters, which often separate and have a thinner consistency, can make the mixture too oily and difficult to set properly. The creamy texture helps bind all the ingredients together smoothly, ensuring a consistent and delightful bite.
• Butterscotch Baking Chips: These chips are the heart of the haystack’s signature flavor. When melting, take your time and use low heat to prevent them from seizing or burning, which can result in a grainy or hard texture. A gentle melt ensures a velvety smooth coating for your cookies.
• Crispy Chow Mein Noodles: This is where the “haystack” texture truly shines! These light, crunchy noodles provide an incomparable crispness that sets these cookies apart. You can typically find them in the international or Asian food aisle of most grocery stores. Brands like La Choy are widely available and work perfectly. Ensure they are fresh and not stale for maximum crunch.
• Honey-Roasted Peanuts: While plain dry-roasted peanuts work, the honey-roasted variety adds a wonderful layer of sweetness and a slightly caramelized flavor that complements the butterscotch beautifully. If you prefer a less sweet cookie, feel free to use dry-roasted peanuts instead. Alternatively, for a different flavor profile, try salted peanuts to enhance the sweet and savory contrast.
• Optional Toppings: Elevate your haystacks with an array of delightful toppings. Mini chocolate chips add a classic touch, while sprinkles bring a festive pop of color. For a sophisticated finish that perfectly balances the sweetness, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt is highly recommended.

Mastering the Art of No-Bake: Expert Tips for Perfect Haystack Cookies

While Haystack Cookies boast an incredible simplicity with no baking required and just a few ingredients, melting the butterscotch can sometimes be a bit finicky. Here are essential tips to ensure your cookies turn out perfectly smooth, crunchy, and delicious every time:

• The Secret to Smooth Melting:
  • Microwave Method: When melting butterscotch and peanut butter together in the microwave, always use short intervals. Start with 20-second bursts, stirring thoroughly after each one. It’s crucial to let the mixture rest for a few seconds between bursts, as melting continues even when it’s out of the microwave. This gradual heating prevents overheating, which can cause butterscotch to seize and become lumpy or hard.
  • Double Boiler Method (Alternative): If you prefer not to use a microwave, a double boiler is an excellent method for gentle, even melting. Place a heat-proof bowl over a saucepan of simmering water (ensure the bottom of the bowl doesn’t touch the water). Stir constantly until smooth.
  • Don’t Overheat! This is the golden rule. Overheated butterscotch will become thick, grainy, and unusable. If it starts to look dry or clumpy, it’s likely overcooked.
• Achieving the Ideal Coating: Once your butterscotch-peanut butter mixture is perfectly melted and smooth, pour it immediately over the peanuts and chow mein noodles. Use a spatula to gently fold the ingredients together. The key is to be gentle to avoid crushing the delicate chow mein noodles, ensuring they retain their crisp texture. Continue folding until every noodle and peanut is evenly coated.
• Swift Shaping for Best Results: Work quickly once the mixture is coated, as it will start to set as it cools. Drop spoonfuls onto a parchment paper-lined baking sheet, forming individual “haystacks” of your desired size (typically 2-2.5 inches in diameter). The parchment paper prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
• Timing is Everything for Toppings: If you’re adding optional toppings like mini chocolate chips, sprinkles, or flaky sea salt, do so immediately after shaping the cookies, while the mixture is still warm and tacky. This ensures the toppings adhere properly before the butterscotch sets.
• Troubleshooting Common Issues:
  • Lumpy Butterscotch: If your butterscotch mixture becomes lumpy or too thick despite careful melting, try stirring in a tiny amount of neutral oil (like vegetable or canola oil), about half a teaspoon at a time. This can sometimes help to smooth it out.
  • Cookies Too Soft: If your finished cookies aren’t hardening as much as you’d like, or if you’re in a warm environment, simply place them in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes, or even the freezer for 5-10 minutes. Chilling helps them firm up quickly and maintain their shape and crunch.
  • Sticky Cookies: If they feel sticky, it could be due to humidity or not enough chilling time. Ensure they are fully set and stored in an airtight container.

Explore More Irresistible No-Bake Treats:

If you loved the ease and deliciousness of these Haystack Cookies, you’re in for a treat! Discover more fantastic no-bake recipes that are simple to make and guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth:

• Classic No-Bake Cookies with a rich blend of chocolate and peanut butter – a timeless favorite.
• Decadent Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats generously topped with a layer of smooth chocolate, a delightful twist on a classic.
• Wholesome No-Bake Granola Bars crafted with creamy almond butter, perfect for a quick and healthy snack.
• Rich Peanut Butter Bars built on a crunchy graham cracker crust, a simple yet satisfying dessert.
• Vibrant Fruity Pebbles Rice Krispies Treats packed with extra marshmallows for a fun, colorful, and chewy indulgence.

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5 from 1 vote

Haystack Cookies

By

Chelsea Lords

These no-bake Haystack Cookies are crunchy, sweet, and made with only four ingredients: peanut butter, butterscotch, chow mein noodles, and honey-roasted peanuts.

Prep Time:

15 minutes

Setting Time:

20 minutes

Total Time:

35 minutes

Servings:

22 cookies

Video

Equipment

• Sheet pan (15″ x 10″) with parchment paper

Ingredients

• 1 cup
  butterscotch baking chips
  
• 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter like Skippy
• 1/2 cup
  honey roasted peanuts
  
• 1 (5-ounce) container
  crispy chow mein noodles
  
• mini chocolate chips optional, for topping
• Flaky sea salt optional, for topping

Instructions

• In a microwave-safe bowl, combine butterscotch chips and peanut butter. Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring well after each, until smooth (about 40 seconds total). Be careful not to overheat, as melting continues even outside of the microwave!
• In a large bowl, add the honey-roasted peanuts and crispy chow mein noodles. Pour the warm, melted butterscotch and peanut butter mixture over them and gently fold with a spatula until all ingredients are thoroughly coated.
• Using a spoon or a small cookie scoop, drop the mixture onto a parchment-lined sheet pan, forming 2–2.5-inch mounds (your “haystacks”). If desired, immediately top with mini chocolate chips, sprinkles, or a pinch of flaky sea salt before the mixture sets.
• Allow the cookies to cool completely until the butterscotch has hardened. This can be done at room temperature, which typically takes about 30-60 minutes, or you can speed up the process by placing them in the refrigerator for about 15-20 minutes or the freezer for about 10 minutes. Enjoy your delightful Haystack Cookies!

Recipe Notes

Storage: For optimal freshness and crunch, store these delicious cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you’re planning for longer enjoyment, they can be frozen for up to 3 months. When freezing, arrange the cookies in layers separated by parchment paper within an airtight container to prevent them from sticking together. Thaw at room temperature before serving, or enjoy them as a frozen treat!

Nutrition

Serving:
1serving

|

Calories:
136kcal

|

Carbohydrates:
13.2g

|

Protein:
3.4g

|

Fat:
8.5g

|

Sodium:
101.7mg

|

Fiber:
1.6g

|

Sugar:
6.8g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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