These fun and festive no-bake Haystack Cookies are made with a handful of common ingredients in less than ten minutes and are customizable for any special occasion or holiday with different sprinkles. They are always a hit with friends and family, and they stay fresh for days.
If you like the ease and taste of these delicious treats. You need to try my no-bake Peanut Butter Cookies, Scotcheroos, and Christmas Crack.
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
- White chocolate: white chocolate melting wafers do better with these than white chocolate chips. White chocolate chips have additives to help keep the chip in its original form for cookies.
- Nuts: peanuts, walnuts, almonds, or pecans
- Chow mein noodles: find the cooked dried chow mein noodles in the Asian food section of your local grocery store.
- Peanut butter: use smooth and creamy old-fashioned peanut butter, not the all-natural kind.
- Sprinkles: they sell sprinkles for virtually every holiday and occasion. I have picked them up at Michaels, Hobby Lobby, and my local grocery stores. Just change out the sprinkles to fit the holiday.
How to make Haystack Cookies (Two Ways)
For White Chocolate Haystacks: heat white chocolate chips or melting wafers in the microwave at 50% power for 30-60 second intervals until melted and smooth. Stir until the bowl is no longer warm between each interval. Stir in the chow mein noodles and peanuts. Using a large ice cream or cookie scoop, drop the haystack cookies in a single layer with space between on parchment paper covered baking sheets.
For Chocolate Haystacks -heat butterscotch chips, semi-sweet chocolate chips, and peanut butter in the microwave at 50% power for 30-60 second intervals until melted and smooth. Stir until the bowl is no longer warm between each interval. Stir in the chow mein noodles. Using a large ice cream scoop or cookie scoop, drop the haystack cookies in a single layer with space between on parchment-paper covered baking sheets.
Preparation Tips
- When melting chocolate, make sure your bowl and utensils are completely dry. One drop of water can cause your chocolate to seize, rendering it useless.
- Melting chocolate takes patience. Use short cooking intervals in the microwave and stir the chocolate until the bowl is no longer warm between each interval.
- Work quickly as the chocolate sets up fast. If using sprinkles, add them before the chocolate sets up.
Storage
Store these Haystack Cookies in an airtight container in the fridge or at room temperature for up to a week. I recommend storing them in the refrigerator if you live in a warm climate. You can also freeze them in a sturdy, airtight container for up to 3 months.
Try Different Add-Ins
- Mini Marshmallows
- Toffee Bits
- Cashews
- Pecans
- Almonds
- Mini M&Ms
- Toasted Coconut Flakes
Try These Next
Haystack Cookies
Ingredients
White Haystack Cookies
- 1 cup white chocolate melts or white chocolate chips
- ⅔ cup salted peanuts
- 2 cups chow mein noodles
Chocolate Haystack Cookies
- 11 ounces butterscotch chips
- 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
- 3 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
- 4 cups dried crunchy chow mein noodles
Instructions
White Haystack Cookies
- Add the chocolate chips or white melting wafers to a microwave safe bowl. Heat them in the microwave at 50% power for 30-60 second intervals until melted and smooth. Stir until the bowl is no longer warm between each interval.
- Stir in the peanuts and chow mein noodles.
- Using a large ice cream scoop or cookie scoop, drop the haystack cookies in a single layer with space between them on a parchment paper covered baking sheet.
- Allow to set for 10 minutes.
Chocolate Haystack Cookies
- Add the butterscotch chips, semi-sweet chocolate chips, and peanut butter to a microwave safe bowl. Heat in the microwave at 50% power for 30-60 second intervals until melted and smooth. Stir until the bowl is no longer warm between each interval.
- Stir in the chow mein noodles.
- Using a large ice cream scoop or cookie scoop, drop the haystack cookies in a single layer with space between them on a parchment paper covered baking sheet.
- Allow to set for 10 minutes.
Notes
- When melting chocolate, make sure your bowl and utensils are completely dry. One drop of water can cause your chocolate to seize, rendering it useless.
- Melting chocolate takes patience. Use short cooking intervals in the microwave and stir the chocolate until the bowl is no longer warm between each interval.
- Work quickly as the chocolate sets up fast. If using sprinkles, add them before the chocolate sets up.
Nutrition
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Michelle
These haystack cookies turned out super cute! I used white candy melts and then drizzled red and green candy melts over the top. Very easy!
Beth Pierce
Sounds so festive!
Melissa
I hate to admit that I have never tried a Haystack cookie before…. but it looks so delicious and yummy and I am pinning this one to try this year! Thanks for the recipe!
Beth Pierce
My pleasure, Melissa!
Kiran
These look really delicious and actually look pretty easy to make , especially with the children
Beth Pierce
Thanks! Enjoy!
Melissa
We had a blast making these with the family. They were delicious and easy to make.
Harry
Great no bake recipe! I have been making these for years! They are easy and so delicious!
Luna
This is one of my favorite cookies to make every year! My great grandmother always made them, so now I do too.