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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Karen
These cookies are amazing and very easy to make. Thanks a lot for the recipe, it is very easy to follow. Love it.
Beth Pierce
Thank you, Karen!
Samantha D
These were great and perfect for getting the grandkids involved in baking. They had so much fun and they loved them!
Ben
I love recipes like this that are tasty and super easy. I have to say they’re a little dangerous. I ate as many as I served!
Beth Pierce
I understand completely!
Claudia
These are so delicious! We had to make a double batch last night because we kept eating them!
Beth Pierce
That is awesome, Claudia!
Katie
These haystack cookies are soooo good! The mix of crunchy noodles and sweet chocolate is perfect. Super easy to make too!
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Katie! I am so glad that you enjoyed them.
Crystal
It’s no wonder they’re a hit—they’re not only delicious but also super fun to make and share!
Wanda
These cookies were so easy to make. The kids loved making them and decorating them. Thank you for sharing your easy to follow recipe.
Sue-Tanya Mchorgh
Your blog post on the no-bake Haystack Cookies is a delightful read! The quick preparation time and customization options make them a perfect go-to treat for any occasion. I can’t wait to give these a try, and your suggestion to explore other no-bake goodies like Peanut Butter Cookies, Scotcheroos, and Christmas Crack has definitely piqued my interest.
Paula Richie
Cookies. How I remember cookies. With a glass of ice cold milk. With a bowl of ice cream. With a cup of coffee. Good times.
adriana
What a great candy/cookie recipe. So easy to follow and quick for this time of year when there is so much to do.
Lisa
Great haystack cookies! The kids and I made them yesterday and they turned out great. We loved them!
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Lisa!
Yeah Lifestyle
We loved making these haystack cookies. They are so simple being no bake and easy for the kids to do by themselves.
Lavanda Michelle
Can’t wait to try these with my little ones; they seem perfect for a fun family baking session
Sandra
These are really amazing cookies!! My kids loved it! Such a great addition to our holiday treats list!
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Sandra! So glad that you liked them!
Catalina
These haystack cookies are such a childhood favorite! The crunchy texture, the mix of flavors, and the simplicity of making them—it’s like a bite-sized memory of happy moments!
Beth Pierce
So true, Catalina!
Erin
The kids helped make these cookies and they were easy and delcious. The perfect holiday treats for the kids and the neighbors. Happy holidays everyone!