Haystack Cookies

Name: Haystack Cookies with Butterscotch and Peanuts
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 24 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 11 ounce package butterscotch chips; 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter; 10 ounce bag chow mein noodles; 1 cup roasted peanuts ((optional))

Haystack cookies are a no-bake, 4-ingredient treat combining melted butterscotch chips, peanut butter, and chow mein noodles for a crispy-chewy texture. They require no oven and come together in minutes, making them ideal for quick homemade gifts.

🌍American 🏷️Butterscotch haystack cookies 🏷️Butterscotch haystacks 🏷️Chow mein haystacks 🏷️Haystack cookies

Total

15 min

Servings

24

Difficulty

Easy

Est. Cost

$11–$18

Recipe Source

View original recipe

From Thecountrycook · by Brandie Skibinski

Ingredients

11 ounce package butterscotch chips
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
10 ounce bag chow mein noodles
1 cup roasted peanuts ((optional))optional

4 Ingredients

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Instructions

1
Prepare a baking sheet by lining with wax paper. Set aside.
2
In the microwave or medium saucepan over low heat, melt the butterscotch chips until smooth (see note below).
3
Remove from heat and stir in the peanut butter until well combined. Add the chow mein noodles and roasted peanuts. Stir gently until combined.
4
Drop rounded tablespoon scoops of the mixture on the prepared baking sheet. Allow to set for several hours or overnight.
5
You can also speed up this process by placing them in the refrigerator. Then enjoy!

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Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Melt butterscotch chips and peanut butter over low heat or in 30-second microwave intervals, stirring between pulses to avoid scorching.
Work quickly once noodles are folded in; the mixture sets as it cools, so drop spoonfuls onto parchment paper immediately.
Use chow mein noodles that are still crispy; avoid pre-softened or stale noodles to maintain the signature crunch.
For uniform cookies, use a cookie scoop or two spoons to portion the mixture in consistent sizes before cooling.

Substitutions

Butterscotch chips → chocolate chips or white chocolate chips (changes flavor profile but same method)
Creamy peanut butter → almond butter or sunflower seed butter (substitute 1:1 for different nut flavor)
Chow mein noodles → crispy fried onions, crushed pretzels, or cornflake cereal (adjust texture preference)
Roasted peanuts → chopped pecans, walnuts, or omit entirely (optional topping swap)

Storage & make-ahead

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week, or refrigerate for up to two weeks; no reheating needed.

Common Questions

Can I make haystack cookies without peanuts?

Yes, the roasted peanuts are optional. The cookies will still be delicious with just the butterscotch, peanut butter, and chow mein noodles.

How long do haystack cookies stay fresh?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. They can also be refrigerated for extended freshness.

What can I use instead of chow mein noodles?

Crispy fried onions, crushed pretzels, or cornflake cereal can replace chow mein noodles for a different texture and flavor.

Do haystack cookies need to be baked?

No, these are no-bake cookies. You simply melt the butterscotch and peanut butter together, stir in noodles and peanuts, then drop onto parchment paper to set.

How do I know when haystack cookies are set?

Let them cool at room temperature for 30–45 minutes until firm to the touch. You can speed this up by chilling them in the refrigerator for 15–20 minutes.