Published: by Debra Clark · 31 Comments
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Butterscotch Haystacks Recipe - These no bake cookies filled with crunchy noodles, peanuts, butterscotch and peanut butter morsels, only minutes to make. Topped with a pinch of salt these bites become the perfect salty-sweet treat!
Next time try Butterscotch Pudding Dessert - an easy recipe, if you're a butterscotch lover, you need to try this!
Jump to:
- Why you'll love this recipe
- Ingredients
- Instructions
- FAQ's
- Storage
- Things to know
- Storage
- Variations
- More No Bake Desserts
- Related recipes
- No Bake Butterscotch Haystack Cookies Recipe
Why you'll love this recipe
A few years back Mom shared her Chocolate Covered Cashews Recipe and let me tell you, they have been super popular ever since! Ahem.... especially with my husband.
Mom knows the key to his heart goes right through his sweet tooth and somehow those rich treats show up every time we're visiting. Dan knows he's loved!! Here's why you'll love this recipe:
✔️ This old-fashioned cookie is a delicious treat.
✔️ It's an easy recipe and simple to make.
✔️ They are fantastic for a cookie exchange!
Ingredients
For the exact measurements, please refer to the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- butterscotch and peanut butter morsels - using the chips makes this recipe so quick and easy to make!
- crunchy chow mein noodles - the crispy noodles add a ton of crunch!
- peanuts - dry roasted, lightly salted nuts
- canola oil - helps the chips easily melt so the coating is smooth and silky.
- parchment or wax paper - to drop the cookies on. Makes for easy clean-up!
Instructions
This is an overview of the instructions. For the complete directions just scroll down to the bottom!
- Use a non-stick pan over medium-low heat.
- In a medium saucepan, place butterscotch chips and peanut butter chips with the canola oil.
- Stir often until the candies are melted.
- Stir in the salty peanuts and chow mein noodles.
- Line cookie sheet with parchment paper. Drop mixture by small spoonfuls onto prepared tray.
- Top with a pinch of sea salt (optional).
- Refrigerate until firm.
FAQ's
Everything you need to know to make Haystacks!
What are haystacks made of?
Haystacks are made with simple ingredients - butterscotch and peanut butter morsels, chow mein noodles and peanuts. No noodles? Use crushed pretzels or Wheat Chex cereal!
Why are my butterscotch chips not melting?
Butterscotch, peanut butter, even chocolate chips are made with stabilizers. They hold their shape until they are stirred. When you're melting the chips continue to stir them until it's smooth and silky.
How else can you melt chocolate or butterscotch?
Double boilers use the steam from the hot water in the bottom pot to heat the top pot. Be sure the boiling water doesn't touch the pot on top or it will scorch the candy!
How do you thin out butterscotch chips?
As mentioned above, the chips melt from the inside out. Continue stirring the entire time you're melting the chips. This will allow them to get smooth and silky and avoid scorching.
Why are my butterscotch chips not melting?
How do you fix seized butterscotch?
Butterscotch will seize when a small amount of moisture has gotten in the mixture. Adding hot liquid back into the mixture will return it to a fluid state. Read more about fixing it here.
Having said this - I've tried this method and was not successful. Perhaps I wasn't patient enough?
Storage
Store butterscotch haystacks in an airtight container. They will keep for several days. You can refrigerate them for up to a week, but they are super hard and crunchy. I prefer to keep them on the countertop at room temperature.
They can be frozen up to three months. These are great make-ahead treats for the holidays or a cookie exchange.
Things to know
- If you'd prefer you can microwave morsels at 30-second intervals to melt the chips. Be sure to stir at every 30 second break.
- Use a cookie scoop or two
- Substitute semi sweet chocolate chips for the butterscotch and you'll have yummy chocolate haystacks!
- Like the Christmas Hugs, they are fun additions for your cookie exchange, so be sure to make a double-batch!
Storage
Refrigerate - Allow the treats to cool completely. Place in sealed container. These will last a week refrigerated.
Freezer - Place in an airtight container and freeze up to two months.
Variations
- Swap out the chow mein noodles for pretzels or corn flakes.
- Replace the peanut butter or butterscotch morsels with white chocolate!
- Change it up and add mini marshmallows or coconut flakes.
- Sprinkles can make them festive for any occasion!
More No Bake Desserts
- This No Bake Lemon Ice Box Pie is the perfect summer dessert when you a no bake recipe so you don't have to worry about heating up the house.
- White Chocolate Covered Strawberries - perfect for a special occasion or date night. This easy recipe is delicious!
- No-Bake Oreo Balls - with only three ingredients, these are a real trip and come together in a snap!
- This No Bake Pumpkin Pie is an easy dessert to make when craving all the fall flavors but don't want to turn on the oven.
- Chocolate Covered Cashews are always a popular treat!
- Philadelphia No Bake Cheesecake - rich and indulgent, this is an easy recipe and a crowd-pleaser!
- Homemade Buckeyes is another simple recipe no-bake treat! Peanut butter balls dipped in chocolate, what's not to love? Here are more of my favorite sweet treats!
- Ritz Cracker Cookies are always a great choice. It's such an easy recipe!
- If you're looking for a teachers gift, these are pretty (and delicious!) Chocolate Dipped Spoons are easy to make and look so fancy! Pick up inexpensive spoons or use a plastic spoon and fill them with chocolate. Wrap individually - they are a great gift!
- This easy homemade strawberry fudge recipe is rich and decadent. It only takes 3 ingredients and 10 minutes to make!
- This no-bake White Chocolate Dipped Oreos are so simple and the perfect combination for a pretty sweet treat!
5 from 10 votes
No Bake Butterscotch Haystack Cookies Recipe
Crunchy chow mein noodles, peanuts and butterscotch and peanut butter morsels transform into Butterscotch Haystacks! These treats take only minutes to make. Topped with a pinch of salt they become the perfect salty-sweet treat!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save Recipe
Prep Time0 minutes mins
Cook Time5 minutes mins
Refrigerate for 30 minutes until set.30 minutes mins
Total Time35 minutes mins
Course: Desserts
Cuisine: American
Servings: 30 servings
Calories: 123kcal
Author: Deb Clark
Cost: $9
Ingredients
- 5 oz. can chow mein noodles crunchy dried noodles
- 1 cup peanuts salted
- 11 oz. bag butterscotch chips
- 10 oz. bag peanut butter chips
- 1 tablespoon canola oil can substitute corn or olive oil
- ½ teaspoon sea salt optional
I earn a commission from Instacart from qualifying purchases.
Instructions
Line cookie sheet with parchment paper.
Use a non-stick pan over medium-low heat. Add the butterscotch, peanut butter chips and canola oil to the pan. Stir often until the candies are melted and the mixture is smooth and silky - about five minutes.
Stir in the peanuts and carefully fold in the chow mein noodles.
Drop by small spoonfuls onto prepared baking sheet. Smaller treats are better than big ones, they are super rich!
If you're adding the salt, sprinkle now while they are still sticky.*
Refrigerate until firm. Package into small ziplock bags and refrigerate until you're ready to enjoy them.
Notes
* The pinch of sea salt on top is optional. I like with salt because it helps balance the sweetness, Dan prefers them without. Both are delicious!
- You can substitute 2 cups crushed pretzels or corn flakes for the chow mein noodles.
- These freeze great! Package them individually and freeze for up to a month.
Variations for this treat!
- Swap out the chow mein noodles for pretzels or cornflakes.
- Replace the peanut butter or butterscotch morsels with white chocolate or dark chocolate chips!
- Change it up and add mini marshmallows or coconut flakes.
- Sprinkles can make them festive for any occasion!
Nutrition
Calories: 123kcal | Carbohydrates: 15g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 3mg | Sodium: 61mg | Potassium: 36mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin A: 10IU | Calcium: 6mg | Iron: 1mg
Tried this Recipe? Pin it Today!Mention @BowlMeOver or tag #BowlMeOver!
More Christmas Cookies and Treats
- Christmas Charcuterie Board
- Easy Christmas Cookie Recipes
- Graham Crackers Gingerbread Houses
- Ice Cream Cone Christmas Trees
About Debra Clark
Hey I'm Deb Clark, and I'm the owner of Bowl Me Over! We live in the sleepy little town Scappoose, Oregon. And I admit it... I love food! Join me in this foodie journey (even if you've never cooked before!) I will help you learn to be confident in the kitchen! Want to learn more? Let's stay connected, you can email me at debra@bowl-me-over.com and find me on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram,Twitterand YouTube.
Reader Interactions
Comments
Camden
Finding this recipe made me so happy! I love haystacks, but I had no idea what they were called for the longest time. Talk about a great find!
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Sam
I've seen many variations of haystacks at parties through the years but have never made any myself. I didn't realize it was such an easy recipe!
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Sharon
Haystacks are the best. I just love all that butterscotch flavor combined with the salty crunch. Yum!
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Debbie
Thank you for reminding me about haystacks. I totally forgot about this classic yummy treat.
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Lois
This is another really easy fun treat to have around to serve to your friends and family. So tasty.Reply
Cynthia
I haven't had butterscotch haystacks since I was a kid! So much nostalgia in this recipe! I bet my kids would love them.
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Bowl Me Over
You know it! The perfect sweet treat! I've even made them with lightly crushed pretzels. YUM!
Kristen
WOW--core childhood memory unlocked! My Grandma always made haystacks on Christmas--I just never knew what they were called and forgot about them over the years. Might have to bring that tradition back this holiday season! Thank you!Reply
Bowl Me Over
You're welcome, happy Holidays Kristen!
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One Crazy House
I love that you give so many different ingredient variations on this haystacks recipe! I can't have gluten or peanut butter, but I could make this with chocolate chips and pretzels or gluten free Chex!
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Bowl Me Over
Yum, yum, yum! I'm glad you found a solution that works for you!
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Alyssa
I can't wait to try out this haystack recipe. I always put together a little dessert platter for Christmas dinner, and I will definitely be adding these to it!
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Brittany
Haystacks are a must when it comes to finger food gatherings! They are delicious, easy to make, and such a crowd pleaser!
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Diane
I use to make these for my kids when they were younger. I really love these and are so easy to make . I am making a double batch. Thank you for sharing this recipe.Reply
Bowl Me Over
You're so welcome Diane! Butterscotch Haystacks are such a treat! Love those classic recipes. Happy Thanksgiving!
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ColleenB.~TX.
I remember my mom always making these, but as I got older, out on my own and married I switched the chow mein noodles for Rice Krispies and I also made these in chocolate as well
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Billie Patrick
I love love your recipes, I have tried and ENJOYED almost every one of them. So many family favs now. Please keep up the great work
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Bowl Me Over
Thank you so much Billie!! I appreciate you being a part of the blog!!
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Jean Morgan
Oh these are always popular at my house. They go quickly!Reply
Bowl Me Over
Awesome, enjoy the recipe Jean!!
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Erin Parker
THESE ARE MY FAVORITE! Seriously--such a lovely and tasty addition to the cookie tray this holiday season. Thank you for introducing them to me!
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Jennifer Ann Stewart
I made these for the neighborhood boys that love to hang out at my house and am always asked to make more:)Reply
Bowl Me Over
That's the biggest compliment ever, thanks for sharing! 🙂
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liza
This recipe is pure genius! It's SO easy to make! And it'll look and taste so good I am sure! Thank you!Reply
Bowl Me Over
Thanks Liza!
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Debi
My mom makes these every year. They are so good and so easy! Awesome that you shared the recipe!Reply
Michelle
If you're looking for an easy cookie recipe, this is it! Love this recipe!Reply
Kathleen
Yum, Yum, YUM! Reminded me of my childhood, love these!Reply
Bowl Me Over
Thanks Kathleen!
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Julie Menghini
I love simple recipes that are delicious which make this one perfect for my cookie exchange party this year!Reply
Bowl Me Over
Yes!! I hope everyone enjoys them!
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