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!
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What makes this recipe irresistible
This old-fashioned cookie is a delicious treat. It's an easy recipe and simple to make and they are fantastic for a cookie exchange or cookies for Santa!
Ingredients you’ll need
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!
Creative variations to try
Swap the chow mein noodles for pretzels, Wheat Chex cereal or cornflakes. Replace the peanut butter or butterscotch morsels with white chocolate!
Mini marshmallows, coconut flakes or sprinkles are always a yummy addition!
Step-by-step instructions
This is an overview of the instructions. For the complete directions just scroll down to the bottom!
- 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.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ’s)
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.
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!
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.
Butterscotch will seize when a small amount of moisture has gotten into 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?
Top Tip
Use a cookie scoop or two spoons to portion out the cookies.
- 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 using a nonstick pan will make clean up easier when you're done.
- Substitute semi sweet chocolate chips for the butterscotch and you'll have yummy chocolate haystacks!
How to store butterscotch haystacks
Store the cookies 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.
More no-bake cookie and candy recipes
- No-Bake Oreo Balls - with only three ingredients, these are a real trip and come together in a snap!
- Chocolate Covered Cashews are always a popular treat!
- 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!
- 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!
No Bake Butterscotch Haystack Cookies Recipe
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
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
- 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!
Camden says
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!
Sam says
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!
Sharon says
Haystacks are the best. I just love all that butterscotch flavor combined with the salty crunch. Yum!
Debbie says
Thank you for reminding me about haystacks. I totally forgot about this classic yummy treat.
Lois says
This is another really easy fun treat to have around to serve to your friends and family. So tasty.
Cynthia says
I haven't had butterscotch haystacks since I was a kid! So much nostalgia in this recipe! I bet my kids would love them.
Bowl Me Over says
You know it! The perfect sweet treat! I've even made them with lightly crushed pretzels. YUM!
Kristen says
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!
Bowl Me Over says
You're welcome, happy Holidays Kristen!
One Crazy House says
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!
Bowl Me Over says
Yum, yum, yum! I'm glad you found a solution that works for you!
Alyssa says
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!
Brittany says
Haystacks are a must when it comes to finger food gatherings! They are delicious, easy to make, and such a crowd pleaser!
Diane says
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.
Bowl Me Over says
You're so welcome Diane! Butterscotch Haystacks are such a treat! Love those classic recipes. Happy Thanksgiving!
ColleenB.~TX. says
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
Billie Patrick says
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
Bowl Me Over says
Thank you so much Billie!! I appreciate you being a part of the blog!!
Jean Morgan says
Oh these are always popular at my house. They go quickly!
Bowl Me Over says
Awesome, enjoy the recipe Jean!!
Erin Parker says
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!
Jennifer Ann Stewart says
I made these for the neighborhood boys that love to hang out at my house and am always asked to make more:)
Bowl Me Over says
That's the biggest compliment ever, thanks for sharing! 🙂
liza says
This recipe is pure genius! It's SO easy to make! And it'll look and taste so good I am sure! Thank you!
Bowl Me Over says
Thanks Liza!
Debi says
My mom makes these every year. They are so good and so easy! Awesome that you shared the recipe!
Michelle says
If you're looking for an easy cookie recipe, this is it! Love this recipe!
Kathleen says
Yum, Yum, YUM! Reminded me of my childhood, love these!
Bowl Me Over says
Thanks Kathleen!
Julie Menghini says
I love simple recipes that are delicious which make this one perfect for my cookie exchange party this year!
Bowl Me Over says
Yes!! I hope everyone enjoys them!