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Home » Recipes » Cookies and Candy Recipes

Butterscotch Haystacks Recipe

Published: Nov 13, 2022 · Modified: Jan 1, 2023 by Bowl Me Over · 14 Comments

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!
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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!

Butterscotch Haystack Cookies on blue platter.
Easy to make these treats will be a big hit with your family!
Jump to:
  • Why you'll love this recipe   
  • Ingredients
  • Instructions 
  • FAQ's
  • Storage
  • Things to know
  • Storage
  • Variations
  • Related recipes
  • Butterscotch Haystacks 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!!

Because he's got such a sweet tooth, I had a (foodie!) brainstorm and thought hmm.... What if I take Mom's recipe, switch out the flavors and make haystacks?

TOTAL winner! Easy to make and completely delicious these treats are perfect to satisfy a sweet tooth and also fantastic for a cookie exchange!

Butterscotch Cookies on blue platter.
Haystacks are perfect for your cookie exchange, everyone loves these no bake treats!!

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!

  1. Use a non-stick pan over medium-low heat.
  2. In a medium saucepan, place butterscotch chips and peanut butter chips with the canola oil.
  3. Stir often until the candies are melted.
  4. Stir in the salty peanuts and chow mein noodles.
  5. Line cookie sheet with parchment paper. Drop mixture by small spoonfuls onto prepared tray.
  6. Top with a pinch of sea salt (optional).
  7. Refrigerate until firm.
Cookies on platter ready to eat.
Chow Mein Noodle Cookies a sweet salty old-fashioned treat!

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.

Butterscotch Haystacks on plate.
Easy to make Butterscotch Haystack Recipe is the perfect salty-sweet treat!

Things to know

  • If you'd prefer you can microwave morsels at 30 second intervals to melt the chips. Be sure to stir even 30 second break.
  • 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!

Related recipes

  • 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 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 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!
Butterscotch haystacks on platter.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
5 from 6 votes

Butterscotch Haystacks 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!
Prevent your screen from going dark
Prep Time0 mins
Cook Time5 mins
Refrigerate for 30 minutes until set.30 mins
Total Time35 mins
Course: Desserts
Cuisine: American
Servings: 30 servings
Calories: 123kcal
Author: Deb Clark
Cost: $9
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

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
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More Cookies, Candy and Bar Recipes

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  • Heart Shaped Rice Krispie Treats
  • Grandma's Gumdrop Cookies Recipe
  • Ritz Cracker Cookies

About Bowl Me Over

Welcome to Bowl Me Over! My name is Debra and I send warm greetings from sunny California. I am a serious foodie – I’ve been known as the go-to girl in our family for years, catering weddings and anniversary parties. In the summer I help cook mountains of food for our family reunions. Often times things I create end up in a bowl, hence the name Bowl Me Over! Let's stay connected, you can email me at [email protected] and find me on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. ColleenB.~TX.

    November 13, 2022 at 11:59 am

    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

    Reply
  2. Billie Patrick

    November 13, 2021 at 3:21 pm

    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

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      November 14, 2021 at 6:55 am

      Thank you so much Billie!! I appreciate you being a part of the blog!!

      Reply
  3. Erin Parker

    December 24, 2019 at 5:13 am

    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!

    Reply
  4. Jennifer Ann Stewart

    November 13, 2019 at 11:37 am

    5 stars
    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

      November 21, 2019 at 12:28 pm

      That's the biggest compliment ever, thanks for sharing! 🙂

      Reply
  5. liza

    November 12, 2019 at 9:22 am

    5 stars
    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

      November 21, 2019 at 12:29 pm

      Thanks Liza!

      Reply
  6. Debi

    November 10, 2019 at 2:13 pm

    5 stars
    My mom makes these every year. They are so good and so easy! Awesome that you shared the recipe!

    Reply
  7. Michelle

    November 10, 2019 at 1:56 pm

    5 stars
    If you're looking for an easy cookie recipe, this is it! Love this recipe!

    Reply
  8. Kathleen

    November 10, 2019 at 12:58 pm

    5 stars
    Yum, Yum, YUM! Reminded me of my childhood, love these!

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      November 21, 2019 at 12:33 pm

      Thanks Kathleen!

      Reply
  9. Julie Menghini

    November 10, 2019 at 8:59 am

    5 stars
    I love simple recipes that are delicious which make this one perfect for my cookie exchange party this year!

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      November 21, 2019 at 12:34 pm

      Yes!! I hope everyone enjoys them!

      Reply

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