Sweet, salty, crunchy, and rich—Chocolate Peanut Butter Haystacks are everything you want in a no-bake treat. These little mounds of joy combine crispy noodles with a luscious mix of creamy peanut butter and velvety chocolate, crowned with a sprinkle of golden sugar crystals for a delightful finish.

Perfect for holidays, parties, or when you’re simply craving something indulgent yet easy, this nostalgic dessert comes together in minutes and disappears just as fast. Kids love them, adults can’t resist them, and best of all, there’s no oven required.

What Kind of Noodles Should I Use for Chocolate Peanut Butter Haystacks?

Stick with classic chow mein noodles. Their light crunch and neutral flavor make them the ideal base for holding all that chocolatey peanut butter goodness. Avoid flavored or salted noodles, as they can overpower the dessert’s balance.

Ingredients for the Chocolate Peanut Butter Haystacks

Chow Mein Noodles: These are the signature crunch for the haystack texture. They cling perfectly to the melted mixture and keep everything crisp.
Creamy Peanut Butter: This binds the ingredients and adds that rich, nutty flavor that complements chocolate like a dream.
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: Melted into the mix, they give that smooth, deep cocoa hit that makes these haystacks irresistible.
Butterscotch Chips: Optional, but they add a sweet, buttery layer that takes these up a notch.
Vanilla Extract: Just a splash brings warmth and rounds out the flavors beautifully.
Coarse Sugar Crystals (for topping): Adds sparkle and a fun little crunch on top.

How To Make the Chocolate Peanut Butter Haystacks

Step 1: Prep Your Workspace

Line a baking sheet with parchment or wax paper and set it aside. This is where your haystacks will cool and set.

Step 2: Melt the Good Stuff

In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butterscotch chips. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until smooth and fully melted.

Step 3: Add the Crunch

Gently fold in the chow mein noodles until they’re well coated with the warm mixture. Be careful not to break the noodles too much.

Step 4: Scoop and Shape

Using two spoons or a cookie scoop, drop mounds of the mixture onto your prepared baking sheet. Aim for haystack-like piles.

Step 5: Chill and Set

Sprinkle the tops with coarse sugar crystals. Let them set in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or until firm.

Serving and Storing Chocolate Peanut Butter Haystacks

Serve these bite-sized treats chilled or at room temperature. They’re perfect for dessert trays, lunchbox surprises, or holiday tins. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week—though we doubt they’ll last that long!

What to Serve With Chocolate Peanut Butter Haystacks?

Iced Coffee or Cold Brew

The bitterness of coffee balances out the sweetness of the haystacks perfectly.

Vanilla Ice Cream

A scoop of classic vanilla next to one of these haystacks makes for a decadent dessert duo.

Fresh Strawberries

Juicy berries cut through the richness and add a touch of tart freshness.

Salted Pretzels

For a sweet-salty-crunchy overload, serve them side by side.

Mini Cheesecakes

Pair with creamy mini cheesecakes for a rich, party-ready dessert spread.

Want More Dessert Ideas with a Crunch?

If these Chocolate Peanut Butter Haystacks made your taste buds dance, try some of these next:

Condensed Milk Snow Cookies that melt in your mouth.
Caramel Cheesecake Cookies for gooey center lovers.
Chocolate Cherry Cream Pie when you’re craving a richer dessert.
Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake for easy fruity indulgence.
Jimmy Carter’s Grandmother’s Peanut Butter Cookies for a nostalgic treat.

Save This Pin For Later

Save this delicious idea to your favorite Pinterest board so it’s easy to find when you’re ready to whip it up again.

Tried it with a twist? Maybe with Nutella instead of peanut butter or topped with flaky sea salt? I’d love to hear how it turned out—drop your tips or questions in the comments below.

Need more inspiration? Explore my daily kitchen creations on SavorQueen.com on Pinterest. Your next favorite might be waiting there.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Haystacks

Author: Julia Walton
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 18 haystacks
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

If you love no-bake treats that deliver big on flavor and texture, these Chocolate Peanut Butter Haystacks are your new go-to. Crispy chow mein noodles are smothered in a rich, gooey blend of creamy peanut butter and melted chocolate, then topped with sparkly sugar crystals for a bit of crunch. They’re fun to make, quick to prepare, and incredibly satisfying. Perfect for holiday dessert trays, kid-friendly snacks, or just because. Whether you’re looking for easy recipes, sweet snack ideas, or indulgent no-bake desserts, this one checks every box.

Ingredients

2 cups chow mein noodles

1 cup creamy peanut butter

1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

0.5 cup butterscotch chips (optional)

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 tablespoons coarse sugar crystals (for topping)

Instructions

1. Line a baking sheet with parchment or wax paper and set aside.

2. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butterscotch chips. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until smooth.

3. Stir in vanilla extract.

4. Fold in the chow mein noodles gently, coating them completely.

5. Use two spoons or a scoop to drop small mounds onto the prepared baking sheet.

6. Sprinkle each haystack with sugar crystals.

7. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or until set.