Looking for a treat that blends sweet, salty, crunchy, and creamy into one irresistible bite? These Haystack Cookies are your answer. They’re the kind of no-bake wonder that’s as fun to make as they are to eat, and they only take a few ingredients and minutes to pull together. Perfect for last-minute holiday trays, lunchbox treats, or late-night cravings, they deliver serious flavor with minimal effort.

Each cookie is a tangle of crispy chow mein noodles coated in a velvety peanut butter butterscotch mixture. It sounds simple because it is—but that’s exactly what makes them magic. Whether you’re making a batch with your kids or whipping them up for a party, Haystack Cookies are that nostalgic, crunchy-sweet indulgence you’ll find yourself reaching for again and again.

What Kind of Chow Mein Noodles Should I Use?

You’ll want the crunchy, dry chow mein noodles that come in a can or bag. They’re typically found in the Asian or international section of grocery stores. Avoid soft or refrigerated ones—they won’t give you that classic haystack crunch. The dry noodles hold the shape of the cookie and soak up all that luscious coating.

Ingredients for the Haystack Cookies

Butterscotch Chips: These melt into a silky-smooth texture and bring a deep caramel flavor to the cookies.
Creamy Peanut Butter: Adds a nutty richness that pairs beautifully with the butterscotch.
Chow Mein Noodles: The base of the cookie, offering a crunchy contrast to the creamy coating.

Optional but delightful additions:

Mini marshmallows or chopped peanuts for texture variation.

How To Make the Haystack Cookies

Step 1: Melt the Butterscotch and Peanut Butter

In a medium saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, combine butterscotch chips and peanut butter. Heat gently over low heat or in 30-second bursts in the microwave, stirring until completely smooth and melted.

Step 2: Fold in the Noodles

Once melted and smooth, gently fold in the chow mein noodles until every piece is fully coated. Be gentle so you don’t crush the noodles.

Step 3: Shape the Haystacks

Using a spoon, drop small heaps of the mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Try to create little “haystacks” that are bite-sized.

Step 4: Let Them Set

Allow the cookies to set at room temperature, or place them in the fridge for about 20 minutes until firm. Once set, they’re ready to enjoy!

Serving and Storing Haystack Cookies

Haystack Cookies are best served at room temperature so the coating stays soft but stable. They’re ideal for gifting, cookie exchanges, or sweet table spreads. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If your kitchen runs warm, refrigerating them will help retain their shape without affecting texture.

What to Serve With Haystack Cookies?

Hot Chocolate or Coffee

The richness of Haystack Cookies pairs wonderfully with a warm drink. Sip on a classic hot cocoa or a bold espresso.

Vanilla Ice Cream

For a creamy contrast, serve these crunchy treats alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It turns a snack into a full-blown dessert.

Fresh Fruit

Balance the sweet richness with a bowl of berries or sliced apples for a refreshing combo.

Salty Snacks

Put them on a platter with pretzels or popcorn for a sweet-and-salty snack mix.

Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries

Add a touch of elegance for dessert trays at parties.

If you’re into easy, no-fuss treats like Haystack Cookies, you’ll love these fun variations:

Chocolate Cherry Cookies Recipe for a fruity-cocoa surprise.
Condensed Milk Snow Cookies with a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Strawberry Cream Cheese Crumble Cookies if you’re into creamy, berry-packed flavors.
Salted Caramel Cupcakes when you want a cookie break but still crave something sweet and salty.
Cornflake Cookies Recipe for another crunchy classic with a twist.

Save This Pin For Later

Save this crunchy-sweet goodness to your favorite Pinterest board so you can whip it up whenever the craving hits.

Tried them with white chocolate chips or a sprinkle of sea salt? Share your creative spins in the comments—I’d love to hear!

For more daily inspiration and effortless kitchen wins, join me on Pinterest at Savor Queen. Your next favorite dessert is just a pin away.

Haystack Cookies

Author: Julia Walton
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Ready in just minutes and bursting with creamy, crunchy, sweet-and-salty flavor, these Haystack Cookies are the no-bake treat you didn’t know you needed. With just three key ingredients—peanut butter, butterscotch chips, and crunchy chow mein noodles—this easy recipe is perfect for quick desserts, snack ideas, or even holiday cookie trays. It’s the ultimate in easy recipe fun and guaranteed crowd-pleaser! Whether you’re after a fast party treat or a simple after-school snack, these haystacks fit the bill for anyone seeking fast desserts, sweet food ideas, or quick snack bites.