Butterscotch Haystacks (No Bake)
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Looking for an easy, no-bake treat? Serve up these 4 ingredient butterscotch haystacks. They’re made with chow mein noodles, butterscotch chips, peanut butter, and roasted peanuts. You get that sweet and salty crunchy texture in each bite.
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Haystack cookies are a vintage recipe that has been around for ages. They are made with chow mein noodles and offer a nice crunch factor. The peanut butter and butterscotch chips sweeten each bite. Kids and adults love this easy recipe.
If you love butterscotch as much as I do, you have to check to out this Pumpkin Butterscotch Layer Dessert and these Butterscotch Cookies
Reasons You Will Love Butterscotch Haystacks
- No Bake: These are a no-bake treat that requires no oven and takes minimal prep to make.
- 4 Ingredients: It takes four ingredients to make these cookies. So it is budget-friendly and easy to get the supplies to make.
- Rich Butterscotch Flavor: I am a sucker for a good butterscotch dessert. These offer a lovely, sweet butterscotch flavor that is front and center.
- Crunchy: Do you enjoy a crunchy dessert? With the noodles and peanuts, you get that texture.
Ingredients Needed
Butterscotch Chips: I recommend using quality butterscotch, as some cheaper brands can give more caramel flavor.
Peanut Butter: Reach for your favorite brand of peanut butter to use when mixing in the cookie mixture.
Peanuts: Roasted peanuts that are deshelled are what you will want.
Chow Mein: Chow mein noodles will be the star of this recipe. Typically, you will find the brand La Choy at most grocery stores.
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Substitutions and Variations
- Caramel chips, white chocolate, milk, or semi-sweet chocolate can replace butterscotch chips if you would like.
- If you want to change the flavor, you can use crunchy peanut butter or nut butter.
- Chopped almonds, cashews, pecans, or even walnuts can be substituted for nuts. For a nut-free option, use pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds.
- If you do not want to use chow mein noodles, you can crush up pretzels or plain cornflakes to replace them.
- Add 1/4 cup shredded coconut flakes for a chewy texture to the haystacks.
- Drizzle the top of the haystacks with some melted chocolate.
- Add sprinkles to the top of each haystack to fit a holiday or theme.
- Mix in some dried cranberries or even pineapple for a sweet twist.
NOTE: This recipe has not been tested with other substitutions or variations
How to Make Butterscotch Haystacks
Step 1: You will add your peanut butter and butterscotch chips in a microwave-safe bowl.
Step 2: Microwave for one minute. Then stir well and repeat 30-second heat cycles, stirring between each one, until it is fully melted and nice and smooth.
Step 3: Stir in the noodles and peanuts. Coat in the peanut butter mixture.
Step 4: Scoop with a cookie scoop onto a parchment-lined tray or counter. Let the cookies set up for 30 minutes to an hour.
Tips for Success
- Stir between each heat cycle, or the mixture may burn in the microwave.
- Stir gently so you don’t break up the chow mein noodles, too.
- Work quickly; they will be set up relatively quickly once you place them on the parchment paper.
- If you want to add sprinkles or anything, do as you scoop each one.
- Use a cookie scoop so you get even haystacks.
How to Store and Freeze
Once the butterscotch haystacks have been set up, you will store them at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 7 days.
The other option is to freeze them for 1-2 months. If you want to stack them, use parchment paper to create layers so they do not stick together.
Recipe FAQs
The mixture will take around 30 minutes to an hour to set up. They will set up pretty fast, so you need to work quicker.
You can make this nut-free by using a nut butter of your choice and replacing the nuts with sunflower or pumpkin seeds.
Want more easy no-bake treats? Try out my cherry cordials, no bake cookies, or even these no bake cheesecakes in a jar.
If you try this recipe, be sure to leave a rating below and also share it on Instagram, and tag me! You can also find me on Facebook and stay up to date on recipe releases by joining the Newsletter!
Butterscotch Haystacks
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Ingredients
- 11 ounces butterscotch chips I used Nestle Tollhouse
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup roasted peanuts
- 3 cups chow mein I like la choy
Instructions
- In a large microwave-safe bowl, add in the butterscotch chips and peanut butter.
- Place in the microwave and microwave for 1 minute. Stir afterwards. Microwave in two intervals of 30 seconds and stir after each interval until the chips are completely melted and smooth.
- Add in the peanuts and chow mein. Stir until the peanuts and chow mein are well coated with the butterscotch/peanut butter mixture.
- Using a 2 tablespoon cookie scoop, scoop the haystacks out onto a parchment lined counter or baking sheet. Let the haystacks sit until they firm up, about 30 minutes to 1 hour.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature.
Notes
Nutrition
(Nutrition facts are an estimate and not guaranteed to be accurate. Please see a registered dietitian for special diet advice.)
