Description
Festive Christmas haystack cookies bring nostalgic holiday cheer with their delightful blend of sweet chocolate and crunchy noodles. Sweet memories unfold as you savor these simple yet irresistible treats that connect generations through simple culinary joy.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups chow mein noodles
- 1 cup butterscotch chips
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
Binding/Coating Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
Optional Decorative Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp white chocolate chips
- 1 tbsp holiday sprinkles
Instructions
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, creating a smooth surface for cooling the no-bake cookies.
- Melt butterscotch chips, peanut butter, and unsalted butter together in a large microwave-safe bowl, stirring every 30 seconds until completely smooth and glossy.
- Gently fold chow mein noodles into the melted mixture, ensuring each noodle gets evenly coated with the creamy butterscotch-peanut butter blend.
- Using two spoons, drop clusters of the noodle mixture onto the prepared parchment paper, creating rustic haystack-shaped mounds.
- Dust the tops of the haystacks with powdered sugar, creating a delicate winter-like appearance.
- Optionally, drizzle melted white chocolate chips over the cookies for an extra festive touch.
- Sprinkle holiday-themed decorative sprinkles over the haystacks while the chocolate is still slightly warm to help them adhere.
- Refrigerate the cookies for 15-20 minutes until they become firm and set, allowing the butterscotch coating to solidify.
- Once chilled, transfer the Christmas Haystack cookies to a serving platter and enjoy the sweet, crunchy holiday treat.
Notes
- Ensure noodles are completely dry before mixing to prevent sogginess and maintain the signature crunch of the haystacks.
- Use low heat or microwave in short bursts to melt ingredients gently, preventing burning or separation of the butterscotch and peanut butter.
- For gluten-free version, swap traditional chow mein noodles with gluten-free rice noodles or crispy rice cereal for similar texture.
- Create fun variations by mixing in mini marshmallows, crushed candy canes, or different types of chips like chocolate or peanut butter chips for added flavor complexity.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Snacks, Desserts
- Method: None
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 50 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg