Christmas Haystack Cookies (No-Bake & Easy)
Christmas Haystack Cookies are a no-bake treat that’s always a crowd pleaser. They come together in minutes and are so delicious.
The mix of butterscotch, peanut butter, and chow mein noodles makes each bite sweet, salty, and satisfying. It’s a cheerful holiday cookie that’s perfect for parties or your Christmas cookie exchange.
Jump to Recipe
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No-bake holiday treat: Quick and easy cookies that don’t require an oven.
- Perfect for any occasion: Add them to Christmas cookie trays, bring them to holiday potlucks or Christmas cookie swaps, and serve them at holiday parties.
- Kid-friendly recipe: Simple steps make it fun for kids to help.
- Perfect for gifting: Great addition to cookie tins or dessert trays.
Christmas Haystack Cookies Ingredients
- Chow mein noodles, broken into smaller pieces
- Butterscotch chips
- Creamy peanut butter
- Red and green Mini M&Ms
- Christmas sprinkles
How To Make Christmas Haystack Cookies
This visual guide is helpful for making this recipe. For the full printable recipe with measurements, scroll to the bottom of the post.
Line a baking sheet or tray with parchment paper and set aside. In a medium microwave-safe bowl, combine the butterscotch chips and peanut butter. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until melted and smooth.
Add the broken chow mein noodles to the melted mixture and gently stir until all the noodles are evenly coated. Use a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop to portion the mixture.
Drop each scoop onto the prepared parchment paper. Top each haystack with a few Mini M&Ms and a sprinkle of festive decorations.
Let the cookies set at room temperature for about an hour, or chill in the refrigerator for 20 minutes for a quicker set.
FAQs
How long do Christmas haystack cookies last?
Store Christmas haystack cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Keep them in a cool, dry place so the coating stays firm without becoming too hard.
Do Christmas haystack cookies need to be refrigerated?
No, they do not need to be refrigerated. Room temperature storage works best for keeping the texture just right.
Can I make Christmas haystack cookies ahead of time?
Yes! These are a great make-ahead holiday treat.
You can prepare them a day or two before a Christmas party, potluck, or cookie swap and store them in an airtight container until ready to serve.
How long do haystack cookies take to set?
They take about 1 hour to set at room temperature. For a quicker set, place them in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes, or until firm.
Can I use a different type of chocolate?
Yes. You can swap some or all of the butterscotch chips for milk chocolate, semisweet chocolate, or white chocolate chips. Just keep in mind that the flavor and texture will be a little different.
Why aren’t my haystack cookies setting?
If your haystack cookies are still soft, give them a little more time to set at room temperature. You can also place them in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes to help the coating firm up faster.
Christmas Haystack Cookies (No-Bake & Easy)
Equipment
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Medium microwave-safe bowl
- Spoon
- Cookie scoop
- parchment paper
- Baking sheet or tray
Ingredients
- 5 ounces chow mein noodles broken into smaller pieces
- 1 cup butterscotch chips
- 6 tbsp creamy peanut butter
- 2 tbsp red and green mini m&ms
- 1-2 tsp Christmas sprinkles
Instructions
- Line a large baking sheet or tray with parchment paper.
- In a medium microwave safe bowl, heat the butterscotch chips and peanut butter in 30 second intervals, stirring between each heating session, until fully melted.
- Gently stir the chow mein noodles and the melted mixture together until everything is coated.
- Use a 2 tablespoon cookie scoop to gather the mixture, then drop onto the parchment paper.
- Top with a few Mini M&Ms and sprinkles
- Allow to set for 1 hour, or chill in the refrigerator for 20 minutes for a quicker set.
