These chocolate haystacks will give you the most irresistible combination of chocolate, butterscotch, peanuts, and crunchy noodles ever! It’s the perfect no-bake treat that’s super easy to make and tastes even better. With four simple ingredients, you’ll have these rich, crunchy, sweet treats ready in no time!
Chocolate haystacks are a great treat when you need to bring something to an event this holiday season. The combination of crunchy chow mein, rich butterscotch, and sweet chocolate along with peanuts is the most delicious combination ever. What’s best is that this is a no-bake dessert, and you only need four ingredients for it!
And if you love quick and easy desserts that use 5 ingredients or less, you have got to try my homemade peanut butter cups, chocolate covered pretzels, and chocolate ritz peanut butter cookies! Along with the haystacks, they’re perfect for a Christmas or fall sweet platter!
Table of Contents
Why I Love This Recipe
This recipe years ago must have been called “Lincoln Bark Candy”. I’ve always known it to be chocolate haystacks so that’s what I’m calling it today. Does anyone else know it as Lincoln Bark Candy? No matter the name, here’s why I know you’re going to love this recipe.
- Easy to make: This no-bake chocolate haystack cookies recipe is incredibly straightforward. All you need to do is melt the butterscotch and semi-sweet chocolate chips together in a microwave, stir in the peanuts and chow mein noodles, and then spoon the mixture onto wax paper. There’s no need to bake or worry about precise timing – just a few simple steps, and you’re done.
- Family-favorite: The rich, sweet, and crunchy texture of these haystacks is a hit with both kids and adults alike. They’re the perfect treat for a family movie night or a casual get-together.
- Versatile: Feel free to switch up the ingredients based on what you have in your pantry. Prefer dark chocolate over semi-sweet? Go for it. Have a mix of peanuts and cashews on hand? Throw them in. The possibilities are endless with this versatile recipe.
- Delicious Crowd Pleaser: Whether you’re hosting a party or attending a potluck, these chocolate haystacks are sure to be a hit. Their rich taste and unique texture make them a standout treat that guests will love. Plus, you can easily make them in smaller clusters for a bite-sized dessert that’s perfect for sharing.
Key Ingredients
Butterscotch Chips: These chips add a rich, buttery sweetness to the recipe. When melting, stir them gently to achieve a smooth consistency. Do not fully melt them in the microwave; a bit of stirring will melt the remaining chips.
Semi-sweet Chocolate Chips: They bring in the classic chocolatey flavor to the haystacks. Just like the butterscotch chips, these too need to be stirred while melting to guarantee a smooth texture.
Salted Spanish Peanuts: These peanuts add a savory crunch to the otherwise sweet recipe, perfectly balancing the flavors. They also give the haystacks their characteristic texture.
Chow Mein Noodles: An unexpected ingredient in a sweet treat, these noodles give the haystacks their unique shape and an extra crunch.
Equipment
Large Microwave-Safe Bowl – This is where you’ll combine and melt your butterscotch and semi-sweet chocolate chips. It needs to be large enough to accommodate the chips, peanuts, and chow mein noodles and safe for use in the microwave.
Wax Paper – Once your haystacks are mixed, you’ll need wax paper to spoon them onto. This will prevent them from sticking as they cool and solidify.
How to Make Chocolate Haystacks
Preparations
Begin by gathering all your ingredients for the chocolate haystacks. You will only need four ingredients: chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, peanuts, and chow mein noodles.
Step 1 – Melt the chocolate and butterscotch chips
In a large bowl, combine the chocolate and butterscotch chips. Use the microwave to melt them together. Start by microwaving on high for one minute, and then give it a good stir.
Step 2 – Repeat the Process
Repeat this process, microwaving for further periods of thirty seconds and fifteen seconds, stirring after each interval. It is important to note that the chips will not be fully melted after the microwaving process. Continue stirring until you achieve a smooth, melted chocolate mixture.
Step 3 – Mix in the Peanuts and Chow Mein Noodles
Once your chocolate and butterscotch mixture is smooth, stir in the peanuts and chow mein noodles. Make sure that they are evenly coated with the melted chocolate mixture.
Step 4 – Spoon the Mixture onto Wax Paper
Lay out a sheet of wax paper on your baking sheets. Using a tablespoon, spoon your chocolate, peanuts, and noodle mixture onto the wax paper. Make sure you space your spoonfuls apart to allow room for spreading.
Step 5 – Let the Haystack Cookies Cool
Once all your mixture has been spooned onto the wax paper, allow the chocolate haystacks to cool completely. This step is crucial as it allows the haystack cookies to set and firm up, making them easier to store and more enjoyable to eat.
And there you have it! A simple and delicious chocolate haystack cookie recipe to enjoy with your loved ones.
Expert Tips
Melt with care: Melt the butterscotch and semi-sweet chocolate chips in the microwave but beware of overheating. Microwave for short durations and stir in between. The chips won’t completely melt in the microwave. Keep stirring until you have a smooth melted chocolate mixture.
Stir for smoothness: Stir the chocolate chips as they melt to achieve a smooth texture. Do not fully melt them in the microwave. Stirring will help melt the remaining chocolate
Be Patient when Cooling: Cooling the chocolate haystacks will take a few hours. If you’re short on time, you can speed up the process by placing them in the refrigerator.
Spoon Smaller Clusters: Because of the rich taste of these haystacks, it is best to spoon them into smaller clusters. This will also make them easier to handle and eat.
Recipe Variations
Add Other Nuts: You can easily switch up the nuts in your haystacks. Try swapping out the Spanish peanuts for almonds or cashews in the recipe. These nuts will add a different flavor and texture to these no-bake treats. Sprinkle some sea salt on top for extra flavor.
Try White Chocolate: If you’re a fan of white chocolate, this variation is for you. Replace the semi-sweet chocolate chips and butterscotch chips with white chocolate chips. The creamy, sweet flavor of white chocolate will give your haystacks a delicious new twist. You can even add some unsweetened coconut to the mix.
Chocolate Haystack Barks: You can change up the shape of your haystacks as well. Spread the mixture over parchment paper lined cookie sheet and allow it to cool completely, then break it apart. It’ll give you a chocolate bark-like effect.
Marshmallow Version: Love marshmallows? Try adding a cup of mini marshmallows to the melted chocolate mixture. The marshmallows will melt slightly, creating a gooey, delicious mess that’s absolutely irresistible.
What to Serve With
- Start your morning on a sweet note with a couple of chocolate haystacks paired with your favorite morning coffee or tea. The sweet and salty combination is a delicious way to kick start your day.
- Planning a movie night at home? These chocolate haystacks can be a perfect snack to munch on. Its crunchy texture and rich taste will surely enhance your movie-watching experience.
- If you’re hosting a tea party, these haystacks can be a fantastic accompaniment to your selection of teas. Their rich, chocolatey flavor pairs well with both strong and light teas.
- You can also serve these haystacks as a festive treat during the holiday season. Their unique shape and delicious taste make them a hit at holiday gatherings.
- Looking for a quick and easy dessert to satisfy your sweet tooth? Grab a few chocolate haystacks and enjoy them with a glass of cold milk. It is a simple yet satisfying treat that you can whip up in no time.
Recipe FAQs
For this chocolate haystacks cookie recipe, I recommend using a combination of butterscotch chips and semi-sweet chocolate chips. This blend gives the cookies a nice balance of sweetness and chocolatey goodness. But you can go for milk chocolate chips, dark chocolate chips, and even use some peanut butter chips if you like.
You can melt the chocolate and butterscotch chips in a microwave. Start by microwaving them on high for one minute, then stir. Repeat this process, reducing the microwave time to make sure that the chips are not fully melted. Keep stirring until the mixture is smooth.
Yes, these haystack cookies are quite sweet and rich in taste. Therefore, it is suggested to spoon them into smaller clusters. This could also help control the calorie intake for those who are conscious about their diet.
Storing and Reheating
Refrigeration: Once your chocolate haystacks have cooled to room temperature, you can store them in an airtight container for up to three days. Keep the container in a cool, dry place to maintain the texture and taste of the cookies.
Freezing: Unfortunately, chocolate haystacks do not freeze well due to their ingredients. The texture of the cookies changes significantly when frozen and thawed, losing their delightful crunch.
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Serving Size
What to Expect: This recipe will make eighteen large haystacks or 36 smaller haystacks using 11 ounces each of butterscotch and semi-sweet chocolate chips.
How to Scale: If you want more than 18 large haystacks, you can double the recipe and follow the instructions as directed. Make sure to use a large enough bowl to melt the chips and mix the ingredients properly. Otherwise, you can make it in two batches for the same results.
Chocolate Haystacks
Ingredients
- 1 ¾ Cup 11 oz Butterscotch Chips
- 1 ¾ Cup 11 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 Cups Salted Spanish Peanuts
- 6 oz Chow Mein Noodles
Instructions
- In a large bowl, melt the chocolate and butterscotch chips together in the microwave. Microwave on high for one minute, and stir. Microwave on high for 30 seconds, and stir. Microwave for 15 seconds and stir. Chips will not be fully melted. Keep stirring until smooth.
- Stir in the peanuts and chow mein noodles.
- Spoon onto wax paper using a heaping tablespoon. Let cool completely before storing.
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