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Haystack Cookies are a wonderful no-bake cookie recipe, perfect for the holidays. Chow mein noodles with peanuts are coated in white chocolate and topped with holiday sprinkles–a sweet, savory, and crunchy treat for any time!
Haystack cookies made with chow mein noodles were a huge hit in the 70s, 80s, and 90s, so now they hold a special place in our hearts when it comes time for Christmas cookie making. Bonus: they’re one of the easiest cookies to make! Add sprinkles to the top for a pretty, festive touch.
Why You’ll Love These Haystack Cookies
Here are a few reasons why you’ll find me making these haystack cookies at least once a year.
- Only 4 ingredients. All you need is white chocolate, chow mein noodles, peanuts, and sprinkles. I tend to have most of those things in the cupboard so I can always whip these up when the craving strikes.
- No baking required. In fact, all you need is a microwave to melt the chocolate and a spatula to combine the ingredients.
- Festive. You can make haystack cookies a festive dessert for any occasion, simply by switching up the sprinkles. Use red & green for Christmas, pink for Valentine’s Day, etc.
For more no-bake cookie ideas, check out my classic no bake cookies as well as my no bake avalanche cookies!
What You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to make these no-bake haystack cookies. The exact measurements and full recipe instructions are below in the easy-to-print recipe card.
- White chocolate bark – I like to use the white chocolate bark (called “vanilla candy coating” in this case) that comes in a microwavable tray. You just remove the outer wrap, then pop the tray with the white chocolate into the microwave and heat it according to the instructions. So easy!
- Chow mein noodles – These may seem like an unusual cookie ingredient but they add a crunchy savory twist.
- Salted peanuts – You COULD use unsalted peanuts but the salted ones are a nice touch against the other sweet flavors.
- Sprinkles – Sprinkles are optional but add a festive touch. Feel free to use any colors desired according to the season.
Cookie Variations
Here are a few ways to customize this classic Haystacks recipe.
- Use different chocolate. Swap the white chocolate for milk chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, semi-sweet chocolate chips, or dark chocolate chips. Butterscotch chips add a nice touch too, especially when combined with the white chocolate.
- Add marshmallows. Stir some mini marshmallows into the mixture for added flavor and texture.
- Try different nuts. In place of the peanuts, you can use cashews or chopped walnuts.
- Add some pretzel sticks. Pretzel sticks are a nice addition to the chow mein noodles for a salty and savory flavor and crunch.
- Stir in some peanut butter. Many versions of haystack cookies are made with peanut butter as well as chocolate. Just stir in some of your favorite creamy peanut butter to the mixture.
How to Make Haystack Cookies
These cookies are beyond easy to make. Here’s what you’ll need to do.
- Prep. Prepare the cookie sheet with parchment paper or a non-stick baking mat.
- Melt the chocolate. Melt the chocolate in the microwave according to the package directions.
- Combine. Combine the melted chocolate, chow mein noodles, and peanuts in a bowl.
- Form the cookies. Drop heaping tablespoons of the mixture onto the cookie sheet. Top with sprinkles if desired.
Tips for Success
Here are a few things to keep in mind when making your white chocolate haystack cookies.
- Line the cookie sheet. If you try to place the haystack cookies directly on the cookie sheet, they will stick. I recommend parchment paper or a baking mat.
- Melt the chocolate slowly. When melting the white chocolate, follow the package instructions and whisk frequently. Heat just until melted to avoid burning the chocolate.
- Use quality chocolate. I highly recommend almond bark or other melting chocolate for this recipe vs using white chocolate chips. You’ll get a better melted texture and flavor.
- Work quickly. Once the chocolate is melted and smooth, you’ll want to combine the ingredients and form the cookies quickly so the chocolate doesn’t harden.
How to Store Leftovers
- Counter. You can store haystack cookies in an airtight container on the counter for 3-5 days. You may want to place parchment paper between the layers.
- Fridge. You can also store them in the fridge. This is a good idea if your kitchen is warm to prevent them from melting.
- Freezer. You can also freeze these for up to a month, in a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the fridge.
More Cookie Recipes To Try
- Cookie Dough Cookies
- Cherry Blossom Cookies
- 4 Ingredient Almond Joy Cookies
- Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
- German Chocolate Cookies
- Peanut Butter M&M Cookies
- 3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies
- Brownie Mix Cookies
Add as Google Trusted SourceWhite Chocolate Haystack Cookies
Ingredients
- 16 ounces package white chocolate bark
- 4 cups chow mein noodles
- 1 cup salted peanuts
- Sprinkles, optional
Instructions
- Prepare a large cookie sheet by covering with parchment paper, wax paper, or a non-stick baking mat; set aside.
- Melt the white chocolate bark in a microwave-safe bowl according to package directions.
- In a large bowl, combine the melted white chocolate, chow mein noodles, and peanuts.
- Drop the mixture by heaping tablespoons onto wax paper or parchment paper. Sprinkle with sprinkles. Let sit until set.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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Both look great and easy
I make these with pretzels instead of chow mein noodles. I also add dried cranberries. Always a hit.
Glad to hear that Denise!
I have used butterscotch chips
Can I use a different nut? Roommate is allergic to peanuts.
Carole, sure you could substitute another type of nut. Maybe almonds?
We have a peanut allergy,,,,would slivered almonds or pecan pieces work? These look so delicious and easy!
June, yes any other nut would work fine!
June, if you can’t do peanuts, use miniature marshmallows. They work with this recipe also. My mom added them to haystacks all the time.
I bet some dried cranberries added to these would be good too!
Kids love it
Can I make these with dark chocolate?
Absolutely!
Can I just use White Chocolate Chips instead of white chocolate bark?
Yes, that would be fine.