What Are Haystacks?

Haystacks are a classic no-bake cookie that combines the crunchiness of fried chow mein noodles, the saltiness of peanuts, and the sweet richness of melted butterscotch and peanut butter. The combination of these ingredients creates a treat that’s both sweet and salty with a satisfying texture. They are perfect for a quick dessert when you’re short on time or want to avoid turning on the oven.

Why You’ll Love This Haystacks Recipe:

• No Baking Required: This treat is perfect for hot days when you don’t want to turn on the oven.
• Simple Ingredients: With just a handful of ingredients, these cookies are incredibly easy to make.
• Quick Preparation: You’ll have a batch of haystacks ready to serve in under an hour.
• Customizable: You can switch out the butterscotch chips for other types of chocolate if you prefer.
• Perfect for Parties or Gifts: These cookies are easy to make in large batches, and their crunchy, satisfying texture makes them a crowd-pleaser.

Haystacks Recipe Ingredients

The ingredients for haystacks are simple but work wonderfully together to create a deliciously crunchy and sweet treat. Here’s what you’ll need:

Step-By-Step Instructions

Making haystacks is quick and easy. Here’s how to make them:

1. Prepare the Baking Sheets

• Line the baking sheets: Take two rimmed baking sheets and line them with wax paper or parchment paper. This will ensure the haystacks don’t stick and are easy to remove once set.

2. Chop the Peanuts

• Coarsely chop the peanuts: Use dry-roasted salted peanuts and chop them into smaller pieces. This will allow them to mix evenly into the butterscotch mixture and give each haystack a nice crunch.

3. Melt the Butterscotch and Peanut Butter

• Microwave Method:
  • Place the butterscotch chips, peanut butter, and kosher salt in a large microwave-safe bowl.
  • Microwave on high for 2 minutes, stirring halfway through. After 2 minutes, stir vigorously. If the mixture isn’t fully melted, microwave in 20-second intervals until smooth and creamy.
• Double Boiler Method:
  • If you prefer, melt the butterscotch chips and peanut butter together in a double boiler over low heat. Stir constantly to prevent burning.

4. Combine the Ingredients

• Add the peanuts and chow mein noodles: Once the butterscotch and peanut butter are melted, add the chopped peanuts and fried chow mein noodles. Stir everything together gently to ensure the noodles are well-coated with the melted mixture.

5. Form the Haystacks

• Scoop the mixture: Using two tablespoons, scoop heaping portions of the mixture and drop them onto the prepared baking sheets.
• Shape them: You can shape the mixture into little mounds or haystack shapes. Aim for about 20 haystacks per sheet.

6. Let the Haystacks Set

• Room Temperature: Allow the haystacks to cool and set at room temperature for about 40 minutes.
• Refrigerator: Alternatively, you can speed up the process by refrigerating the haystacks for 20 minutes. This will help them firm up more quickly.

Nutrition Facts (Per Haystack)

Haystacks are a delicious treat, but they do come with some calories. Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown per haystack:

Please note that these values can vary depending on the exact brands and quantities used. For more accurate nutritional information, it’s best to use a specific calculator or app.

Tips and Praise

Helpful Tips for the Perfect Haystacks

• Avoid Overheating the Butterscotch Chips: When melting the butterscotch chips, be careful not to overheat them. They can burn easily. Stir frequently and stop microwaving once they’re mostly melted.
• Use Store-Bought Peanut Butter: This recipe works best with creamy, store-bought peanut butter (like Jif or Skippy). Natural peanut butter can seize and become too thick to mix properly.
• Customize the Noodles: You can experiment with different types of noodles or snacks for variety, but chow mein noodles give the classic crunchy texture.
• Add Extras: Feel free to add other mix-ins like mini chocolate chips, dried fruit, or even sprinkles for a fun twist on the classic recipe.

Praise from Haystack Lovers

Many bakers love how quick and easy this recipe is. Some rave about the versatility of the treat, noting that it can be made with just a few ingredients and requires no oven time. Others appreciate the balance of sweet and salty flavors in each bite. Whether you serve them at a party, bring them to a potluck, or make them as a family activity, haystacks always seem to disappear fast!

FAQ About Haystacks Recipe

Can I Make Haystacks Ahead of Time?

Yes! Haystacks are great for making ahead. They can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want them to last longer, store them in the freezer for up to six months.

Can I Use a Different Type of Nut?

Yes, you can substitute the peanuts with any other type of nut you prefer, such as almonds, cashews, or walnuts. Just make sure they’re roasted and salted for the best flavor balance.

Can I Use Chocolate Chips Instead of Butterscotch?

Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of butterscotch, you can use any type of chocolate chips (milk, dark, or white). The texture will be slightly different, but it will still taste delicious.

Why Do I Need to Use Store-Bought Peanut Butter?

Store-bought peanut butter contains emulsifiers that help it melt smoothly, making it perfect for this recipe. Natural peanut butters may not melt properly and can seize up, which would make the mixture difficult to work with.

Reviews

Haystacks have earned a solid 4.5 stars out of 5, with hundreds of reviews praising how easy and delicious they are. Here’s what some readers have said:

• “These were so quick and easy to make, and the whole family loved them! They have the perfect balance of sweet and salty.” — Jessica P.
• “I made these for a potluck, and they were gone in minutes. I added mini chocolate chips, and they were amazing!” — Ben H.
• “Such a simple recipe but so satisfying. I made them with my kids, and they had a blast!” — Marie S.

Conclusion: 

If you’re craving a sweet, salty, and crunchy treat that’s easy to make and requires no baking, haystacks are the perfect choice. With simple ingredients and a fast prep time, you can enjoy this nostalgic cookie in under an hour. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack, a fun dessert to share, or a gift to give, haystacks fit the bill. Try them out today and enjoy the delightful combination of crispy noodles, salted peanuts, and rich peanut butter and butterscotch.