These no bake haystack cookies combine chow mein noodles, milk chocolate and butterscotch chips to make decadent treats that are always a huge hit. Chow mein cookies are perfect to whip up at a moment’s notice and you can vary the flavors and sprinkle decorations depending on the season.
Chow mein cookies are made with plenty of rich chocolate and crunchy noodles. They have just 4 ingredients and can be made in 10 minutes with the help of a microwave.
Every time I make these haystack cookies, I’m taken back to childhood. I can remember eating these at every holiday function and any day mom felt like whipping them up. They’re easily customized and don’t involve baking which is a plus when you don’t want to put a lot of effort into a sweet treat.
HOW DO YOU MAKE HAYSTACK COOKIES?
If you have the abilitiy to microwave some chocolate and do some mixing, then you’re set to make these chow mein cookies. Start with some decadent milk chocolate chips and butterscotch chips in a microwaveable bowl and heat until smooth. Add your crunchy chow mein nooodles until they’re well coated then add to a parchment sheet to dry. Cover with your sprinkles and wait impatiently for the chow mein noodle cookies to dry.
My favorite part about these chow mein cookies is the fact that they’re no bake and super quick to make. They work perfectly for a last minute dessert or treat when a school or family function hangs in the balance. We like to eat them with the butterscotch and chocolate chips because it’s an ultra rich and creamy combination, however there are many ways you can mix up the flavor when making these haystack cookies.
Other ways to mix up the flavor are:
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Peanut butter chips
- White chocolate chips
- Coconut
- Mini marshmallows
- Chopped nuts
You can also customize your haystack cookies for any holiday by switching up the sprinkles. Just choose a color or sprinkle fitting for the occasion and you’ve got an easy no-bake treat to match your event. Be sure to store your cookies in an airtight container if you have any leftovers. They should keep for about 5 days.
HOW BIG SHOULD I MAKE THE HAYSTACK COOKIES?
The great thing about these chow mein cookies is that you don’t have to be precise when placing them on the parchment paper. You can make them whatever size you desire. However, I usually make them around 2 inches in size for easier storage and snacking.
Every time we make these cookies, I like letting the children help. They’re just so easy that there’s really no way to mess them up. It’s a great way for the kids to make the memories I got to make growing up.
MORE NO-BAKE RECIPES YOU’LL LOVE
- 9 No Bake Cookie Recipes
- Avalanche Cookies
- No Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake
- Birds Nest Cookies
- No Bake Breakfast Cereal Bars
Haystack Cookies
Ingredients
- 12 ounces milk chocolate chips
- 12 ounces butterscotch chips
- 12 ounces chow mein noodles
- 1/4 cup sprinkles
Instructions
- Place the milk chocolate chips and butterscotch chips in a large bowl. Microwave in 30 second increments until melted. Stir until smooth.
- Add the chow mein noodles to the bowl and toss until coated in the chocolate mixture.
- Spoon 2 tablespoons of the cookie mixture onto a piece of parchment and shape into a mound; place a pinch of sprinkles on top.
- Repeat the process with the remaining cookie mixture and sprinkles until you have 12 cookies.
- Let cookies sit until firm, then serve. Cookies can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Peter Dvergsten says
I found that some store brand items don’t work too well. Our local CUB Foods has cheese that my dog won’t touch. We have always made these with just the milk chocolate.
DAC says
Help! My melted chip mixture did not end up smooth. It was crumbly and didn’t really stick to the noodles. Any ideas? Could it have been the brand of chips I used? I love these cookies. I made them last year with your recipe and was successful. I’m puzzled.
Sara says
It could definitely be the brand of chips, which brand did you use?
Linda says
I grew up having these cookies during the holidays. I forgot all about them and now going to store to make!
Michelle says
Switching these up with pretzil sticks… can this dessert be frozen?
Sara says
Yes they can be frozen!
Pandy says
Excuse the ignorant question, but are those just regular raw chow mein noodles broken up or are they a type of actual baked cookie just in a chow mein noodles shape ? They look amazing!!!
Thank you in advance!
Sara says
It’s these cooked crispy noodles, they’re kind of like a cracker! https://www.lachoy.com/products/chow-mein-noodles
Charli Bruce says
So, I’ve never heard of haystack cookies before but they sound great. They’re so easy to make and I’m sure my kids would love making them too x
LavandaMichelle says
Oh my! These look so tasty, I want one right now. Thanks for sharing! 🙂
Nancy at Whispered Inspirations says
Mmm, this looks so delicious. I never knew they were so easy! I want to make these this weekend! Thanks so much!
Ladonna says
Theses look so good! My niece and I will have so much fun making these.. I can’t wait.
Nina says
this sounds so fun 🙂 it looks so simple and delicious
Heather says
These are fun! My daughters would really enjoy making these together for an afternoon snack.
valerie christie says
That looks so good. It seems that no-bake is the way to go. So will be trying these for sure.
Laurence says
Ok, call me a naive, but never heard of haystack before. But seeing your recipe, make me want to do this every get together parties 🙂 And it is easy to do 😀
Marie Kait says
Yum! Simple and they look delicious. I would love to try these with my kids!
Jarkable says
Wow these look amazing. Given I’m always pressed for time, having something you can put together this quick really makes it easy. Thanks for the post!
Cathleen @ A Taste of Madness says
This looks awesome! I always try making recipes with butterscotch chips, but my fiance hates it!! Maybe this recipe will convince him! Or, I could try one of your other suggested mix-ins 😉
Ann Snook says
My mom LOVED making these when I was little! They definitely taste good but the texture isn’t for me . . . I’m more of a cakey, soft cookie kind of gal.