These Haystack Cookies are a sweet and salty treat made with vanilla chocolate, butterscotch chips, macadamia nuts, and chow mein noodles. They’re a classic no bake dessert great anytime of year, but especially perfect at holiday time when you need your oven the most. Change up the sprinkles to suit the occasion. They’re so easy and delicious!

We love easy cookies so much! Other favorites include our super easy sugar cookies, no bake cookies, and ritz cracker cookies.

No Bake Haystack Cookies

Haystack cookies (also referred to as chow mein noodle cookies) are a beloved no-bake dessert that includes chow mein noodles, and usually a type of chocolate, plus add-ins like nuts, pretzels, potatoes chips, or sprinkles. They’re a classic treat that gets its name because they look like little bales of hay.

With a sweet, rich coating and satisfying crunch, they’re quick and easy to make without needing an oven and everyone loves them!

Ingredients Needed

For this haystack cookie recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:
(Scroll below to the printable recipe card for details and measurements.)

• Chow mein noodles – The crunchy kind that comes in a canister or bag. Not the chewy kind used in stir fry.
• Vanilla candy melts – You can also use vanilla almond bark or melting wafers. Avoid regular white chocolate chips for best results.
• Butterscotch chips – The flavor of butterscotch and white chocolate pairs so well together.
• Macadamia nuts – Finely chopped so you get some pieces in every cookie.
• Sprinkles (optional) – These add fun, festive color!

Recipe Variations

• Use a different chocolate. If butterscotch isn’t your thing, use milk chocolate instead.
• Try a different nut. The macadamia nuts can be replaced with almonds or pecans.
• Add in some extras. Crushed up pretzels or potato chips add a salty taste which compliments the sweetness.
• Change the sprinkles to suit your occasion. Red and green for Christmas, pastel colors for Easter, blue or pink for baby showers, game day colors, and so on.

How to Make Haystack Cookies

The process to whip these up is similar to making Rice Krispie Treats or our Cornflake Cookies. Here’s a summary:
(Scroll below for the printable recipe card with exact measurements.)

• Make the mixture. You simply melt candy melts and butterscotch in the microwave until smooth and combined. Then very gently stir in the chow mein noodles and chopped nuts until they’re coated.
• Form the cookies and let set. Drop heaping tablespoon mounds of the mixture onto parchment-lined sheet trays. Top with sprinkles (optional) and let the cookies sit on the countertop (or pop them in the fridge) until set. That’s it!

How to Store Butterscotch Haystack Cookies

Cookies can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Keep them away from sun, heat, moisture, and humidity.

More No Bake Easy Cookies:

• Cornflake Cookies
• Ritz Cracker Cookies
• No Bake Cookies
• Avalanche Cookies

I hope you love this delicious and easy recipe – be sure to give it a review below! Also don’t forget to follow Belly Full on TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube!