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Haystacks

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4.2 from 32 reviews

Haystacks are delightful no-bake cookies made with crunchy chow mein noodles, salted peanuts, and a luscious coating of melted semi-sweet chocolate chips combined with creamy peanut butter. These easy-to-make treats set in just a couple of hours, offering a perfect sweet and salty snack that’s perfect for dessert or sharing during festive occasions.

Ingredients

Scale

Haystacks Ingredients

  • ½ cup creamy peanut butter
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • ½ cup salted peanuts
  • 5 ounces chow mein noodles (about 2 1/2 cups)
  • 1 tablespoon Maldon salt, for sprinkling (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking and to make cleanup easier.
  2. Melt Chocolate and Peanut Butter: In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine the peanut butter and semi-sweet chocolate chips. Microwave at 50% power for about 4 minutes, stirring thoroughly after each minute to ensure the mixture melts evenly and becomes smooth and liquidy.
  3. Mix in Crunchy Ingredients: Once the peanut butter and chocolate blend is smooth, add the chow mein noodles and salted peanuts. Stir gently but thoroughly to coat all the noodles and peanuts evenly with the chocolate-peanut butter mixture.
  4. Form Haystacks: Using a spoon, drop tablespoons of the coated mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Shape them into rough ‘haystack’ forms using your fingertips for a rustic look. If desired, sprinkle Maldon salt on top of each haystack for added flavor and garnish.
  5. Set and Harden: Allow the haystacks to sit at room temperature for at least 2 hours. This lets the chocolate and peanut butter coating solidify and the cookies firm up without baking.

Notes

  • Using a microwave at medium power helps prevent scorching the chocolate and peanut butter mixture.
  • Maldon salt adds a nice contrast to the sweetness, but feel free to omit if you prefer less salt.
  • You can substitute salted peanuts with unsalted if you prefer a less salty treat, adjusting salt garnish accordingly.
  • Haystacks keep well at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Add festive sprinkles or Christmas-colored non-pareils for a holiday presentation.

Find it online: https://yumfoodusa.com/haystacks/