These 3 Ingredients butterscotch haystacks are so easy and perfect for last minute holiday gift giving.
What is haystack
Haystack is a no-bake cookie made by mixing together ingredients like chow mein noodles, melted butterscotch or chocolate, and often peanut butter. The mixture is then dropped or shaped into small clusters resembling haystacks before being allowed to set and harden.
These cookies are a breeze to make, seriously! They're like the superheroes of desserts, ready to save the day for any occasion. Whether it's a last-minute holiday gift or a planned party, these butterscotch haystacks are the ultimate go-to, quick-fix delights.
For more easy last minutes holiday gift giving cookies try my 3-Ingredients shortbread cookies, 3 Ingredients Peanut Butter Cookies, 2 ingredients bars, 2 Ingredients Chocolate Fudge and 3 Ingredients Cookies & Cream Fudge.
Ingredients
- Chow mein noodles: These are thin, crispy Chinese noodles used in stir-fries or Asian dishes but can also be used in desserts like butterscotch haystacks for their crunchiness.
- Butterscotch Chips: They have a sweet, caramel-like taste.
- Creamy peanut butter: It can serve as a binding agent and add a subtle nutty taste in butterscotch haystack.
How to make 3 ingredients butterscotch haystacks
- Prepare Ingredients: Line a baking sheet or tray with parchment paper or wax paper for the haystacks to set on.
- Melt Butterscotch Chips: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butterscotch chips. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring each time until fully melted and smooth. This usually takes around 1-2 minutes, depending on your microwave.
- Add Peanut Butter: Once the butterscotch chips are melted, stir in the creamy peanut butter until well combined. Mix until it forms a smooth, uniform mixture.
- Combine with Chow Mein Noodles: Add the chow mein noodles to the butterscotch and peanut butter mixture. Gently fold the noodles into the mixture until they are evenly coated.
- Form Haystacks: Using a spoon or your hands (you might want to lightly grease your hands to prevent sticking), scoop out portions of the mixture and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Shape them into haystacks or clusters, adjusting the size to your preference.
- Set and Cool: Allow the haystacks to set at room temperature for about 30 minutes to 1 hour, or until they are firm and hold their shape.
- Serve or Store: Once set, your butterscotch haystacks are ready to be enjoyed! Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week (if they last that long!).
Helpful tips
- Even Coating: When melting the butterscotch chips, make sure they're completely melted and smoothly combined with the peanut butter. This ensures an even coating on the noodles for consistent flavor in every bite.
- Gentle Mixing: When folding the chow mein noodles into the butterscotch mixture, do it gently. You want to coat the noodles without crushing them to maintain that crunch.
- Quick Shaping: Shape the haystacks quickly after mixing. The mixture might start to harden as it cools, making it trickier to form the clusters.
- Experiment with Add-ins: Feel free to add extras like nuts, dried fruits, or a sprinkle of sea salt on top for added flavor and texture. Just ensure they're evenly distributed for a balanced taste.
- Proper Cooling: Allow the haystacks enough time to set at room temperature or in the refrigerator before serving. This ensures they hold their shape well when picked up.
- Storage: Store the haystacks in an airtight container at room temperature. If they soften a bit due to warm weather, you can pop them in the fridge for a short while to firm up.
Variations
- Chocolate Twist: Replace the butterscotch chips with semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips for a chocolatey version of haystacks.
- Nutty Addition: Mix in chopped peanuts, almonds, or pecans for an added crunch and nutty flavor.
- Fruity Flavor: Add dried fruits like cranberries, raisins, or chopped dried apricots for a sweet and tangy touch.
- Coconut Infusion: Sprinkle shredded coconut into the mixture for a tropical flavor and extra texture.
- Cereal Swap: Use other crispy cereals instead of chow mein noodles, like cornflakes or rice cereal, to create different textures.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or pumpkin spice to the mixture for a warm, cozy flavor.
- Marshmallow Marvel: Mix in mini marshmallows along with the noodles for an extra chewy and gooey texture.
- Salty-Sweet Combo: Sprinkle a bit of sea salt on top of the haystacks before they set to create a delicious sweet-salty contrast.
Other recipes to try
Recipe video
3 Ingredients butterscotch haystack
Ingredients
- 10 oz dried chow mein noodles
- 2 cups butterscotch chips
- 2-3 tablespoon creamy peanut butter
Instructions
- Line a baking sheet or tray with parchment paper or wax paper for the haystacks to set on.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butterscotch chips. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring each time until fully melted and smooth. This usually takes around 1-2 minutes, depending on your microwave.
- Once the butterscotch chips are melted, stir in the creamy peanut butter until well combined. Mix until it forms a smooth, uniform mixture.
- Add the chow mein noodles to the butterscotch and peanut butter mixture. Gently fold the noodles into the mixture until they are evenly coated.
- Using a spoon or your hands (you might want to lightly grease your hands to prevent sticking), scoop out portions of the mixture and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Shape them into haystacks or clusters, adjusting the size to your preference.
- Allow the haystacks to set at room temperature for about 30 minutes to 1 hour, or until they are firm and hold their shape.