Make butterscotch haystacks with one bowl and the microwave!
With only three ingredients and in three steps, butterscotch and peanut butter haystacks satisfy any sweet and salty snack attack!
Easy No Bake Treat!
- Are they cookies or candy? They can be either or both! But any goodie that’s no-bake is a winner!
- Butterscotch haystacks are so quick and easy to make with just three ingredients and 3 steps. These fun little no-bake haystack cookies are movie-night-ready in minutes!
- This recipe is perfect for young bakers to help with. And it’s a fun party activity where guests can create their own sweet treat by adding toppings!
- Make up to a day ahead and keep chilled until ready to serve.

What are Butterscotch Haystacks Made Of?
Butterscotch Chips – Butterscotch chips and peanut butter are a perfect pair and give haystacks that luscious golden color. Chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, or chopped-up peanut butter cups can be used, too!
Peanut Butter – Use creamy or chunky peanut butter. Experiment with other nut butter flavors like almond, hazelnut, or pecan butter and for a nut-free option, sunflower seed butter will work!
Chow Mein Noodles – Chow mein noodles stay crispy and crunchy even after they’re mixed with melted in butterscotch and peanut butter. Try bite-sized pretzel twists or waffle-shaped pretzels. Kix, cornflakes, oatmeal, and Chex cereals also make great haystacks and are a little bit healthier!
Toppings – Shredded coconut, mini M&M’s, Reese’s pieces, colored sprinkles, and mini marshmallows are fun add-ins!
How to Make Haystacks
- Melt butterscotch chips and peanut butter.
- Stir in peanuts and chow mein noodles.
- Drop onto parchment paper and chill until set.

Tips & Tricks
- Use parchment paper to line the baking pan. Haystacks can be messy and sticky so the parchment paper makes clean-up a breeze.
- Thoroughly stir the butterscotch and peanut butter mixture between microwave stages to prevent overcooking.
PRO TIPS:
- Spray utensils with pan release so the mixture will not stick to them when placing cookies on the pan.
- For faster setting, place the parchment-covered baking sheet in the refrigerator while preparing the haystacks.
Best Ways to Store Haystacks
Keep leftover butterscotch haystacks in a zippered bag or an airtight container either on the counter or in the fridge. Freeze for up to 3 months and let them thaw at room temperature before serving.

Other Easy No Bake Treats!

Butterscotch Haystacks
Make these easy no bake butterscotch haystacks with melted butterscotch chips, peanut butter, chow mein noodles and optional peanuts for a crunchy sweet treat perfect for any occasion.
Line a baking sheet with parchment or wax paper.
Add butterscotch chips and peanut butter to a large microwave-safe bowl. Heat at 50% power for 1 minute. Continue heating, stirring at 30 second intervals until smooth.
Stir in peanuts if using. Gradually stir in chow mein noodles until fully coated in the butterscotch mixture. Use two forks to drop mounds of the mixture onto the prepared pan.
Chill 30 minutes, or until set.
- Use parchment paper to line the baking pan, and use spray release on utensils, for easy clean-up.
- Mix butterscotch chips and peanut butter well between heating to ensure it does not over cook.
- Store leftover haystacks in a container or zippered bag at room temperature, in the refrigerator or in the freezer. Freeze for up to 3 months.
Calories: 158kcal | Carbohydrates: 26g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 1mg | Sodium: 175mg | Potassium: 68mg | Sugar: 18g | Vitamin A: 155IU | Vitamin C: 1.6mg | Calcium: 5mg | Iron: 2.3mg
Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.
©The Shortcut Kitchen. Content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing of this recipe is both encouraged and appreciated. Copying and/or pasting full recipes to any social media is strictly prohibited.
REPIN this Butterscotch Haystacks Recipe


