Description
These No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Haystack Cookies are a delightful and easy-to-make treat combining the rich flavors of chocolate and peanut butter with crunchy chow mein noodles and sweet mini marshmallows. Perfect for a quick dessert or snack, they require no baking and can be set in under an hour in the fridge or naturally at room temperature.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Mix-ins
- 3 cups chow mein noodles
- ¾ cup mini marshmallows
- ½ cup chopped peanuts (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Baking Sheets: Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent the haystacks from sticking during setting.
- Melt Chocolate and Peanut Butter: In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine semi-sweet chocolate chips and creamy peanut butter. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring well between each, until the mixture is smooth and fully melted, about 1 to 1½ minutes total.
- Add Flavorings: Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor of the melted mixture.
- Fold in Mix-ins: Gently fold in the chow mein noodles, mini marshmallows, and optional chopped peanuts, making sure everything is evenly coated without breaking the noodles.
- Shape Haystacks: Drop heaping tablespoons of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheets. Use the spoon to shape each mound into a rough haystack form.
- Set the Cookies: Allow the cookies to set at room temperature for 1–2 hours until firm, or speed up the process by refrigerating them for about 30 minutes.
- Store Properly: Once the haystack cookies are firm, store them in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness and texture.
Notes
- For a crunchier texture, you can lightly toast the chopped peanuts before adding.
- If you prefer a firmer cookie, refrigerate instead of letting them set at room temperature.
- These cookies can be customized by substituting mini marshmallows with dried fruits for variation.
- Ensure noodles are not crushed to keep the signature crunch in every bite.
