Last updated on December 3rd, 2024
This recipe for Chowmein Cookies is definitely a family favorite! It’s a special recipe I’ve been making ever since I was a little girl, and everybody always loves them!
Chow mein cookies are no-bake treats made with crunchy chow mein noodles, melted chocolate, and peanut butter. They’re kind of a Christmas dessert, but you can make them anytime.
They’re a delicious combo of sweet, salty, and crispy! In fact, out of all the Christmas cookies, these are always my absolute favorite. So keep reading to learn how to make them, and some tips so they come out perfect every time!
Why You’ll Love These Chow Mein Cookies
I’ve been making these Chinese noodle cookies since I was a little girl, and they’re still one of my favorite Christmas treats! You might also know them as haystack cookies.
One of the beauties of this Christmas favorite recipe, besides the fact they’re delicious, is they only require 3 ingredients.
I don’t know if it’s the crunchy chow mein noodles or the rich butterscotch/peanut butter taste that makes me love them so much. Whatever it is, they’re just the best!
And best of all, you don’t need an oven. That’s right! This is one of those easy no-bake cookie recipes that you’ll want to make every year!
Chow Mein Noodle Cookie Ingredients
Well, they’re really simple to be honest—possibly the most simple no-bake dessert recipe!
All you need to make these chow mein cookies are:
- Chow Mein Noodles: It might sound a little strange, but once finished they give the cookies this irresistible crunchy texture. They also look so unique! Everyone is always fascinated by them.
- Peanut Butter: I prefer crunchy peanut butter but you can use creamy peanut butter too.
- Butterscotch Chips: The sweet, buttery flavor melts into a smooth coating. This is what binds the noodles and peanut butter together.
You should be able to find chow mein noodles in the Asian section at most grocery stores.
How to Make Chowmein Cookies
You can whip up this chow mein noodle cookies recipe so fast it’s actually kinda dangerous. You might find yourself making them and eating them every day!
Step 1: Add Butterscotch Chips & Peanut Butter To Large Bowl & Microwave
First, add the butterscotch chips and the peanut butter to a large microwave-safe bowl and microwave for approximately 2 to 3 minutes.
The time will vary based on your microwave, so after 2 minutes, heat in 15 second intervals until your butterscotch or chocolate is melted.
Be careful when you remove the bowl from the microwave because it can get very hot, so use a potholder.
Tip: Instead of using the microwave, you can also melt your butterscotch chips or chocolate chips using a double boiler on your stove.
Step 2: Mix Until Well Blended
Second, use a large spoon to mix the heated butterscotch chips and peanut butter until thoroughly blended.
If the mixture is still too tricky to stir, give it another quick blast in the microwave.
Step 3: Add Chow Mein Noodles and Mix Well
Third, add the chow mein noodles and mix again until thoroughly blended.
It’s okay to break up the chow mein noodles a little bit—but try to be careful not to break them up too much.
Step 4: Drop By Spoonful Onto Cookie Sheet
After this, drop the cookies by the spoonful onto a prepared baking sheet (cookie sheet) lined with wax paper or parchment paper.
Then add your decorations.
Pro Tip: Add your decorations while the cookies are still warm and press down a little bit so they stick to the cookies once they’re cooled.
Once you’ve dropped all of the cookies onto the cookie sheet and/or sheets and decorated them, place them in the refrigerator to cool and set.
Expert Chow Mein Cookie Tips
Follow these tips, and your chow mein butterscotch cookies will be perfect every time!
- Don’t Overheat: Melt the butterscotch chips and peanut butter gently to avoid burning. Use the microwave 30 seconds at a time, or make a double boiler on the stove.
- Crunch Matters: Use fresh chow mein noodles for the most crunch. Open a new packet—don’t use stale noodles!
- Chill Fast: Put the cookies in the fridge right after shaping. They’ll set quicker and hold their shape better.
- Decorate Quickly: Add decorations while the cookies are warm. Sprinkles or toppings won’t stick once the butterscotch coating hardens.
Chow Mein Cookie Variations
So, my Momma always made these cookies with butterscotch chips and peanut butter.
However, I’ve also seen other Haystacks recipes made all over the internet, especially Chocolate Haystacks (also called Chocolate Spiders).
So here’s a list of other ingredients you can swap in this recipe:
- Any kind of chocolate (to make chocolate noodles):
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
- Milk Chocolate Chips
- White Chocolate Chips
- Dark Chocolate Chips
- Mini Marshmallows
- Corn Flakes
- Coconut
- Oatmeal
- Salted Peanuts
- Peanut butter chips
Whatever floats your boat and makes you happy, that’s how you should make them! For me though, making them this traditional way is best because it always brings me straight back to my childhood.
And now that I’m a mom, I’m happy to pass this tradition on to MY son, who will always remember that “Mom made these when I was a kid every Christmas”!
How To Store Chow Mein Noodle Cookies
When you first make these cookies, keep them on the baking sheet and refrigerate them so they can set quickly. You can then place them in cookie tins or any other airtight container more easily & quickly.
However, once they’ve set, it’s okay to store leftovers at room temperature (for about a week) as long as it’s not too hot in your house (as they will get soft and might melt somewhat).
Even holding them in your warm hands can get a tad bit messy, but in a good way!
Easy No Bake Chow Mein Noodle Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup Butterscotch Chips
- ½ cup Peanut Butter, creamy or crunchy, Don't use the natural kind
- 2 cups Chow Mein Noodles
Optional:
- Sprinkles, decorettes, or jimmies for decoration
Instructions
- Place butterscotch chips and peanut butter in a large, microwave safe bowl.
- Heat in the microwave for approximately 2 minutes.
- Use potholder to remove from microwave and mix ingredients with a large spoon until combined.
- Add the chow mein noodles and mix well. It's okay to break up some of the chow mein noodles.
- Drop by the spoonful onto a wax paper or parchment paper lined cookie sheet.
- Optional: Add sprinkles or other decorations to tops of cookies while they're still hot. Press down gently so the decorations set with the cookies.
- Place in refrigerator to cool until the cookies are set.
- This recipe makes 10 to 20 cookies based on the size of your spoonfuls.
- These cookies keep longer in the refrigerator but can be kept at room temperature.
More Christmas Recipes
What Christmas cookie brings you fondly back to your childhood?
For more delicious Christmas desserts, click on over to:
- 17 Best Christmas Cookie Recipes For Your Holiday Season
- 6 Best, Fun Size, Easy to Make Desserts For the Holidays!
- 17 Best Christmas Dessert Recipes To Sweeten Up Your Holidays
And before you go, don’t forget to leave a comment if you tried making my chow mein cookie recipe!
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