ByRebekah Winscott Christmas, Cookies

Christmas Haystack Cookies

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Looking for a last-minute Christmas cookie that’s festive, no-bake, and guaranteed to impress? These Christmas haystack cookies are a quick holiday favorite made with melted chocolate, crunchy chow mein noodles, and cheerful red-and-green sprinkles. With no oven required, they’re perfect for busy bakers who want to make something homemade in minutes.

No-bake Christmas haystack cookies made with butterscotch, chow mein noodles, and red and green M&Ms on a white platter.
These festive no-bake haystack cookies are a quick and crunchy treat.

I first stumbled across haystack cookies a few years ago during the holiday rush when my oven was already packed with other desserts. I needed something festive, quick, and foolproof — and these no-bake clusters saved the day. They’ve been a go-to ever since because they’re just the right mix of crunchy, sweet, and cheerful without adding any extra stress to the season.

What Are Holiday Haystack Cookies?

Christmas Haystack Cookies are an easy no-bake holiday treat made with crunchy chow mein noodles coated in a sweet mixture of butterscotch chips and peanut butter. The coated noodles are scooped into small mounds, creating the signature “haystack” shape.

These festive cookies have been a holiday favorite for generations because they’re quick to make, require just a few simple ingredients, and don’t need any oven time. They’re perfect for Christmas cookie trays, cookie exchanges, and last-minute holiday desserts.

festive no-bake Christmas haystack cookies made with chow mein noodles, butterscotch, and red and green sprinkles on a holiday plate.
These easy no-bake Christmas haystack cookies are perfect for last-minute holiday treats.

Why You’ll Love These No-Bake Christmas Haystack Cookies

  • Quick & easy – Melt, mix, and drop. That’s it! Done in under 30 minutes.
  • No-bake convenience – Perfect when every oven rack is full of pies and casseroles.
  • Kid-approved fun – Safe and simple enough for little helpers to scoop and decorate.
  • Festive & gift-ready – Red and green sprinkles make them sparkle in any cookie tin.
  • Customizable flavors – Chocolate, peppermint, peanut butter, or nut-free — mix it up for everyone on your list.

Ingredients You’ll Need

(Keep scrolling to the recipe card below for the full printable recipe!)

ingredients including chow mein noodles, butterscotch chips, creamy peanut butter, red and green M&Ms, and festive sprinkles on a marble surface.
Just a handful of pantry staples — chow mein noodles, butterscotch chips, peanut butter, and sprinkles.
  • Chow mein noodles – These crunchy noodles create the classic haystack shape and texture. Break them into smaller pieces for easier mixing and serving.
  • Butterscotch chips – The sweet, buttery flavor that makes traditional haystack cookies so irresistible.
  • Creamy peanut butter – Adds richness and helps bind the melted butterscotch mixture to the noodles.
  • Red and green mini M&Ms – A festive addition that brings color and a little chocolate flavor to every bite.
  • Christmas sprinkles – The perfect finishing touch for holiday cookie trays, parties, and gifting.

How to Make Christmas Haystack Cookies

1. Line a large baking sheet or tray with parchment paper so the haystack cookies don’t stick once they set.

2. Add the butterscotch chips and creamy peanut butter to a medium microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring well between each one, until the mixture is smooth and fully melted.

    Melted butterscotch and peanut butter mixture poured over crunchy chow mein noodles in a glass mixing bowl.
    Pour the melted butterscotch and peanut butter over the chow mein noodles

    3. Gently stir the broken chow mein noodles into the melted butterscotch mixture until all the noodles are evenly coated. Try not to crush them too much as you stir.

    Chow mein noodles coated with melted butterscotch and peanut butter being stirred together in a glass mixing bowl.
    Mix the chow mein noodles gently until they’re evenly coated in the butterscotch and peanut butter

    4. Use a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop to portion the mixture, then drop each mound onto the prepared parchment paper.

    Scoops of haystack cookie mixture arranged on a parchment-lined baking sheet to set, ready for decorating as no-bake Christmas treats.
    Drop spoonfuls of the coated chow mein mixture onto parchment paper and let them set into perfectly shaped

    5. While the coating is still soft, top each cookie with a few red and green mini M&Ms and a pinch of Christmas sprinkles.

    6. Allow the cookies to set at room temperature for about 1 hour, or chill them in the refrigerator for 20 minutes for a quicker set.

    Christmas haystack cookies topped with red and green M&Ms and festive sprinkles on a parchment-lined baking sheet before setting.
    Decorate each haystack cookie with red and green M&Ms and sprinkles while the coating is still soft

    Tips for Perfect Haystack Cookies

    • Break up large noodle clusters before mixing. Smaller pieces create more evenly sized cookies that are easier to scoop and eat.
    • Choose a fresh bag of chow mein noodles. Stale noodles can lose their signature crunch and affect the final texture.
    • Keep the cookies a similar size. Using a cookie scoop helps the haystacks look uniform on holiday cookie trays and gift platters.
    • Store in a cool place. Warm temperatures can soften the coating and make the cookies less firm.
    Close-up of a no-bake Christmas haystack cookie made with butterscotch, chow mein noodles, and topped with red and green M&Ms and sprinkles.
    Crunchy, chewy, and chocolatey — the perfect no-bake bite.

    Storage & Gifting Tips

    • Room Temp: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
    • Freezer: Freeze haystack cookies in layers, divided by parchment paper, for up to 3 months.
    • Gifting: Perfect for cookie exchanges or stocking stuffers. Tie with red and green ribbon for a classic Christmas look.
    No-bake Christmas haystack cookies made with butterscotch, chow mein noodles, and decorated with red and green M&Ms and holiday sprinkles on a white plate.
    Festive and easy, these no-bake holiday haystack cookies are a sweet, crunchy Christmas treat.

    Christmas Haystack Cookies FAQ

    Yes! If you can’t find chow mein noodles, try crisp rice cereal, mini pretzel sticks, or even cornflakes for that same satisfying crunch. Just be sure to break larger pieces slightly so your cookies hold together nicely.

    Use dairy-free chocolate or butterscotch chips (like Enjoy Life or Guittard’s vegan line) and swap the peanut butter for sunflower seed butter or almond butter. Skip M&Ms and decorate with vegan sprinkles or dried fruit bits instead.

    Let them set fully, then tuck them into cookie tins, holiday boxes, or clear cellophane bags tied with ribbon. Add a small label with flavor and storage notes — it’s a thoughtful homemade gift that travels well.

    Seizing happens when a bit of moisture sneaks in. Don’t panic — stir in ½ teaspoon of coconut oil or shortening until smooth again. Next time, make sure your bowl and utensils are completely dry before melting.

    If you try this recipe, leave a comment below and share how your haystacks turned out. And don’t forget to save this recipe on Pinterest so you can make it again next holiday season.

    More Easy No-Bake Holiday Desserts You’ll Love

    Print
    clockclock iconcutlerycutlery iconflagflag iconfolderfolder iconinstagraminstagram iconpinterestpinterest iconfacebookfacebook iconprintprint iconsquaressquares iconheartheart iconheart solidheart solid icon

    Christmas Haystack Cookies

    Recipe by Rebekah Winscott

    These Christmas haystack cookies are an easy, no-bake holiday treat made with chow mein noodles, butterscotch chips, peanut butter, and festive M&Ms. Perfect for cookie swaps, gifting, or last-minute desserts!

    • Total Time45 minutes
    • Yield24 1x
    Print Recipe
    Save Recipe

    Ingredients

    Scale
    • 5 ounces chow mein noodles, broken into smaller pieces
    • 1 cup butterscotch chips
    • 6 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
    • 2 tablespoons red and green mini m&ms
    • 1–2 tablespoons Christmas sprinkles

    Instructions

    1. Line a large baking sheet or tray with parchment paper.
    2. In a medium microwave-safe bowl, heat the butterscotch chips and peanut butter in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth and fully melted.
    3. Gently stir the chow mein noodles into the melted mixture until everything is evenly coated.
    4. Use a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop to portion the mixture and drop spoonfuls onto the parchment paper.
    5. Top each cookie with mini M&Ms and Christmas sprinkles.
    6. Allow to set for 1 hour at room temperature or chill in the refrigerator for 20 minutes for a quicker set.

    Notes

    • For a nut-free version, replace peanut butter with sunflower seed butter or cookie butter.
    • Try adding ½ teaspoon peppermint extract and crushed candy canes for a festive twist.
    • If your mixture thickens too quickly, warm it gently in the microwave for 10 seconds before scooping.

    Nutrition

    • Serving Size: 1
    • Calories: 95 kcal
    • Sugar: 8.6 g
    • Sodium: 68 mg
    • Fat: 5.1 g
    • Saturated Fat: 2.7 g
    • Carbohydrates: 10.7 g
    • Fiber: 0.4 g
    • Protein: 1.6 g

    Did you like this recipe?

    Pin this recipe on Pinterest so you can find it later and follow me on Instagram @thisnanacancook for more recipe ideas.

    Posted In: Christmas, Cookies

    Join My Kitchen Club

    Get my latest recipes each week—straight from my kitchen to yours.

    Privacy Policy
    Rebekah Winscott

    Food Blogger

    Rebekah Winscott is a Lancaster, Pennsylvania–based food blogger and the creator of This Nana Can Cook, where she shares approachable, flavorful recipes for everyday cooks. Inspired by her grandmother’s timeless dishes, she blends quick, delicious meals with heartwarming storytelling and practical kitchen tips.

    Craving Something Similar?