Merry & Crunchy: Easy No-Bake Christmas Haystack Cookies
If Santa had a secret stash of cookies he didn’t want to share with the elves, these Christmas Haystack Cookies would definitely be it. They’re no-bake, ridiculously easy, and look like little holiday haystacks straight from the North Pole farm. With melty peanut butter, crunchy noodles, and a festive shower of red & green M&Ms plus sprinkles, they’re basically Christmas cheer in bite-sized form. The best part? You can whip them up faster than Rudolph can blink his shiny nose—no oven required!
Why you’ll want to make these delicious no-bake Haystack Cookies:
- No-bake magic – no oven, no stress, just melt, mix, and munch.
- Festive & fun – topped with red & green M&Ms and sprinkles for instant holiday cheer.
- Kid-friendly – little helpers can decorate without any complicated steps.
- Quick & easy – ready in minutes, perfect for last-minute holiday parties or cookie swaps.
- Crowd-pleasers – crunchy, peanut buttery, and impossible to eat just one!
These cookies are great for:
- Holiday cookie exchanges – they stand out on the dessert table and are super easy to transport.
- Christmas movie nights – the perfect sweet snack while watching festive classics.
- School or office parties – no-bake means quick prep for busy schedules.
- Family baking day – kids can get creative with the sprinkles and M&Ms.
- Christmas Eve treat for Santa – because even he deserves a no-bake break.
- Winter potlucks or gatherings – a festive, crunchy addition to the dessert spread.
- Gift tins or goodie bags – they look adorable and travel well for homemade holiday gifts.
No Bake Christmas Haystack Cookies
Servings: 24
Prep time: 15 minutes / Down time: 30 minutes
Storage: airtight container
Ingredients
- 5 ounces chow mein noodles, broken into smaller pieces
- 1 cup butterscotch chips
- 6 Tablespoons creamy peanut butter
- 2 tbsp red and green mini m&ms
- 1-2 tsp Christmas sprinkles
Directions
Line a large baking sheet or tray with parchment paper.
In a medium microwave safe bowl, heat the butterscotch chips and peanut butter in 30 second intervals, stirring between each heating session, until fully melted., until smooth and fully melted.
Gently stir the chow mein noodles and the melted mixture together until everything is coated.
Use a 2 tablespoon cookie scoop to gather the mixture, then drop onto the parchment paper.
Top with a few Mini M&Ms and sprinkles.
Allow to set for 1 hour, or chill in the refrigerator for 20 minutes for a quicker set.
FAQ
Do I need to bake these cookies?
Nope! These are completely no-bake. Just melt, mix, scoop, and let them set.
What kind of noodles should I use?
Use crunchy chow mein noodles (the crispy, dry kind from a can or bag). They give the cookies that signature “haystack” look and texture.
Can I substitute the peanut butter or butterscotch chips?
Absolutely! Almond butter or sunflower seed butter works great, and you can swap the butterscotch chips with white chocolate or peanut butter chips if you prefer.
How should I store these cookies?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or in the fridge if your kitchen runs warm. They also freeze well for make-ahead holiday treats!
Tips & Tricks for Perfect Christmas Haystack Cookies
- Melt gently – use low heat (microwave in short bursts or a double boiler) to keep the butterscotch chips and peanut butter smooth and creamy.
- Work quickly – once the noodles are coated, scoop them onto parchment paper before the mixture firms up.
- Size matters – use a cookie scoop or spoon to keep the haystacks uniform and easy to grab.
- Add toppings fast – press on the M&Ms and sprinkles while the cookies are still soft so they stick well.
- Make ahead – these cookies store beautifully, so you can prep them a few days before your holiday party.
- Mix it up – try adding mini marshmallows, crushed pretzels, or festive candy cane bits for extra holiday flair.
And there you go! Christmas Haystack Cookies that are crunchy, sweet, and bursting with holiday cheer! Whether you’re whipping them up for a party, gifting them in a cookie tin, or sneaking a few for yourself while wrapping presents, these no-bake treats are guaranteed to spread smiles. Easy enough for kids to help with and festive enough to impress, they’re the perfect little bite of Christmas magic. So grab those noodles, melt that butterscotch, and let the holiday cookie fun begin!
