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You don’t need to be a baking pro to make these nostalgic, crunchy-sweet Butterscotch Haystacks! This no-bake favorite mixes crispy chow mein noodles, creamy peanut butter, and melty butterscotch morsels for a treat that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.
Why this recipe is so delicious: it’s irresistibly crisp, melts in your mouth with that classic butterscotch flavor, and takes just minutes to throw together — no oven required!
If you’re on a no-bake kick, try my Haystacks (original), the best Rice Krispie Treats, and Scotcheroos next — all easy, crowd-pleasing classics. And when you’re ready to turn on the oven, Peanut Butter Blossoms are the perfect soft, chewy cookie to round out your dessert tray.
✨ Before You Begin
✨ Use fresh noodles: Chow mein noodles can lose their crunch if stored too long. Give them a quick taste — they should be light and crispy, never stale.
✨ Don’t overheat the butterscotch chips: Microwave in short bursts and stir frequently to avoid seizing. Butterscotch is sensitive to heat!
✨ Choose your peanut butter: Creamy peanut butter makes these silky; chunky gives them extra crunch. Either works beautifully.
✨ Line your trays first: Once the mixture is ready, you’ll want to drop your haystacks right away — it sets fast.
✨ Refrigerate to firm: A quick chill helps them hold their shape and gives that satisfying “snap” when you bite in.
Butterscotch Haystacks Ingredients + Key Notes
This is just a quick glance at what you’ll need. For exact measurements and the full ingredient list, head down to the recipe card below.
Butterscotch Morsels: Sweet, buttery, and melt perfectly in the microwave. If you love the flavor of classic butterscotch pudding or candy, these morsels deliver that same nostalgic taste.
Peanut Butter: Smooth or chunky — both work! It adds richness and helps bind everything together. For a slightly salty edge, use a peanut butter that’s not too sweet.
Chow Mein Noodles: The secret star of this recipe! These crispy, crunchy noodles aren’t the cooked kind — they’re the canned snack version that give haystacks their signature crunch.
Peanuts: Add a satisfying bite and contrast to the soft marshmallows. Salted or unsalted both work, depending on your sweetness preference.
Mini Marshmallows: Add a light, chewy sweetness that balances all the crunch. They also help the haystacks hold together beautifully once chilled.
⭐ Pro Tips
⭐ Work quickly once the mixture is combined. The butterscotch and peanut butter cool fast, and you want everything coated before it firms up.
⭐ Keep your mix-ins bite-sized. If you add coconut, M&Ms, or anything extra, make sure pieces are small enough to distribute evenly.
⭐ Double the batch for holidays. These store well and make fantastic edible gifts — just package them in cellophane bags or tins.
⭐ Experiment with flavors. Try mixing in white chocolate chips or using half butterscotch, half peanut butter chips for a twist!
Recipe Variations
Add flaked coconut: Sprinkle in some shredded coconut for a tropical touch — it gives your haystacks a flavor reminiscent of almond joy cookies and adds just the right bit of chewiness.
Add M&Ms: For extra crunch and a pop of color, toss in some M&Ms! If your kids love monster cookies, they’ll flip for this playful twist.
How To Make Butterscotch Haystacks
- Melt the butterscotch morsels in the microwave. Mix in the peanut butter.
- Fold in chow mein noodles.
- Add in peanuts.
- Add the marshmallows.
- Drop heaping tablespoons on the prepared baking trays. Refrigerate to set.
***See the full instructions below.
✦ Frequently Asked Questions
✦ Can I make Butterscotch Haystacks ahead of time?
Absolutely! They keep beautifully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, pop them in the fridge.
✦ Do Butterscotch Haystacks need to be refrigerated?
Only if your kitchen runs warm. Chilling helps them set faster, but once firm, they can sit out — just store them in a cool, dry spot.
✦ Can I use white chocolate or other chips?
Yes! Swap half or all of the butterscotch chips for white chocolate, peanut butter, or even milk chocolate chips to mix things up.
✦ How do I keep them from sticking to the pan?
Lining your trays with parchment or foil makes cleanup easy and keeps haystacks from sticking — no oil needed.
Storing + Freezing + Make-Ahead Tips
Storing
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 5–7 days. If your kitchen is warm, refrigerate them to keep the butterscotch from softening.
Freezing
- Freeze in a single layer on a tray until firm, then transfer to freezer bags. They’ll keep for up to 3 months — just thaw at room temperature before serving.
Make-Ahead
- Make these a few days before an event — the flavor stays fantastic and the crunch holds up if properly sealed.
What to Serve With Butterscotch Haystacks
These nostalgic treats make the perfect addition to cookie platters and dessert spreads!
For a fun dessert tray: Try pairing them with Almond Joy Bars, Brown Butter Brownies, chocolate thumbprint cookies, or Coconut Cookie Sandwiches — the flavors complement beautifully.
For the holidays: Add Chocolate Crinkle Cookies or Oreo Delight for a mix of textures and chocolatey balance.
For gifting: Combine them with Buckeye Recipe, Peanut Butter Pretzel Bites, Polar Bear Paws, Christmas Chex Mix, or my See’s copycat Easy Fudge in a festive tin — pure Southern comfort!
More No-Bake Dessert Recipes
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Butterscotch Haystacks
Ingredients
- 1 (11 ounce) package butterscotch morsels
- 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 (5 ounce) cans or about 6 1/2-7 cups chow mein noodles
- 1/2 cup peanuts
- 2 cups mini marshmallow
Instructions
- Line baking trays with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
- In a large microwave-safe bowl, melt butterscotch morsels (1 package), on medium-high power (70%) for 60 seconds; stir. If necessary, microwave at additional 10 to 15-second intervals, stirring just until morsels are melted. Mix in peanut butter (3/4 cup) until evenly combined.
- Fold in chow mein noodles (2 cans), peanuts (1/2 cup), and marshmallows (2 cups) until everything is evenly coated.
- Drop heaping tablespoonfuls onto prepared baking trays. Refrigerate to set.
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Notes
- Peanut Butter: Another fun change-up is the peanut butter! I love using smooth to give these haystacks a luscious quality but feel free to use chunky for an extra crunch.
- Noodles: Yes, this butterscotch haystacks recipe uses noodles! But not what you're thinking -- these chow mein noodles are crispy, crunchy little chip-like goodies that also go great on salads!
I’ve made these in the past but they were just the stacks with nuts. I made a batch today for church but I step it up by adding some pretzel sticks pieces, rice crispy cereal, cashews chow mein dry noodles ( one 5 oz can) and I cut up some left over large marshmallows that I had left.
They are definitely delicious. Thank you for the recipe. Your seems to be the best considering all the recipes online
Hey, Elsie! That’s really awesome. I want to try some of your haystacks too! We’re happy it was a hit. 🙂
Thanks for the positive feedback and 5 star rating 🙂
It’s too hot to bake any dessert right now, this is perfect.
I agree! I’m glad you like this 🙂 Thanks for the positive feedback and review!