Crispy Chocolate Peanut Butter Haystacks
Crispy Chocolate Peanut Butter Haystacks are a quick no-bake treat loaded with crunch, chocolate, and peanut butter goodness for holidays, parties, or anytime snacking.
If you love desserts that feel festive but don’t demand much effort, these crunchy little clusters will be on repeat in your kitchen. They come together with pantry staples, set in the fridge, and disappear the moment you set them on the table.
The magic is in the texture: crisp chow mein noodles, creamy peanut butter, and melty chocolate form sweet “haystacks” that look rustic but taste like a candy shop treat. They’re perfect for cookie trays, bake sales, or a fun afternoon in the kitchen with kids.
You can also easily customize them—swap chocolates, add butterscotch, or play with the saltiness from the peanuts. Once you’ve made them once, it’s hard not to experiment with your own twist.
Crispy Chocolate Peanut Butter Haystacks Ingredients
Here’s a quick look at what you’ll need to make these no-bake treats and why each ingredient matters:
- Semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips – The rich, sweet base that coats every bit of crunch and sets firm in the fridge.
- Creamy peanut butter – Adds nutty flavor, silkiness, and just enough richness to balance the crisp noodles.
- Chow mein noodles (canned, crunchy) – The star of the texture show, giving every bite that signature crispy, “haystack” feel.
- Salted peanuts – Optional, but great for extra crunch and a little salty contrast to the sweet chocolate.
- Butterscotch chips – Another optional add-in that brings a caramel-like sweetness and extra depth to the flavor.
You’ll also want parchment paper and a baking sheet so you can easily portion and chill the haystacks without sticking.
Cooking Steps
STEP 1: Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside. This will make it easy to portion the haystacks and lift them off once they’re chilled.
STEP 2: Add the chocolate chips (and butterscotch chips, if using) to a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 20–30 second bursts, stirring well after each round, until the chocolate is completely smooth and glossy.
STEP 3: Once melted, let the chocolate sit for a minute so it’s warm but not scorching hot. Stir in the creamy peanut butter until the mixture is fully blended, thick, and silky.
STEP 4: Add the crunchy chow mein noodles and peanuts to the bowl. Gently fold everything together with a spatula, being careful not to crush the noodles too much while still coating them evenly in the chocolate mixture.
STEP 5: Using a spoon or small cookie scoop, drop mounds of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, shaping them into rustic “haystack” piles. Don’t worry about perfection; the unevenness is part of the charm.
STEP 6: Transfer the baking sheet to the refrigerator and chill the haystacks for about 30–45 minutes, or until they’re completely firm and set in the center.
STEP 7: Once set, enjoy right away or transfer the haystacks to an airtight container. Keep them chilled until you’re ready to serve for the crispiest texture.
Can I use a different type of chocolate?
Yes, you can swap in milk, dark, or even white chocolate. Just keep the total amount the same, and remember that darker chocolate will make the haystacks less sweet than milk or white.
Do I have to add the peanuts?
No, the peanuts are completely optional. You can leave them out, or replace them with another crunchy add-in like chopped pretzels or additional chow mein noodles for extra texture.
Can I freeze chocolate peanut butter haystacks?
Yes, you can freeze them in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep for about two months. Thaw briefly in the fridge before serving for the best texture.
Why are my haystacks not setting properly?
They may need more chilling time, especially if your kitchen is warm. Also check that you used real chocolate chips, not baking melts, and that you didn’t add any extra liquids that could prevent firming.
How long can these haystacks sit out?
They’re fine at cool room temperature for a couple of hours, especially in winter. In warm weather, keep them chilled and only set out what you’ll eat soon so they don’t soften too much.
Pro Tips for Crispy Chocolate Peanut Butter Haystacks
- Cool the chocolate slightly before mixing. If the chocolate is piping hot when you add the peanut butter and noodles, it can soften the crunch more than you’d like and make the mixture runny.
- Don’t crush the noodles. Fold gently from the bottom of the bowl upward, stopping as soon as everything is coated. Overmixing breaks the noodles and makes the texture less “haystack” and more dense.
- Play with size for different occasions. Make tiny bite-sized clusters for party platters, or slightly larger mounds for a more indulgent dessert-style treat. Just remember larger haystacks may need extra chilling time.
What to Serve with Crispy Chocolate Peanut Butter Haystacks
- Coffee or hot cocoa: The sweetness pairs beautifully with a warm mug of coffee, hot chocolate, or a simple latte for a cozy dessert moment.
- Simple fruit platter: Fresh berries or sliced apples add a bright, juicy contrast to the rich chocolate and peanut butter, and help balance out a dessert spread.
- Holiday cookie trays: Mix these haystacks in with sugar cookies, shortbread, and fudge for an eye-catching, texture-packed dessert platter that offers something for everyone.
Keeping Leftovers Fresh
For the best texture, store your Crispy Chocolate Peanut Butter Haystacks in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and crunchy for up to one week when kept cold and sealed.
If you’d like to freeze them, arrange the haystacks on a baking sheet in a single layer until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to two months without losing too much crunch.
When you’re ready to enjoy, let them sit in the fridge for a short while to soften just slightly, or enjoy them straight from the cold for an extra-snappy bite. Avoid storing them in warm or humid spots, as heat can soften the chocolate and make the noodles less crisp.
Crispy Chocolate Peanut Butter Haystacks
Ingredients
- 2 cups canned crispy chow mein noodles
- ½ cup smooth-style peanut butter
- ¼ cup butterscotch morsels optional, for added sweetness
- 1 cup milk or semi-sweet chocolate chips depending on preference
- ½ cup salted peanuts optional, for extra texture and saltiness
Instructions
- Begin by combining the chocolate chips and butterscotch chips (if using) in a microwave-safe mixing bowl. Microwave in 30-second increments, stirring thoroughly between each, until the mixture is completely melted and smooth.
- Incorporate the peanut butter into the warm chocolate mixture, stirring until the combination is fully integrated and silky.
- Add the chow mein noodles and peanuts to the bowl. Gently toss the mixture until all the components are evenly coated in the chocolate-peanut butter blend.
- Prepare a baking tray by lining it with parchment paper. Use a spoon to drop portions of the coated mixture onto the tray, shaping each into compact mounds resembling miniature haystacks.
- Transfer the tray to the refrigerator and allow the haystacks to chill for approximately 30 to 45 minutes, or until set and firm to the touch.
- Once hardened, serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.