Sometimes you just need a simple holiday treat that doesn’t take all day in the kitchen. These Christmas haystack cookies are one of my go-to’s. They’re just chow mein noodles mixed with melted butterscotch chips and peanut butter, then topped with mini M&Ms and sprinkles.

They’re crunchy, sweet, and super easy to throw together – a perfect no-bake Christmas cookie recipe that’s just right for parties, gift trays, or a fun family activity.

WOULD YOU LIKE TO SAVE THIS FOR LATER?

We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later!

If you’re looking for a quick and festive treat that doesn’t even require turning on the oven, these Christmas haystack cookies are perfect.

How to Make Christmas Haystack Cookies

Here are the ingredients you need to make these Christmas haystack cookies, plus step by step instructions for how to make them.

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

Step by Step Instructions

1. Prepare a large baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

2. Place the butterscotch chips and peanut butter in a medium microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring well after each, until the mixture is completely smooth and melted.

3. Add the chow mein noodles to the bowl and stir gently until all the noodles are evenly coated in the butterscotch-peanut butter mixture.

4. Using a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop (or a spoon), portion the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each cookie.

5. Press a few mini M&Ms on top of each cookie and finish with a light sprinkle of Christmas sprinkles.

6. Let the cookies sit at room temperature for about 1 hour to firm up, or place the tray in the refrigerator for 20 minutes if you want them to set more quickly.

I like making a batch of these when I want something festive without a lot of effort. They’re fun to add to cookie exchanges or to pack up as a little homemade gift. Plus, kids love helping with the sprinkles, so it’s an easy recipe to do together. If you’re looking for a quick no-bake Christmas cookie, these haystacks are always a solid choice. Store leftovers in an airtight container to keep them crunchy, fresh and tasty.

More Christmas Treats

Print Recipe

Christmas Haystack Cookies

Whip up these easy no-bake Christmas haystack cookies with peanut butter, butterscotch chips, and chow mein noodles. Perfect for parties or cookie trays!

Prep Time15

Down Time30

Total Time45

Course: Dessert

Servings: 24

Author: Carol

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

Instructions

Prepare a large baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Place the butterscotch chips and peanut butter in a medium microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring well after each, until the mixture is completely smooth and melted.
Add the chow mein noodles to the bowl and stir gently until all the noodles are evenly coated in the butterscotch-peanut butter mixture.
Using a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop (or a spoon), portion the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each cookie.
Press a few mini M&Ms on top of each cookie and finish with a light sprinkle of Christmas sprinkles.
Let the cookies sit at room temperature for about 1 hour to firm up, or place the tray in the refrigerator for 20 minutes if you want them to set more quickly.