Description

These Haystack Treats are a delightful no-bake snack combining melted semi-sweet chocolate and butterscotch chips with crispy chow mein noodles for a crunchy texture. Enhanced with vanilla and a pinch of salt, they can be customized with optional add-ins like roasted peanuts, mini marshmallows, shredded coconut, or colorful sprinkles to suit your taste. Perfect for quick and easy sweet bites, these haystacks set quickly at room temperature or in the refrigerator.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup butterscotch chips
3 cups crispy chow mein noodles
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

Optional Add-Ins

1/2 cup roasted peanuts
Colorful sprinkles
Mini marshmallows
Shredded coconut
Crushed pretzels

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Instructions

Melt the Chips: Place semi-sweet chocolate chips and butterscotch chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Melt in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until the mixture is smooth. Alternatively, melt the chips using a double boiler over low heat to prevent burning.
Add Flavoring: Stir in 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract and a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness and deepen the flavor of the melted mixture.
Combine with Noodles: Gently fold in 3 cups of crispy chow mein noodles into the chocolate and butterscotch mixture, being careful not to crush the noodles to maintain a crunchy texture.
Incorporate Optional Ingredients: Mix in any optional add-ins such as 1/2 cup roasted peanuts, mini marshmallows, shredded coconut, or colorful sprinkles for added flavor and texture variety.
Form Haystacks: Line a tray or baking sheet with parchment paper. Using a spoon, drop small mounds of the mixture onto the parchment paper, shaping them into loose clusters.
Set the Treats: Allow the haystacks to set at room temperature until firm, or refrigerate for 15 to 30 minutes to speed up the hardening process.
Serve or Store: Once firm, serve the haystack treats immediately or store them in an airtight container to enjoy later.

Notes

Use a double boiler instead of a microwave to gently melt chocolate and prevent scorching.
If you prefer dairy-free, use vegan chocolate chips and butterscotch chips.
Store haystacks in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
Add crushed pretzels for a salty crunch, or mini marshmallows for extra sweetness.
Be gentle when folding in chow mein noodles to avoid breaking them.