Equipment Needed
- Large mixing bowls
- Microwave-safe bowl
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper or silicone mats
- Rubber spatula
- Spoon or cookie scoop
I love that these haystacks require almost no equipment—everything happens in a bowl, which makes cleanup blissfully simple. If you don’t have baking sheets, any flat surface lined with parchment paper works; I’ve used cutting boards in a pinch. A silicone spatula is your best friend when mixing because it helps fold the noodles in gently without crushing them too much. And while a cookie scoop helps portion them evenly, I’ve shaped dozens of haystacks simply using two spoons. This is the kind of recipe where simplicity really shines.
Step-by-Step Instructions
I always start by preparing my baking sheets with parchment paper so I have somewhere to set the haystacks immediately after mixing. For the butterscotch version, I melt the butterscotch chips and peanut butter together in a microwave-safe bowl. The smell of warm butterscotch fills the whole kitchen instantly, and when the mixture becomes silky smooth, I stir in the salted peanuts and the chow mein noodles. It always amazes me how quickly the mixture transforms into something ready to scoop.
For the chocolate version, I melt the chocolate chips and butterscotch chips together. The chocolate combination becomes velvety and glossy, and the butterscotch adds this caramel-like warmth that makes the chocolate taste even more indulgent. Once it’s fully melted, I fold in the noodles gently so I don’t crush too many. There’s something incredibly satisfying about the sound and feel of the noodles crunching slightly as they get coated in chocolate.
The white chocolate version melts beautifully when I take my time. Almond bark melts quickly and evenly, and when it’s smooth and ready, I stir in the peanuts and noodles. This version always feels the most festive to me, especially when I sprinkle the colorful nonpareils over the top. They stick perfectly while the mixture is still warm, creating these cheerful pops of color that look like confetti.(See the next page below to continue…)