Below you will find tips and tricks to help achieve the best results possible!

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What Do Butterscotch Haystacks Taste Like?

Haystacks have a sweet, buttery, and crunchy taste with a perfect balance of textures. The butterscotch coating is rich and creamy with a deep caramel-like sweetness, while the chow mein noodles provide a crispy, airy crunch. The addition of cashews (or other nuts) brings a hint of saltiness and nuttiness that balances the sweetness.

If you love the combination of sweet and salty with a satisfying crunch, haystacks are an irresistible treat!

What I Love About This Butterscotch Haystacks Recipe?

What I love most about this butterscotch haystack recipe is how easy it is to make with just a few simple ingredients, yet it always delivers big flavor. It’s a nostalgic treat that reminds me of family gatherings, but it’s quick enough to whip up anytime the craving strikes. Plus, they’re completely customizable with different variations, so I never get bored of making them!

Ingredients

Butterscotch chips – These baking chips used to be sold in 12 ounce bags but with shrinkflation they are now 11 ounces. It still works fine for this haystack recipe. See variations below if you want to experiment with other types of baking chips.

Chow Mein Noodles – These noodles are dry noodles that can be found in the international section of your grocery store. They are often sold in jars or in bags. Use fresh chow mein noodles in this recipe as stale noodles lose their crispiness, affecting the texture.

Cashews – I think cashews are the best nut for this recipe. However, cashews can be expensive. I purchase a bag or two at the local Dollar Tree so that I do not have to purchase a large quantity.

Supplies Needed

Parchment paper

Large microwave-safe mixing bowl

Large spoon for mixing

Teaspoons for dropping

Tips and Tricks

Work quickly: As you drop spoonfuls of the haystack mixture onto the parchment paper, the butterscotch may start to cool and become dry. If needed, microwave the mixture for 20–30 seconds, stir well, and continue shaping the haystacks.

Size: Drop a spoonful of the mixture onto the parchment paper, shaping them into small mounds about the size of a golf ball. Be careful not to make them too large, as the butterscotch coating is rich and a smaller portion is just the right bite-sized treat.

Double the recipe: The butterscotch haystacks recipe doubles easily if you have a large enough microwave-safe bowl to mix everything. You can also make multiple batches with different variations (see below).

Variations

Change the coating: Swap out the butterscotch chips for chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, or peanut butter chips. You can also mix and match – try half chocolate and half peanut butter, or half butterscotch and half white chocolate for a different flavor twist.

Add peanut butter: This recipe is for butterscotch haystacks without peanut butter, however, some people like to melt down creamy peanut butter with their baking chips. For 11 ounces of chips, you would add 1/2 cup peanut butter.

Change the noodles: Instead of chow mein noodles, try using cornflake cereal or shoestring potato sticks (the kind that comes in a can) for a different crunchy texture.

Change the nuts: Peanuts, honey-roasted peanuts, almonds, or pecans all work well as substitutes for cashews.

Add extra mix-ins: Try mixing in mini marshmallows or pretzel pieces for added texture and flavor. Keep the total mix-ins between 1/2 cup to 3/4 cup to ensure everything gets evenly coated in butterscotch.

Keep in mind that adding extra mix-ins, like marshmallows or pretzel pieces, can affect the setting time, so if the mixture seems too soft, you can refrigerate it for a bit longer to help it firm up.

My husband in the background sneaking a haystack while I was taking photos. They are hard to resist!

Can I Make These Ahead of Time?

Absolutely! Butterscotch haystacks store well for up to a week in an airtight container.

Can I Freeze Haystacks?

Yes, freeze them in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.

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Looking for another easy no-bake treat? Try my Caramel Cornflake Cookies.