Butterscotch Haystacks Delight

These butterscotch haystacks are the perfect no-bake treat for when you need something sweet but don't want to turn on the oven. I've been making these crunchy, sweet-salty clusters for years whenever I need a quick dessert that impresses without much effort.

I first made these for my daughter's school bake sale when I completely forgot until the night before. They were such a hit that they've become our go-to contribution for potlucks and holiday cookie exchanges ever since.

Ingredients

• Dry-roasted salted peanuts: Adding essential crunch and savory notes that balance the sweetness perfectly. Look for ones without added flavors for the purest taste.
• Butterscotch chips: Forming the sweet foundation of these treats. The quality matters here Nestlé or Ghirardelli brands provide the best melt and flavor.
• Creamy peanut butter: Enhancing the butterscotch while adding creaminess. Stick with classic brands like Skippy or Jif as natural versions can separate and affect texture.
• Kosher salt: Amplifying all the flavors and creating that irresistible sweet-salty balance. Even though the peanuts are salted this extra bit makes all the difference.
• Fried chow mein noodles: Creating the distinctive "haystack" look and providing the satisfying crunch. These crispy noodles hold up remarkably well even after being coated.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare Your Workspace:

Line two baking sheets with wax or parchment paper making sure to cover the entire surface. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup incredibly easy.

Prep The Peanuts:

Coarsely chop the peanuts leaving some larger pieces for texture. Avoid pulverizing them into dust a rough chop with some variety in size creates the best eating experience.

Create The Butterscotch Base:

Combine butterscotch chips peanut butter and salt in a large microwave-safe bowl. The bowl needs to be large enough to hold all ingredients later. Make sure its truly microwave safe as some plastics can warp with heat.

Melt The Mixture:

Microwave for 2 minutes stopping halfway to stir thoroughly. The residual heat will continue melting the chips so don't worry if some small lumps remain. If needed heat in additional 20second intervals stirring between each until mostly melted.

Complete The Mixture:

Add the chopped peanuts and chow mein noodles to the melted butterscotch mixture. Work quickly before the mixture starts setting up.

Combine Everything:

Gently fold all ingredients together until the noodles and peanuts are completely coated. Be careful not to crush the noodles too much while still ensuring everything is evenly coated.

Form The Haystacks:

Drop the mixture by heaping 2tablespoon portions onto the prepared baking sheets. The irregular shapes give them their rustic haystack appearance no need to shape them perfectly.

Allow To Set:

Let the haystacks sit undisturbed for about 40 minutes at room temperature or 20 minutes in the refrigerator until completely firm and set.

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The butterscotch chips are truly the star ingredient here. I once tried making these with chocolate chips instead and while good they just didn't have that distinctive nostalgic flavor that makes everyone ask for the recipe.

Storage Solutions

These butterscotch haystacks keep beautifully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Place wax paper between layers if you need to stack them to prevent sticking. For longer storage freeze them for up to 3 months in a freezer safe container. Let them thaw at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving they defrost perfectly with no loss of texture or flavor.

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Variations Worth Trying

While the classic recipe is perfect as is you can easily customize these haystacks to suit different tastes or occasions. Try adding 1/2 cup of mini marshmallows for extra sweetness and a chewy texture. For a festive holiday touch mix in some seasonal sprinkles or colored sugar before forming the haystacks. Chocolate lovers might appreciate a drizzle of melted chocolate over the finished haystacks or substituting half the butterscotch chips with semisweet chocolate chips for a different flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions

These butterscotch haystacks make a wonderful addition to any dessert table but they truly shine as part of a holiday cookie assortment. I like to serve them alongside contrasting treats like chocolate brownies or fruity cookies for variety. They also make perfect lunchbox treats or afterschool snacks. For an elevated dessert experience try crumbling a haystack over a scoop of vanilla ice cream the combination of cold creamy ice cream with crunchy sweet haystacks is absolutely delightful.

The History Behind Haystacks

These nostalgic treats have been appearing at potlucks and holiday gatherings since the 1960s when convenience foods like chow mein noodles and butterscotch chips became widely available in American supermarkets. They gained popularity as part of the no-bake dessert trend that allowed home cooks to create impressive treats without heating up the kitchen. The name "haystacks" comes from their rustic appearance resembling small piles of hay. Every region seems to have its own variation some call them butterscotch hay bales or chow mein cookies but the beloved combination of sweet and salty with that distinctive crunch remains the same.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use natural peanut butter?

No, natural peanut butter is not recommended as it can affect the texture and consistency of the mixture.

→ How should I store the haystacks?

Store the haystacks in an airtight container to keep them fresh. They can also be frozen for up to three months.

→ Can I use a double boiler instead of a microwave?

Yes, a double boiler can be used to melt the butterscotch chips, peanut butter, and salt instead of a microwave.

→ How long does it take for the haystacks to set?

The haystacks take about 40 minutes to set at room temperature or 20 minutes in the refrigerator.

→ What are the alternative uses for these haystacks?

These haystacks are great for holidays, parties, or as a quick snack. They also make excellent gifts during festive seasons.