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Holiday Haystacks

Holiday haystacks are no-bake candy clusters made with melted butterscotch chips and creamy peanut butter. Crispy chow mein noodles, roasted peanuts, and red and green M&M’s add crunch and festive color.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 2 minutes
Chilling 30 minutes
Total Time 42 minutes
Servings: 24 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 206
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 bag (11 oz) butterscotch chips
  • 1 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 1 can (5 oz) crispy chow mein noodles
  • 1 cup salted roasted peanuts
  • 0.5 cup M&M’s red and green

Equipment

  • 1 microwave
  • 2 rimmed baking sheets

Method
 

  1. Line two rimmed baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. Combine the butterscotch chips and peanut butter in a large microwave-safe bowl.
  3. Microwave at 50% power in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until smooth, about 1 1/2 to 2 minutes.
  4. Fold in the chow mein noodles and peanuts until evenly coated.
  5. Drop 2-tablespoon mounds onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
  6. Press a few M&M’s onto each mound.
  7. Refrigerate for 30 minutes, until firm.

Notes

For smooth clusters, stir well after each microwave interval and stop heating as soon as the mixture is smooth. Store refrigerated for up to 1 week; freezer: yes, for up to 2 months. For a peanut-free variation, replace both the peanut butter and peanuts with sunflower seed butter and roasted sunflower seeds.