This recipe for butterscotch haystacks has been the easiest crowd-pleaser in my kitchen for years. I first made a batch on a rainy afternoon when I needed something fast to bring to a potluck; within minutes the pan was empty and everyone kept asking for the recipe. The charm is immediate: crunchy chow mein noodles give a light fragile texture, the peanuts add a salty counterpoint and the melted butterscotch-peanut butter glaze binds everything into little mounds that crackle when you bite them. It’s a perfect example of how a few quality pantry staples can become something memorable.

I love these for holidays, school events and last-minute dessert needs because they come together with almost no active cooking time. The balance of sweet butterscotch, savory peanuts and warm peanut butter mouthfeel is nostalgic—like the caramel-sweet cookies my grandmother used to make, but faster. The texture is the star: glossy clusters that are firm enough to pick up yet airy from the noodles. Once you try pressing the noodles a bit for a denser cluster, you’ll see how versatile the final mouthfeel can be.

Ingredients

• Chow mein noodles (7 cups): Look for the crunchy, pre-fried variety sold in the Asian aisle or international section—brands like La Choy or store-brand crunchy noodles work well. They provide the airy crunch that defines haystacks; avoid fresh soft noodles here.
• Butterscotch chips (1 1/2 cups): Use good-quality chips for a clean, buttery butterscotch flavor. Some brands contain real butter while others use dairy-free fats; pick according to your pantry and note this affects dairy content.
• Peanut butter (3/4 cup): Smooth or crunchy both work—smooth yields a silkier glaze while crunchy adds chopped nuts throughout. I favor a natural-style peanut butter for a less-sweet, more roasted profile.
• Salted peanuts (1/2 cup): Lightly salted whole or coarsely chopped peanuts add the savory counterpoint. Roast your own if you prefer a deeper flavor; salted dry-roasted peanuts are convenient and provide the right snap.

Instructions

Prepare the dry mix: Measure 7 cups of chow mein noodles into a very large mixing bowl, then add 1/2 cup of salted peanuts. Gently fold them together so the peanuts distribute evenly; do this slowly to avoid crushing the noodles. The bowl should be large enough to toss without spilling. Melt the butterscotch and peanut butter: Place 1 1/2 cups of butterscotch chips and 3/4 cup of peanut butter in a small saucepan over the lowest heat setting. Stir constantly until fully melted and combined, about 4 to 5 minutes. Use low heat to prevent scorching and maintain a glossy texture. Alternatively, microwave in 20-second bursts, stirring between each burst. Combine quickly: Pour the warm butterscotch-peanut butter mixture over the chow mein noodles and peanuts. Immediately use a silicone spatula or wooden spoon to fold everything together, ensuring each noodle cluster gets coated. Work quickly—when the coating cools it becomes less fluid and harder to mix evenly. Form the haystacks: Drop tablespoon-sized mounds onto wax paper, parchment paper or silicone mats. For uniform pieces, use a tablespoon measure or small cookie scoop. If you want denser stacks, press the mixture lightly with the back of the spoon; for airy clusters, leave them loose. Allow an inch of space between each mound to prevent sticking. Set and finish: Let the clusters cool at room temperature until firm, about 20 to 30 minutes. For faster setting, refrigerate the tray for 10 to 15 minutes. Once set, transfer to an airtight container with layers separated by parchment if stacking for storage.

Storage Tips

Keep finished pieces in an airtight container at room temperature away from direct heat; they will stay crisp for 4 to 5 days. If you stack them, place a sheet of parchment between layers to prevent sticking. For longer storage, freeze in a single layer on a tray until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag; they’ll keep for up to three months. To thaw, leave at room temperature for 20 to 30 minutes—avoid microwaving as it can soften the butterscotch and change texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you need to avoid peanuts, substitute sunflower seed butter and toasted sunflower kernels for a nut-free version—use the same proportions, but expect a slightly different flavor profile. Swapping butterscotch chips for buttermilk or caramel chips alters sweetness and texture; for dairy-free, look for dairy-free butterscotch-style chips or use a mix of dairy-free white chocolate and a touch of brown sugar syrup. You can also add toasted coconut or use almond butter instead of peanut butter for a nuttier taste. Adjust salt accordingly if using unsalted nuts.

Serving Suggestions

Serve as part of a dessert board with fresh fruit, chocolate-dipped pretzels and small cookies for a festive spread. They’re lovely plated next to a cup of strong coffee or tea; the butterscotch sweetness pairs wonderfully with espresso bitterness. For parties, present them in paper liners or on tiered trays. Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top of warm clusters before they set for a delightful sweet-salty contrast.

Cultural Background

Crunchy noodle clusters—often called haystacks—are a long-standing American potluck and holiday tradition, marrying convenience with nostalgic flavors. Variations appear in mid-20th-century cookbooks and reflect a creative use of packaged pantry items: chips, peanut butter and crunchy noodles. Over time, cooks have adapted the base concept to suit different flavor trends, adding chocolate, butterscotch, caramel or seasonal mix-ins. The simple format celebrates ingenuity—turning a few accessible ingredients into a beloved treat.

Seasonal Adaptations

In winter, fold in mini marshmallows and top with crushed peppermint for a festive twist. For summer gatherings, add dried cranberries and white chocolate chips for a brighter flavor. Swap in chopped roasted pecans and a drizzle of dark chocolate for an autumnal version. Holiday parties call for sprinkles or colored sugar on top before setting. Adjust the size of the mounds to suit the season—a bite-sized version is perfect for cocktail parties, while larger stacks work for casual family desserts.

Meal Prep Tips

Make a double batch and portion into snack-sized bags for the week—each portion is excellent for a quick energy boost. Use a cookie scoop to keep sizes uniform and freeze extras on trays before bagging to avoid sticking. Keep a small container of extra chopped peanuts and a spoon in your pantry to quickly repair any clusters that break during storage. Tape a long sheet of parchment to the counter to set large batches without needing many baking sheets.

These butterscotch haystacks are simple, nostalgic and endlessly adaptable. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or packing a few for a picnic, they deliver satisfying crunch and comforting sweetness with minimal fuss. Try them once and I bet they’ll become a go-to treat in your rotation.