If you love quick, festive treats that pack a delightful crunch and just the right amount of sweetness, you’re going to adore this Holiday Chocolate Peanut Noodle Cookies Recipe. It’s one of my absolute favorites during the holidays because it’s so simple yet incredibly addictive. Whether you’re looking for a last-minute dessert that’s easy to whip up or a fun cookie to share with family and friends, this recipe checks all the boxes. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll find yourself coming back to this holiday classic year after year.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Quick to Make: From start to finish, you’re looking at under 10 minutes, which is perfect for busy holiday schedules.
- Crunchy and Sweet Harmony: The chow mein noodles add a satisfying crunch that pairs beautifully with creamy white chocolate and salty peanuts.
- Customizable for Any Holiday: Swap out sprinkles or nuts to suit any celebration or personal taste.
- Kid-Friendly and Crowd-Pleasing: My whole family goes crazy for these, and they’re a hit at every holiday party I bring them to.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic in this Holiday Chocolate Peanut Noodle Cookies Recipe comes from its few but perfectly balanced ingredients. I usually recommend a good quality white chocolate, as it melts beautifully and provides rich flavor without being too sweet. And don’t skip the salted peanuts—the saltiness really makes the whole cookie pop!
- White Chocolate Chips: I use Ghirardelli because they melt smoothly and taste rich, but any quality brand will do.
- Salted Peanuts: These add a nice crunchy texture and salty contrast; you can also try chopped mixed nuts for variety.
- La Choy Chow Mein Noodles: These crunchy noodles are the star ingredient for that fun, unexpected crispy bite.
- Christmas Sprinkles: It’s all about the festive look! Use your favorite holiday colors or shapes to make them extra cheerful.
Variations
I’m all about making recipes your own, so I often tweak this Holiday Chocolate Peanut Noodle Cookies Recipe depending on the occasion or what I have on hand. Feel free to experiment—you’ll find some variations just as delightful!
- Dark Chocolate Swap: If you want a richer, less sweet cookie, replace white chocolate chips with dark chocolate chunks—I’ve tried this, and my family loved the deeper flavor.
- Nut-Free Version: Simply skip the peanuts and add extra chow mein noodles or include seeds like pumpkin or sunflower to keep the crunch.
- Add Dried Fruit: Toss in dried cranberries or cherries for a tart burst of flavor that brightens the sweetness.
- Seasonal Sprinkles: Use themed sprinkles for birthdays, Valentines, or any festivity—you can truly make this recipe match your mood.
How to Make Holiday Chocolate Peanut Noodle Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Melt the White Chocolate
Start by melting your white chocolate chips in a large microwavable bowl. This is where I found a particular trick: microwave them in 20-second bursts, stirring in between. This prevents overheating and helps the chocolate melt evenly into a creamy, glossy texture. Take your time with this step—rushing can make the chocolate seize up, and no one wants that.
Step 2: Fold in Peanuts and Chow Mein Noodles
Once your chocolate is silky smooth, add in the salted peanuts and 3 to 4 cups of chow mein noodles. I usually add 3 cups first and toss everything gently, then add more if I want a crunchier texture. The key is to coat the noodles well without breaking them up too much. Be gentle while folding so the noodles stay intact and give that perfect crispy bite.
Step 3: Form and Decorate the Cookies
Drop rounded spoonfuls of the mixture onto wax paper-lined trays. This is the messy but fun part—feel free to get creative with sizes! Then shake on a good handful of Christmas sprinkles immediately so they stick to the melty chocolate. I discovered that if you wait too long to add the sprinkles, they don’t adhere as well, so don’t skip this step!
Step 4: Let Them Set
Patience is key here. Let the cookies cool and harden for several hours at room temperature, or pop them in the fridge if you’re in a hurry. When the chocolate fully sets, you can gently peel the cookies off the wax paper. I love this part because it means your cookies are ready to enjoy or gift.
Pro Tips for Making Holiday Chocolate Peanut Noodle Cookies Recipe
- Gentle Folding: Always fold the chow mein noodles in gently to avoid crushing them, which keeps your cookies light and crunchy.
- Control Chocolate Temperature: Melting chocolate slowly and stirring often prevents graininess and ensures a smooth coat.
- Sprinkle Immediately: Add your festive sprinkles right after spooning the mixture onto the wax paper so they stick perfectly.
- Use Quality Ingredients: Trust me, good white chocolate and fresh peanuts make a noticeable difference in flavor.
How to Serve Holiday Chocolate Peanut Noodle Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
I like to double down on the festive look by adding extra sprinkles on top right before the chocolate sets completely. Sometimes, I’ll also drizzle a bit of melted dark chocolate over the top for a pretty contrast and a touch of elegance, especially if serving at a party.
Side Dishes
Since these cookies are sweet and crunchy, they pair beautifully with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or even a glass of cold milk. At holiday gatherings, I love lining them up on dessert trays alongside other classic treats—think gingerbread cookies and peppermint bark—to offer variety.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to make an impression, try stacking these cookies in clear cellophane bags tied with a colorful ribbon—they make charming homemade gifts. Another fun idea I’ve used is arranging them on a festive platter with ribbons and greenery for a centerpiece-worthy dessert display.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After your cookies have fully hardened, store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh for up to a week, which is perfect if you make a big batch. I keep mine away from heat or sunlight to prevent the white chocolate from melting or blooming.
Freezing
I’ve frozen these cookies successfully by first freezing them on a tray so they don’t stick, then transferring to a zip-top bag. They thaw quickly at room temperature and keep their crunch—great for making holiday cookies ahead of time.
Reheating
Since these are no-bake cookies, reheating isn’t usually necessary. However, if you want to soften the white chocolate drizzle (when using the dark chocolate option), a quick 10-second zap in the microwave will do the trick—just don’t overdo it!
FAQs
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Can I use milk chocolate instead of white chocolate for this recipe?
Absolutely! Milk chocolate works well for these cookies, but it will change the overall sweetness and color. You might want to reduce the amount of added sprinkles if you prefer a subtler look since milk chocolate contrasts less with bright colors.
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What if I can’t find La Choy chow mein noodles?
Don’t worry! You can usually find similar crunchy chow mein noodles in the Asian food aisle of most grocery stores, or substitute with other crispy noodles or thin pretzel sticks for a crunch. Just make sure they’re dry and sturdy.
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Are these cookies safe for kids with nut allergies?
You can easily make them nut-free by omitting the peanuts and adding breakfast cereal or seeds instead. Just double-check any sprinkles for nut-free labeling to keep it safe for little ones.
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How long do these cookies keep?
Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies stay fresh and crunchy for about a week. Keep them away from humidity and heat to maintain the best texture.
Final Thoughts
This Holiday Chocolate Peanut Noodle Cookies Recipe has been a holiday staple in my kitchen for years. I absolutely love how effortlessly festive and delicious it is, and honestly, it’s a joy to share with others because everyone lights up when they try these crunchy, chocolatey bites. I hope you enjoy making and eating them as much as I do—they really bring a little sparkle to the holiday season!
Print
Holiday Chocolate Peanut Noodle Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes plus cooling time
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
Holiday Haystack Cookies are a quick and festive treat featuring melted white chocolate, crunchy chow mein noodles, and salted peanuts, all topped with colorful Christmas sprinkles. Perfect for holiday gatherings, these easy-to-make cookies come together in under ten minutes and offer a delightful combination of sweet, salty, and crunchy textures.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 2 cups white chocolate chips (e.g., Ghirardelli)
- 1 cup salted peanuts
- 3-4 cups La Choy chow mein noodles
- Christmas sprinkles, for topping
Instructions
- Melt the White Chocolate: Place the white chocolate chips in a large microwavable bowl and melt according to the package instructions, stirring occasionally until smooth.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the salted peanuts and chow mein noodles to the melted white chocolate and gently stir until all are evenly coated.
- Form Cookies: Using a rounded spoon, drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto wax paper, spacing them apart.
- Add Sprinkles: Immediately sprinkle Christmas sprinkles over each haystack to decorate while the chocolate is still soft.
- Cool and Set: Allow the cookies to cool and harden at room temperature for several hours until firm enough to remove from the wax paper.
Notes
- These cookies can be customized with different nuts or candy pieces to fit various holiday themes.
- Use wax paper to prevent sticking and make removal easy.
- For faster setting, you can refrigerate the cookies after sprinkling the decorations.
- Store cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 144 kcal
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 40 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 3 mg