Easy Chocolate Haystacks with Mini Marshmallows

Chocolate haystacks are a no-bake treat made by combining melted chocolate with mini marshmallows and crunchy chow mein noodles. The mixture is dropped onto wax paper by the spoonful, forming small, haystack-like clusters. The result is a deliciously sweet treat with contrasting textures.

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I first tasted these delicious no-bake treats while visiting my husband’s family on the east coast. I had never even heard of haystacks and it turns out that this recipe has been in the Dweck family for years. My suegra makes them by the dozen because they’re the dessert of choice among both children and adults around the holidays. The first time I made them for my family, they were an instant hit as well.

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS RECIPE

  • Easy to make: It takes about 15-20 minutes to make dozens of these chocolate haystacks.
  • Crowd-pleaser: children and adults love them.
  • Edible gift: wrap these in a clear cellophane gift bag or cute box to give as gifts for the holidays or as party favors.
S'more Haystacks | Lola's Cocina

INGREDIENTS

Typically haystacks are made with two simple ingredients: chow mein noodles and melted chocolate. The addition of marshmallows immediately made them one of my favorite desserts because they remind me of little s’more clusters. They’re crunchy from the chow mein noodles, chewy from the marshmallows, and have just enough sweetness from the semi-sweet chocolate.

  • Miniature marshmallows: mini marshmallows work best in order to keep the clusters bite-sized.
  • Oil: a small amount of oil helps keep melted chocolate nice and smooth.
  • Chow mein noodles: these add great texture to the haystacks.
  • Semi-sweet chocolate chips: milk or dark chocolate also work.
Ingredients for Haystacks

EQUIPMENT

RECOMMENDED FOR THIS RECIPE

PARCHMENT PAPER

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS

1. MELT CHOCOLATE

  • Melt chocolate chips in a double boiler with simmering water over a low flame. Stir frequently to avoid scorching the chocolate. After approximately 5 minutes, add the oil. Continue to stir until chocolate is completely melted and smooth, for approximately 10 to 15 minutes total.
Melted Chocolate

2. MIX DRY INGREDIENTS

  • In the meantime, mix chow mein noodles and marshmallows in a large bowl.
Chow Mein Noodles and Marshmallows

3. MIX IN CHOCOLATE

  • Once chocolate is completely melted, add it to the noodles and marshmallows and mix well until they are completely coated.
Mixing Ingredients for Haystacks

4. FORM CLUSTERS

  • Using a teaspoon, scoop small batches of the mixture and place in mounds on wax or parchment paper. Allow to cool at room temperature.
Easy Chocolate Haystacks

5. ENJOY

  • Serve once cool or store in the freezer for future use.
How to Make Chocolate Haystacks | Lola's Cocina

RECIPE VARIATIONS

  • Feel free to experiment with colorful mini marshmallows and white chocolate for a spring version of this recipe!
  • Other variations include adding nuts, dried fruits, shredded coconut, cereal or pretzels instead of chow mein noodles, or gluten-free options for crunch.

STORAGE TIPS

  • These haystacks can be made in advance and frozen in an airtight container for up to one month (maybe even longer). I like to use wax paper in between each layer and on the top layer before storing them to prevent freezer burn.

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chocolate haystacks

Easy Chocolate Haystacks with Mini Marshmallows

by Lola Dweck
Chocolate haystacks are a no-bake treat made by combining melted chocolate with mini marshmallows and crunchy chow mein noodles. The mixture is dropped onto wax paper by the spoonful, forming small, haystack-like clusters. The result is a deliciously sweet treat with contrasting textures.
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 36
Calories 188 kcal

Equipment

  • Double-boiler: if you don’t have a double boiler, a glass bowl that fits snuggly into a pot also works. The bowl should not touch the bottom of the pot.
  • Parchment paper: wax paper or silicone baking mats also work.
  • Baking sheets
  • Teaspoon

Ingredients
  

  • 5 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
  • 6 ounces dry chow mein noodles
  • 8 ounces 1/2 bag of miniature marshmallows

Instructions
 

  • Melt chocolate chips in a double boiler with simmering water over a low flame. Stir frequently to avoid scorching the chocolate. After approximately 5 minutes, add the oil. Continue to stir until chocolate is completely melted and smooth, for approximately 10 to 15 minutes total.
  • In the meantime, mix chow mein noodles and marshmallows in a large bowl.
  • Once chocolate is completely melted, add it to the noodles and marshmallows and mix well until they are completely coated.
  • Using a teaspoon, scoop small batches of the mixture and place in mounds on wax paper. Allow to cool at room temperature.
  • Serve once cool or store in the freezer for future use.

A Note from Lola

PRO TIPS
  • Do not try to mix everything in the double boiler. It will be too hot and marshmallows will melt and become gooey.
  • These haystacks can be made in advance and frozen in an airtight container for up to one month (maybe even longer). I like to use wax paper in between each layer and on the top layer before storing them to prevent freezer burn.
EDIBLE GIFT
  • Wrap these in a clear cellophane gift bag and tie closed with twine, or add to a small box to give as gifts for the holidays or as party favors.
RECIPE VARIATIONS
  • Feel free to experiment with colorful mini marshmallows and white chocolate for a spring version of this recipe!
  • Other variations include adding nuts, dried fruits, shredded coconut, cereal or pretzels instead of chow mein noodles, or gluten-free options for crunch.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 188kcalCarbohydrates: 21gProtein: 2gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0.02gCholesterol: 2mgSodium: 48mgPotassium: 148mgFiber: 2gSugar: 13gVitamin A: 13IUCalcium: 17mgIron: 2mg
188
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Recipe originally published December 18, 2015

Lola Wiarco Dweck

Lola is a Mexican-American recipe developer, writer, and cooking instructor who loves sharing her culture with the world. Growing up in California and spending summers in Mexico, Lola celebrates her family’s Mexican recipes and vibrant culture through Lola’s Cocina.

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Recipe Rating




4 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    Super simple and easy to make for yourself or friends and family. The saltiness of the noodle pairs excellent with the chocolate.