No Bake Haystack Cookies

These No-Bake Haystack Cookies are the ultimate quick and easy treat! With just a handful of pantry staples and 15 minutes of active time, you can create a family-friendly dessert that’s irresistibly crunchy, sweet, and satisfying. Perfect for last-minute guests, holiday platters, or a simple after-school snack.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Setting Time: 1 hour (minimum)
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes (mostly inactive)
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Yield: 18-20 cookies
Dietary: Vegetarian

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Time & Intensity

• Overall Intensity: Very Easy – Perfect for beginners and children to help with.

• Active Time: 15 minutes – The entire process from gathering ingredients to dropping them onto the sheet.

• Hands-On Intensity: Low – Simple stirring and scooping. The most challenging part is waiting for them to set!

• Clean-Up: Easy – Only one pot and a baking sheet to wash.

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Ingredients

• 2 cups (170g) quick-cooking oats (do not use old-fashioned oats, as they won’t soften as well)

• 1 cup (220g) granulated sugar

• 1/4 cup (25g) unsweetened cocoa powder

• 1/2 cup (120ml) whole milk (or 2% milk for a slightly less rich result)

• 1/2 cup (115g or 1 stick) unsalted butter, cut into pieces

• 1/2 cup (65g) chopped peanuts (optional, for crunch)

• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Optional Add-ins:

• 1/4 cup (20g) shredded coconut

• 1/4 cup (45g) mini chocolate chips (add after removing from heat)

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Equipment

• Medium saucepan

• Wooden spoon or spatula

• Measuring cups and spoons

• Baking sheet

• Parchment paper or wax paper

• Tablespoon cookie scoop or two spoons

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Pan: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or wax paper. Set aside. This ensures the haystacks don’t stick and makes for easy clean-up.

2. Combine Base Ingredients: In your medium saucepan, combine the sugar, cocoa powder, milk, butter, and salt. Stir briefly with a wooden spoon to combine.

3. Bring to a Boil: Place the saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring the mixture to a full rolling boil, stirring constantly to prevent the sugar from burning at the bottom. This should take about 3-4 minutes.

4. Boil and Time: Once the mixture is at a vigorous boil, let it continue boiling for exactly 1 minute and 30 seconds, without stirring. This step is crucial for dissolving the sugar and cooking the mixture to the right consistency. Set a timer!

5. Remove from Heat & Add Flavors: After the 90 seconds are up, immediately remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the vanilla extract.

6. Incorporate Oats and Mix-Ins: Quickly add the quick oats (and chopped peanuts and/or shredded coconut, if using) to the hot mixture. Stir vigorously until everything is well combined and the oats are fully coated. The mixture will be thick. If you are adding chocolate chips, stir them in now so the residual heat melts them slightly.

7. Form the Haystacks: Working quickly while the mixture is still warm and pliable, drop rounded tablespoons of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Use a second spoon or your fingers to push the mixture off the spoon. You can leave them as rustic mounds or gently shape them into little haystack piles.

8. Set and Cool: Allow the haystacks to cool at room temperature until they are completely firm. This will take at least 1 hour. For faster setting, you can place the entire baking sheet in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes.

9. Serve and Store: Once set, the cookies are ready to enjoy! Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

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Chef’s Notes & Tips

• The Perfect Boil: The 1 minute 30 second boil is key. Boiling for less time can result in sugary, grainy cookies. Boiling for too long can make them dry and crumbly.

• Oat Advice: Quick oats are essential. Old-fashioned rolled oats are too large and chewy and won’t absorb the liquid properly, leading to a less cohesive cookie.

• Customize It: Feel free to get creative with your mix-ins! Butterscotch chips, dried cranberries, or different types of nuts would all be delicious additions.

• Sticky Situation: If the mixture becomes too difficult to work with as it cools, you can place the saucepan back on the warm (but turned off) burner for 30 seconds to loosen it up.

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Nutrition Information

Disclaimer: Please note that this is an estimated nutritional calculation based on the ingredients used and should not be taken as medical advice.

Serving Size: 1 cookie (approx. 22g)
Servings: 18

Amount Per Serving:

• Calories: 120 kcal

• Total Fat: 5.5g (7% DV)

• Saturated Fat: 3g (15% DV)

• Cholesterol: 10mg (3% DV)

• Sodium: 35mg (2% DV)

• Total Carbohydrates: 18g (7% DV)

• Dietary Fiber: 1g (4% DV)

• Sugars: 12g

• Protein: 2g

• Calcium: 15mg (1% DV)

• Iron: 0.5mg (3% DV)

Percent Daily Values (DV) are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

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The Last Bite

No-Bake Haystack Cookies are more than just a recipe; they’re a cherished memory. They represent the joy of creating something delicious without any fuss, the anticipation of waiting for that first perfect bite, and the simple pleasure of a classic, homemade treat. So grab your pot, your spoon, and your favorite helper, and whip up a batch of these timeless cookies today