Chocolate Haystacks are a no-bake snack, perfect for last-minute party plans. These sweet and salty pretzel treats use ingredients you can probably find around the house.
If you like fun and easy candy recipes, try my easy peanut butter balls and these delicious cracker toffee recipe.
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Why this Chocolate Haystack Recipe is a Keeper
These easy no-bake chocolate haystacks are a nostalgic, super simple recipe to make during the holidays. They’re the perfect combination of chocolate and peanut butter, with a crunch from the pretzel sticks.
This recipe is great for last minute Christmas or Easter plans, as they’re easy to make and have a great chocolatey flavor. Here are a few reasons why you’ll love this recipe for festive treats that work perfectly every Christmas:
- Simple Ingredients: All of the ingredients in these candy haystacks can be found in your kitchen or local grocery store.
- Only 4 Ingredients: You only need 4 ingredients to make these easy peanut butter haystacks.
- Kid-Friendly: Kids love these crunchy haystacks with peanut butter. They’re fun to make with your children or grandkids.
How Do I Prevent my Chocolate from Seizing?
To make sure your chocolate doesn’t seize, make sure to keep it away from moisture. To fix seized chocolate, gradually add boiling water. This will dilute the chocolate, making it best suited to hot cocoa or sauces.
Ingredient Notes for Chocolate Haystack Cookies
- Pretzels: To make these haystacks, it is crucial to use mini pretzels sticks to get that look, rather then pretzel twists or snaps.
- Peanut Butter: For this recipe I used creamy peanut butter, but you can also use crunchy peanut butter for an added crunch.
- Peanuts: Add nuts to the melted chocolate and carefully combine them together.
See the recipe card below for a complete list of the ingredients with measurements.
Prep Ahead Suggestions for this No Bake Dessert
- Ingredients: Prepare all your ingredients and add-ins ahead of time.
- Make Ahead: Make the haystacks, then store until ready to serve.
Special Equipment Needed for Peanut Butter Chocolate Haystacks
- Parchment Paper: Place the haystacks on a tray lined with parchment paper or wax paper, then refrigerate them.
- Ice Cream Scoop: Use an ice cream scoop to make your haystacks an even size and shape.
Pro Tip for these No-Bake Chocolate Haystacks
Work quickly to shape the haystacks before the chocolate sets.
How to Make Chocolate Haystacks
These are the basic steps for making peanut butter chocolate haystacks. Refer to the full, printable recipe card below for detailed instructions.
1. Melt Chocolate
Add the chocolate chips and peanuts to a heatproof bowl. Microwave on high heat or medium heat for 30 second to 1 minute intervals to melt the chocolate, mixing in between, until fully melted.
2. Add Pretzels
In a large bowl, add the pretzels and marshmallows, then pour in the chocolate mixture. Stir until evenly coated.
3. Refrigerate the Haystacks
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Scoop the mixture onto the sheet to make the haystacks. Refrigerate for 45 minutes to an hour.
How to Store, Reheat and Use Leftover Peanut Butter Chocolate Haystack Candy
- Storing: Store leftover haystacks in an airtight container at room temperature.
- Using Leftovers: Chocolate haystacks should be good for up to 3 days.
Variations and Substitutions for Peanut Butter Haystacks
- Add Nuts: For added crunch and flavor, add chopped peanuts, walnuts, pecans, or any nut of your choosing.
- Add Chow Mein Noodles: You can also make chow mein noodle haystacks with chow mein noodles and nuts. They make a great substitute for pretzel sticks.
- Chocolate: Use another other type of chocolate you like, such as white chocolate chips, milk chocolate chips, or dark chocolate.
- Butterscotch Haystacks: Make haystacks with butterscotch chips, unsweetened coconut, or peppermint bark pieces.
Recipe FAQs and Reader Interactions
Serve this recipe with these easy recipes: Christmas Brownie Balls, Swirled Cookies, or Gingerbread Fudge.
You can also try making these haystacks with crispy fried noodles.
Yes; try using your favorite kind of chocolate. Use whatever you have on hand. Try semi-sweet chocolate chips, or use unsweetened chips instead.
Expert Tips for Making this Dessert Recipe
- This Recipe Can be Doubled: This is a great recipe for a large holiday gathering. Simply increase the ingredients proportionately.
- Stovetop: If you do not have a microwave, you can also melt the chocolate and peanut butter on the stove top using the double boiler method.
- Oats and Coconut Shavings: Crumbled cookie pieces or other treats, such as coated chocolate candies, are a great addition to the haystacks. Sprinkle on a tablespoon of powdered sugar or sweetened coconut on top. Other toppings you can use are quick oats, peanut butter chips, almonds, and sea salt.
- Gluten Free: Gluten-free pretzel sticks work in this recipe. Use sugar free chocolate chips to make it healthier.
Peanut Butter Chocolate Haystacks
Equipment
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Ingredients
- 9 ounces Semi Sweet Chocolate Chips, 3/4th of a 12 ounce bag.
- ½ cup Peanut Butter
- 2 cups Mini Marshmallows
- 2 cups Pretzel Sticks
Instructions
- In a microwave safe bowl, add chocolate chips and peanut.
- Microwave for 30 second intervals, mixing in between, until the completely melted.
- In a larger bowl, add the pretzels sticks and marshmallows then pour the peanut butter and chocolate mixture.
- Stir carefully until the marshmallows and pretzels are evenly coated.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
- Scoop about tablespoon of the mixture onto the sheet for each haystack.
- Refrigerate for 45minutes-1 hour until the chocolate has solidify.
Christina’s Notes
- This Recipe Can be Doubled: This is a great recipe for a large holiday gathering. Simply increase the ingredients proportionately.
- Stovetop: If you do not have a microwave, you can also melt the chocolate and peanut butter on the stove top using the double boiler method.
- Oats and Coconut Shavings: Crumbled cookie pieces or other treats, such as coated chocolate candies, are a great addition to the haystacks. Sprinkle on a tablespoon of powdered sugar or sweetened coconut on top. Other toppings you can use are quick oats, peanut butter chips, almonds, and sea salt.
- Gluten Free: Gluten-free pretzel sticks work in this recipe. Use sugar free chocolate chips to make it healthier.
- Scale the recipe: Simply adjust the serving size in the recipe card and the ingredients will update automatically.
- Make your own All Purpose Seasoning: When a recipe calls for All Purpose Seasoning, you can use my homemade All Purpose Seasoning recipe or substitute salt and pepper to taste.
- Meat doneness: I always use a meat thermometer to test for doneness when cooking meat.
- Use unsalted butter: I use unsalted butter so I can control the salt level in the recipe.
- Preheat the oven: Unless otherwise noted, always preheat your oven before baking.
For more helpful information about this recipe, such as variations, substitutions and other pro-tips, check out the blog post.