Haystack cookies, known as Squiggles to us, are still made by family members every holiday season. Other people made Haystacks, but my Grandma made Squiggles! This is one of my favorite Christmas cookies, and they bring back so many happy memories.
This post is dedicated to my Grandma Zelda. I miss you, Grandma! Christmas was not Christmas until grandma made a batch of Squiggles.
I love these cookies! My favorite is probably the butterscotch. But, dark chocolate coconut is a very close second.
This super easy recipe is great to make with the kids. Believe me; you might start a family tradition as grandma did with us.
Ingredients
Here are the ingredients needed to make chocolate haystack cookies - Squiggles, along with a few flavor suggestions.
- Chow Mein Noodles - You can usually find these in the international section of the supermarket. I have bought them both in the can and in a bag.
- Chocolate Chips - Flavor suggestions are dark chocolate chips, sem-sweet chocolate chips, milk chocolate chips, butterscotch, and peanut butter.
- Shredded Coconut - Coconut is totally optional. I happen to love the flavor and the finished look it gives to these holiday cookies. My grandmother also used chopped peanuts, granola, and M & M's, to top the cookies.
How to make haystacks
- In a large pot, of medium-low heat, slowly melt the chips. You can use the microwave, but I prefer melting the chips on the stove. Not only is that how I learned to do it, but you can also keep the Squiggles warm as you make the indiviual cookies.
- When the chips have completely melted, add the chow mein noodles. Stir gently and try to avoid breaking the noodles. Continue stirring until the chow mein noodles are completely coated with melted chocolate.
- Next, using two teaspoons, carefully scoop out cookie size portions. Place them onto a piece of parchment paper or wax paper that is covering a baking sheet.
- Add the toppings like the coconut, if you are using them.
- Let the Squiggles set until firm. You can also place them in the refrigerator to speed up this process.
When I was growing up, I always felt that there was something magical about grandma's Squiggles. Who else made Squiggles? No one!
Other recipes you might like
Tips and Suggestions
- If you use peanut butter chips, you might notice that they do not melt quite the same. A little bit of coconut oil added to them helps.
- One thing I have done with the peanut butter chips is to use a few on top of the chocolate Squiggles. Or, mix ½ of a bag of peanut butter chips with a bag of chocolate chips. If you do this you will need a bit more chow mein noodles.
- Other topping ideas are chopped peanuts (or other nuts), granola, or mini M & M's.
- Placing these cookies in the refrigerator will help them firm up quicker.
How to store these cookies
We store the cookies, covered, on the kitchen counter. If you think they will last more than a few days, I suggest an airtight container.
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Squiggles - (Haystack Cookies)
Ingredients
- 12 ounces Chocolate Chips or other flavor
- 5 ounces Chow Mein Noodles
- ¼ cup Shredded Coconut optional
Instructions
- Heat a large saucepan over medium-low heat.
- Add the entire bag of chocolate chips and stir until melted.
- Mix in the chow mein noodles and stir gently until thoroughly coated.
- Remove the pan from heat. Using 2 teaspoons, scoop out individual portions worth of noodles. Place the cookie on wax paper or parchment paper in a single layer.
- Top with coconut if using.
- Let cool. Makes about 21 cookies.
Notes
Tips and Suggestions
- If you use peanut butter chips, you might notice that they do not melt quite the same. A little bit of coconut oil added to them helps.
- One thing I have tried with the peanut butter chips is to use a few on top of the chocolate Squiggles. Or, mix ½ of a bag of peanut butter chips with a bag of chocolate chips. If you do this you will need a bit more chow mein noodles.
- Other topping ideas are chopped peanuts (or other nuts), granola, or mini M & M's.
- Placing these cookies in the refrigerator will help them firm up quicker.
How to store these cookies
We store the cookies on the kitchen counter. If you think they will last more than a few days I would suggest an airtight container.
Nutrition
The only thing better than having grandma make you some Squiggles was making them with her.
Cooking with grandma was always fun. You would be side by side, laughing, talking, giggling, then all of a sudden, she would be chasing you with a dishrag or spatula.
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