Can I use different chips instead of butterscotch?

Absolutely! White chocolate, milk chocolate, or even peanut butter chips work wonderfully in this recipe. Each will create a different flavor profile, so feel free to experiment based on your preferences.

My mixture seems too dry/crumbly. What went wrong?

Can I use different chips instead of butterscotch? Absolutely! White chocolate, milk chocolate, or even peanut butter chips work wonderfully in this recipe. Each will create a different flavor profile, so feel free to experiment based on your preferences.

Can I make these without peanut butter due to allergies?

Yes! Sunflower seed butter works as a great 1:1 replacement. Cookie butter (like Biscoff) or Wow Butter are also excellent alternatives that maintain the right consistency while being nut-free.

How far in advance can I make these for an Easter gathering?

You can easily make these 3-4 days ahead of your event. Store them in the refrigerator until about 30 minutes before serving. They actually develop a nice flavor intensity after a day or two!

Easter Tumbleweed Candies Recipe

Name: Easter Tumbleweed Candies Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup butterscotch chips; 1 cup peanut butter; 1 (9 oz) can potato sticks, about 6 cups; 1/2 cup robin’s eggs candies or pastel M&M’s

This delightful Easter Tumbleweed Candies recipe transforms simple ingredients into festive, no-bake treats that perfectly capture the spring spirit. With just four ingredients and minimal preparation time, these sweet and salty confections make for adorable Easter basket additions or a charming dessert table centerpiece that both kids and adults will love!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Super Quick: These treats come together in less than 20 minutes of active time—perfect for last-minute Easter preparations or when you need a festive treat without turning on the oven.
Kid-Friendly: Little helpers can easily assist with dropping the mixture onto baking sheets and placing the colorful candies on top—making this a perfect family activity.
Sweet-Salty Magic: The combination of butterscotch, peanut butter, and potato sticks creates an irresistible salty-sweet harmony that keeps everyone reaching for “just one more.”
No Special Equipment: No need for candy thermometers, mixers, or specialized tools—just a microwave and a spoon will do!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Butterscotch Chips: These provide the sweet base and binding agent for our tumbleweeds. Their warm, buttery flavor pairs perfectly with peanut butter.
Peanut Butter: Creates a rich, creamy texture that helps everything stick together. Use creamy for the smoothest coating, though crunchy works in a pinch for extra texture.
Potato Sticks: The secret star ingredient! These create the “tumbleweed” appearance while adding an addictive salty crunch that balances the sweetness perfectly.
Robin’s Eggs Candies or Pastel M&M’s: These add festive Easter color and a chocolate element. They resemble tiny eggs in your “nest” for that perfect seasonal touch.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Chocolate Lover’s Version

Substitute chocolate chips for butterscotch chips, or go half and half for a chocolate-butterscotch blend.

Nut-Free Option

Replace peanut butter with sunflower seed butter or cookie butter for those with nut allergies.

Holiday Adaptations

Switch out the pastel candies for red and green M&M’s at Christmas, or orange and brown for a Halloween twist!

Gourmet Upgrade

Add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top before setting, or mix in a handful of toasted coconut with the potato sticks.

How to Make Easter Tumbleweed Candies

Step 1: Melt the Base

In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the butterscotch chips and peanut butter. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each until completely smooth and well-blended. Be careful not to overheat as butterscotch can burn easily!

Step 2: Coat the Potato Sticks

Pour the potato sticks into a large mixing bowl. Gently pour the melted butterscotch-peanut butter mixture over them and fold carefully until every piece is evenly coated. Work fairly quickly as the mixture will begin to set.

Step 3: Form the Tumbleweeds

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or wax paper. Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded spoonfuls of the mixture onto the prepared sheet, creating little haystack shapes.

Step 4: Add the “Eggs”

While the tumbleweeds are still soft, gently press 3 Robin’s eggs or pastel M&M’s onto the top of each mound. This needs to be done before the mixture sets so the candies adhere properly.

Step 5: Set and Store

For quick setting, place the baking sheet in the freezer for about 15 minutes. Alternatively, refrigerate until firm. Once set, they’re ready to serve or store!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Watch the Microwave Carefully: Butterscotch chips can burn quickly, so stick with short intervals and stir thoroughly each time.
Clean Hands Technique: If your tumbleweeds aren’t holding their shape, slightly dampened hands make forming them easier.
Double-Batch Warning: When doubling the recipe, work in batches rather than trying to mix everything at once, as the mixture can harden before you finish forming all the candies.
Presentation Matters: For a more uniform look, use a cookie scoop instead of a spoon to portion out the mixture.

How to Serve

Presentation Ideas

Place each tumbleweed in a colorful mini cupcake liner for easy handling and a festive touch. Arrange on a three-tiered stand for an impressive Easter dessert display.

Perfect Pairings

Serve with a glass of cold milk for the kids or a cup of coffee for the adults. These treats pair wonderfully with fresh fruit to balance their richness.

Event Suggestions

These make fantastic additions to Easter baskets, spring bake sales, or as take-home treats after an Easter egg hunt. They’re also perfect for packaging as sweet hostess gifts.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store these tumbleweeds in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Freezing

These freeze beautifully! Place in a freezer-safe container with parchment between layers and freeze for up to 3 months. The potato sticks maintain their crunch remarkably well.

Serving After Storage

Let frozen tumbleweeds thaw in the refrigerator or for about 15 minutes at room temperature before serving. They’re actually delicious with a slight chill!

FAQs

Can I use different chips instead of butterscotch?

Absolutely! White chocolate, milk chocolate, or even peanut butter chips work wonderfully in this recipe. Each will create a different flavor profile, so feel free to experiment based on your preferences.
My mixture seems too dry/crumbly. What went wrong?

Can I use different chips instead of butterscotch?

Absolutely! White chocolate, milk chocolate, or even peanut butter chips work wonderfully in this recipe. Each will create a different flavor profile, so feel free to experiment based on your preferences.
Can I make these without peanut butter due to allergies?

Yes! Sunflower seed butter works as a great 1:1 replacement. Cookie butter (like Biscoff) or Wow Butter are also excellent alternatives that maintain the right consistency while being nut-free.
How far in advance can I make these for an Easter gathering?

You can easily make these 3-4 days ahead of your event. Store them in the refrigerator until about 30 minutes before serving. They actually develop a nice flavor intensity after a day or two!

Final Thoughts

These Easter Tumbleweed Candies bring together the perfect combination of sweet, salty, crunchy, and festive that makes holiday treats so special. With minimal effort and maximum impact, they’re bound to become a cherished part of your Easter tradition. Whether you’re making them with kids or preparing a special surprise, these charming little nests capture the playful spirit of spring perfectly!