If you’re searching for a festive treat that’s quick, no-fuss, and downright irresistible, I’ve got just the thing for you. This Holiday White Chocolate Nut Cookies Recipe is one of my absolute favorites to whip up during the busy season—it combines creamy white chocolate, crunchy nuts, and those delightfully crispy chow mein noodles that add the perfect crunch. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll wonder how you ever got through the holidays without it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Quick to Make: You can have these cookies ready in under 10 minutes—not bad for a holiday cookie!
- Simple Ingredients: Only four main ingredients that you can find easily, with room to customize.
- Crunchy and Sweet Delight: The chow mein noodles add a satisfying crunch that pairs beautifully with sweet white chocolate and salted peanuts.
- Great for Gifting: These cookies look adorable with holiday sprinkles and make charming edible gifts or party treats.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Holiday White Chocolate Nut Cookies Recipe plays a special role in the texture and flavor. I always recommend using quality white chocolate chips because they melt beautifully and give that rich, creamy sweetness that defines these cookies.
- White Chocolate Chips: I swear by Ghirardelli for their smooth melt and balanced sweetness—avoid lower-quality brands that can seize up while melting.
- Salted Peanuts: Use roasted and salted for that perfect salty crunch; you can chop them up slightly for smaller bites.
- Chow Mein Noodles: These crunchy noodles bring an unexpected texture; you can find La Choy brand at most supermarkets.
- Christmas Sprinkles: I love using colorful holiday sprinkles to make these cookies look festive and fun—plus, they add a subtle sugary crunch.
Variations
I love how adaptable this Holiday White Chocolate Nut Cookies Recipe is. Over the years, I’ve played with the nuts and even swapped out the sprinkles depending on the season—don’t be afraid to make it your own!
- Nut Swaps: My family goes crazy when I use chopped pecans or almonds instead of peanuts—each brings a slightly different flavor profile.
- White Chocolate Alternatives: If you prefer, use butterscotch chips or even semi-sweet chocolate to change things up.
- Sprinkles and Toppings: Try crushed peppermint candy for a festive minty twist or rainbow sprinkles for a birthday party version.
- Nut-Free Version: Simply skip the nuts and increase the chow mein noodles a bit; you’ll still get amazing crunch.
How to Make Holiday White Chocolate Nut Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Melt the White Chocolate to Silky Perfection
This is where patience pays off. I melt the white chocolate chips in a large microwavable bowl, heating in 20-30 second bursts and stirring in between to prevent scorching. You’ll find that stirring frequently helps achieve that smooth, glossy consistency rather than a grainy mess.
Step 2: Stir in Peanuts and Chow Mein Noodles
Once your white chocolate is perfectly melted, fold in the salted peanuts and chow mein noodles gently. I like to use a spatula to mix everything, making sure each noodle is coated without breaking them up too much—this keeps the cookies irresistibly crunchy.
Step 3: Drop, Decorate, and Chill
Drop the mixture onto wax paper using rounded spoonfuls—you don’t need a perfect shape here, it adds to the charm. Immediately sprinkle your colorful Christmas sprinkles on top and then let the cookies cool completely. I usually leave mine to set for a few hours at room temperature, but you can also pop them in the fridge if you’re in a hurry.
Pro Tips for Making Holiday White Chocolate Nut Cookies Recipe
- Melting Chocolate Slowly: I learned the hard way that white chocolate burns easily—microwave in short bursts and stir often to keep it silky and smooth.
- Managing Crunch: Don’t stir the noodles too roughly or too much or they’ll break; that crunch is what makes these cookies special.
- Sprinkle Right Away: Adding sprinkles before the chocolate sets locks them in without falling off later.
- Room Temperature Cooling: Avoid refrigerating too soon or the cookies might get a bit sticky—room temperature works best in my experience.
How to Serve Holiday White Chocolate Nut Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
I like to keep it simple with festive sprinkles because they add that instant holiday vibe, but sometimes I’ll dust a tiny bit of edible glitter on top for extra sparkle when I’m feeling fancy—kids love it too!
Side Dishes
These cookies are perfect with a hot cup of cocoa or a mulled wine when entertaining guests. I’ve also enjoyed them alongside a creamy eggnog or even with a scoop of vanilla ice cream if you want to get adventurous.
Creative Ways to Present
One year, I set these cookies in mini holiday-themed cupcake liners arranged on a tiered serving tray, which made them a showstopper at my party. You can also tie a few cookies in a clear cellophane bag with a bow for adorable, last-minute gifts!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store mine in an airtight container at room temperature where they hold up beautifully for up to a week. The crunch and sweetness stay fresh, making them easy to nibble on throughout the holidays.
Freezing
Freezing works well too—just place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen, then transfer to a zip-top bag. When you’re ready, thaw them at room temperature; the texture holds up surprisingly well.
Reheating
These cookies are best enjoyed at room temp, but if you want to freshen them up a bit after freezing, I give them 10-15 seconds in the microwave. Just be careful not to melt the chocolate again!
FAQs
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Can I use other types of nuts in this Holiday White Chocolate Nut Cookies Recipe?
Absolutely! While salted peanuts bring a classic flavor and crunch, chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds also work wonderfully. Just keep an eye on the salt level since some nuts are naturally milder or saltier.
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Can I make these cookies vegan or dairy-free?
You can try vegan or dairy-free white chocolate chips available at specialty stores or online, and substitute the peanuts with your favorite nut or seed. Keep in mind the texture may vary slightly, but it’s worth experimenting!
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How long do these cookies take to set?
Typically, they need a few hours at room temperature to firm up properly. If you’re short on time, chilling them in the refrigerator for 30 to 45 minutes speeds up the process but might make the texture a little less crisp.
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Can I add other mix-ins?
Definitely! Some people like adding dried cranberries, mini marshmallows, or even crushed candy canes for extra flavor and texture. Just be mindful not to overpower the crunchy chow mein noodles and nuts.
Final Thoughts
This Holiday White Chocolate Nut Cookies Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen every winter. Its simplicity, combined with festive flair and irresistible flavor, has made me the go-to cookie baker among friends and family. I hope you enjoy making them as much as I do—it’s like slipping a little crunchy, sweet happiness into each bite of the holiday season. Give it a try and watch these cookies disappear fast!
Print
Holiday White Chocolate Nut Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes plus several hours cooling time
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
Holiday Haystack Cookies are a quick and festive treat made with melted white chocolate, crunchy chow mein noodles, salted peanuts, and colorful Christmas sprinkles. Perfect for holiday gatherings, these no-bake cookies come together in minutes and can be easily customized to suit any celebration.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 2 cups white chocolate chips (preferably Ghirardelli)
- 1 cup salted peanuts
- 3-4 cups La Choy chow mein noodles
- Christmas sprinkles
Instructions
- Melt the white chocolate: Place the white chocolate chips in a large microwavable bowl and melt them according to the package instructions, heating in short intervals (about 20-30 seconds) and stirring in between to ensure smooth melting without burning.
- Combine ingredients: Once the chocolate is fully melted and smooth, stir in the salted peanuts and 3 to 4 cups of chow mein noodles until all are evenly coated with chocolate.
- Form cookies: Using a rounded spoon, drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto a sheet of wax paper, creating small clusters or “haystacks.”
- Add sprinkles: Quickly sprinkle festive Christmas sprinkles over each haystack before the chocolate hardens.
- Set and cool: Allow the cookies to cool and harden at room temperature for several hours or until firm. Once set, gently peel the cookies off the wax paper and serve or store in an airtight container.
Notes
- These cookies are incredibly simple and quick, ready in under 10 minutes plus cooling time.
- You can customize them by using different types of nuts or sprinkles to match any holiday theme.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 144 kcal
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 40 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 3 mg
