If you’re looking for a super easy, no-fuss treat that hits all the right notes of sweet, salty, and crunchy, you’re going to adore this No Bake Peanuts and Chow Mein Cookies Recipe. Seriously, these no bake cookies are a total crowd-pleaser and come together so quickly—perfect for when you want something homemade without firing up the oven. I’ve made these countless times, and they always bring back that nostalgic feeling of cozy afternoons snacking with friends. Keep reading because I’m sharing all my insider tips to help you nail these every time!

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Why This Recipe Works

Quick and Easy: Takes under 10 minutes to prep, perfect for when you’re short on time.
No Oven Needed: Ideal for hot days or anyone without an oven handy.
Perfect Crunch: The chow mein noodles give a surprisingly crispy texture that pairs beautifully with the smooth peanut butter.
Highly Customizable: Easy to swap out peanuts or add extras like chocolate chips to make it your own.

No Bake Peanuts and Chow Mein Cookies, easy no bake cookies, peanut chow mein treats, quick no bake dessert, homemade crunchy cookies - There are six small, uneven clusters of golden brown candy made from thin, stick-like noodles mixed together with nuts, placed on white parchment paper that lines a silver baking tray. The candy clumps have a glossy, smooth texture from the coating, and they show some nut pieces poking out. The tray is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The ingredients in this No Bake Peanuts and Chow Mein Cookies Recipe blend together to deliver a perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, sweet, and salty flavors. Each component plays its role to make sure every bite is satisfying. When shopping, look for good-quality peanut butter and fresh chow mein noodles for the best results.

No Bake Peanuts and Chow Mein Cookies, easy no bake cookies, peanut chow mein treats, quick no bake dessert, homemade crunchy cookies - Flat lay of a small pile of smooth golden butterscotch chips, a neat mound of creamy light brown peanut butter, a handful of glossy salted peanuts with skins on, and a loose cluster of pale beige chow mein noodles, all arranged separately in simple white ceramic bowls and plates, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Butterscotch Chips: They melt smoothly and add a rich, buttery sweetness without overpowering the other flavors.
Creamy Peanut Butter: Use creamy for that silky texture that binds everything together; natural peanut butter can work but might make the mixture a bit drier.
Salted Peanuts: Adds crunch and a salty contrast that complements the sweetness.
Chow Mein Noodles: These crispy noodles provide that irresistible light crunch, elevating the cookie beyond a typical “nut cluster.”

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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.

Make It Your Way

I love how flexible this No Bake Peanuts and Chow Mein Cookies Recipe is—you can easily tweak it to match your pantry or your family’s favorites. Over time, I’ve played around with adding some chocolate or swapping peanuts for other nuts, and every version still comes out delicious. Give it a spin with your own twist!

Variation: I once added mini chocolate chips for a bit of melty chocolate surprise—so good! Feel free to mix in raisins or even shredded coconut if you want a tropical touch.
Dietary Twist: For a nut-free version, swap peanuts with crunchy sunflower seeds; it changes the flavor but keeps the texture interesting.
Seasonal Change: Around the holidays, I sprinkle a little sea salt on top right after spooning them out for a gourmet flair.

Step-by-Step: How I Make No Bake Peanuts and Chow Mein Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Melt That Butterscotch and Peanut Butter Perfectly

Start by combining the butterscotch chips and creamy peanut butter in a small microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for 30 seconds at a time, stirring between each round. This slow, gentle heating prevents the mixture from burning and ensures it becomes perfectly smooth. If you don’t have a microwave, a double boiler works great too—just stir constantly until melted.

Step 2: Combine Peanuts and Crunchy Chow Mein Noodles

In a large bowl, toss together the salted peanuts and chow mein noodles. I like to break up any big noodle clusters with my hands gently, so you get more even bites of crunch throughout.

Step 3: Mix the Melted Goodness In

Pour your melted butterscotch and peanut butter mixture over the nuts and noodles, then gently fold everything together with a spatula. The goal is to coat everything evenly while keeping the noodles as crunchy as possible. Stir too aggressively and you might end up breaking the noodles more than you want.

Step 4: Scoop and Cool

Use a spoon to drop 2 to 2.5-inch piles onto parchment paper. Give them a little space to avoid sticking together. Now the hardest part: waiting! Let these sit until the butterscotch hardens completely, usually about 30 minutes at room temperature. If you’re in a hurry, pop them in the fridge for 15 minutes to speed things up.

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Tips from My Kitchen

Slow Melting: Stirring frequently while microwaving helps prevent scorching the butterscotch, which can ruin the texture.
Gentle Mixing: Fold ingredients gently to keep chow mein noodles crisp and intact.
Use Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Storage Tip: Store cookies in a single layer if possible to avoid breaking the delicate crunchy noodles.

How to Serve No Bake Peanuts and Chow Mein Cookies Recipe

No Bake Peanuts and Chow Mein Cookies, easy no bake cookies, peanut chow mein treats, quick no bake dessert, homemade crunchy cookies - The image shows small round clusters made of light brown, thin, stick-like pieces intertwined with small peanut bits visible in the mix. Each cluster is a single layered mound, with a rough and irregular texture, placed on a smooth white marbled surface. There are three clusters scattered, with one in clear focus at the front and the other two slightly blurred in the background. The sticks have a matte finish with subtle shadows giving depth and softness to the clusters photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I usually serve these cookies just as they are—simple and unadorned—because that salty-sweet crunch is perfect. But if I want to fancy them up a bit, sprinkling a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on top right after scooping adds a nice touch. Another favorite is a drizzle of melted dark chocolate for a decadent twist.

Side Dishes

These no bake cookies pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk or a hot cup of coffee or tea. They’re great alongside fresh fruit or yogurt for a balanced snack if you want something a little more substantial.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I like to stack these cookies in a neat pyramid on a pretty platter lined with parchment and scatter some peanuts around for decoration. For holiday gifts, pack them in cute cellophane bags tied with a ribbon—everyone loves getting these crunchy delights as a sweet surprise.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover no bake peanuts and chow mein cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, where they keep perfectly for up to a week. Just be sure to layer them with parchment between so they don’t stick or break.

Freezing

I’ve frozen these cookies successfully by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to 3 months and thaw quickly at room temperature without losing their crunch.

Reheating

There’s no need to reheat these cookies—they’re best enjoyed at room temperature. If you like softened butterscotch, a quick 10-second zap in the microwave can soften them, but be careful not to melt the crunchy noodles!

FAQs

Can I substitute another nut butter in the No Bake Peanuts and Chow Mein Cookies Recipe?

Absolutely! While creamy peanut butter works best for that classic flavor and texture, you can substitute almond butter or sunflower seed butter. Just keep in mind that it may slightly alter the taste and the binding properties.
Why do my chow mein noodles get soggy sometimes?

Soggy noodles usually mean the melted butterscotch mixture was poured while too hot or you stirred too vigorously. Make sure to let the butterscotch cool slightly before mixing and fold gently to preserve crunch.
How long do these no bake cookies last?

Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies stay fresh for up to a week. Beyond that, they may lose some crispness and could start to soften.
Can I add chocolate chips or other mix-ins?

Definitely! Add your favorite mix-ins like mini chocolate chips, dried fruit, or even a sprinkle of toasted coconut to customize your batch to your liking.

Final Thoughts

This No Bake Peanuts and Chow Mein Cookies Recipe is one of my go-to treats for when I want something delicious, quick, and totally satisfying. I love how the crunchy chow mein noodles add unexpected texture, and the peanut butter-butterscotch combo feels like a cozy hug in cookie form. Trust me, once you make these, you’ll want to keep this recipe bookmarked forever. So go ahead, try it out, and share a batch with friends—you won’t regret it!