Holiday Haystacks

Holiday haystacks are as simple as it gets for Christmas candy. In fact, if you know how to melt chocolate, you're halfway there! I've been making these little no-bake treats for years because they're kid-friendly and look exceptionally cute on a cookie plate. Just toss all the crunchy bits together with the chocolate, decorate with festive Christmas sprinkles, and you're practically done.

Speaking of the crunchy bits, in addition to the chow mein noodles, these chocolate treats are made with two types of nuts—pistachios and almonds. I love using salted nuts in candy because the salt helps balance out all the richness and sweetness. In this recipe, I use salted almonds and unsalted pistachios, but you can switch it up how you like. Wrap up some of these treats as a sweet homemade Christmas gift and deliver them to your neighbors!

What can you use instead of almonds and pistachios in holiday haystacks?

If you're not a fan of almonds and pistachios, you can swap either of the nuts for peanuts or roughly chopped cashews or pecans. As long as you end up with 1 cup total, you'll be set.

Can you melt the chocolate in the microwave?

Yes, you can. I usually melt my chocolate on the stove using the double boiler method because it gives me more control against scorching the chocolate. But you can certainly microwave it if you want. Place the chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl, and microwave it in 30-second intervals at 50% power until melted and smooth, stirring between each round. Patience is key here! You want the chocolate to melt slowly so it doesn't burn.

How do you store holiday haystacks?

Haystacks will keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or in the refrigerator for up to one week. They will keep in an airtight container in the freezer for up to three months.