No Bake Chocolate Haystack Cookies

A recipe for no bake chocolate haystack cookies that is super simple to make and a great treat for Christmas or winter parties.

Looking for a delicious and easy no-bake treat to make this weekend? Look no further than these Chocolate Haystack Cookies! They’re a breeze to put together and taste amazing.

Chocolate haystacks are a pretty common recipe, the version I am sharing today was given to my dad by our neighbour back in the 1990s. They’ve been a favourite of mine ever since. I am not sure about the exact origins of this recipe, but I haven’t changed a thing, they are perfect!

These quintessential no-bake cookies are the perfect dessert for when it’s too hot to turn on your oven. These no bake haystack cookies are a sweet treat that will be gone before you know it so make sure you share them with friends and family — or enjoy all by yourself!

Why You will Love these Chocolate Haystack Cookies with Coconut

• So much Chocolate
• Have I mentioned No Baking?
• Super easy recipe
• C.H.O.C.O.L.A.T.E.
• Great way to satisfy a sweet tooth
• Made with simple ingredients
• Fun cookies to make with kids!
• Always a huge hit for any occasion (or no occasional at all!)
• Perfect for a cookie exchange.

Tips for Making the BEST No Bake Chocolate Cookies

• Be sure to use exact measurements of all ingredients.
• Traditionally these no bake treats are formed quickly into actual mounds or little haystacks. I like to press them into an actual cookie shape when I make these as they are easier and less messy to eat this way.
• If your mixture starts to cool too much and gets too crumbly to work with, throw the mixture in the microwave for about 35 seconds and you should be set to go. This is why you want to use a large microwave-safe bowl.
• Make sure the syrup comes to a boil, and do not let it boil for much longer. You need the sugar to dissolve completely.
• Allow the cookies to set at room temperature,do not refrigerate or they may not set properly.

Why are my No Bake Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies Crumbly?

The most common problem people seem to have when making no bake cookies is getting crumbly cookies or cookies that just do not set. From experience, the two main issues you want to avoid include:

1. You might think that measuring ingredients is an easy task, but it can happen to the best of us. Carefully measure your ingredients so you have the correct ratio of dry and wet ingredients.

2. Over boiling the syrup mixture. Once it comes to a boil and the sugar is dissolved then you are set to go. Do not let it continue to cook over the heat.

Serve these Chocolate Haystack Cookies for Christmas!

These cookies belong on your Christmas cookie plate. They are a favourite of everyone, but kids especially love these cookies. I was always a little picky about Christmas cookies as a kid, but never with these. They are a tasty christmas time treat that you can enjoy all year long.

You can add some festive sprinkles before the chocolate has set for more fun over the holiday season when making these cookies.

How to Store Chocolate Haystack Cookies

Chocolate haystack cookies are best stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to a week. If you can store them somewhere dry, dark and cooler they will last much longer if properly stored in an airtight container. Do not store in the fridge.

You can also freeze them for up to 3 months. You will need to freeze them laid out on a baking sheet and then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to enjoy, defrost the cookies on the counter for a few hours.

About the Ingredients for Chocolate Haystack Cookies

These simple no bake oatmeal cookies require only a few pantry ingredients:

Oats – You need to use rolled oats or quick oats. Instant oats work too. Do not use steel cut oats.

Coconut – This recipe requires shredded coconut, I prefer to use sweetened shredded coconut, but unsweetened shredded coconut is fine too. The unsweetened coconut is a great option when you want to tone down the sweetness of the cookies.

Cocoa Powder – Make sure you use unsweetened cocoa powder and not hot chocolate mix.

Salt – Makes the cookies shine.

Sugar – White granulated sugar only.

Butter – I usually make these with salted butter and they turn out just fine.

Milk – Any milk fat percentage will work, and while I haven’t tried non-dairy milk that should work too.

Vanilla extract – Pure vanilla extract is best but artificial is fine too.

Optional – You can also mix in a half cup of creamy peanut butter if you like the chocolate peanut butter thing. (Who doesn’t?)

Looking for More Delicious Cookie Recipes?

Check out some more of my favourite cookie recipes!

These melt-in-your-mouth Lemon Crinkle Cookies are absolutely dreamy. This cookie recipe is one of my favourites, I could have these for dessert everyday and be happy!

This recipe for chocolate turtle cookies is full of chocolate, caramel and pecan goodness! Easy to make and fun to eat cookie recipe.

Light and flavorful with a dash of citrusy flavours, this orange carrot cookies recipe is worth a shot when you’re in the mood to bake!

No Bake Chocolate Haystack Cookies

Yields: 24 Cookies | Prep time: 15 Mins | Cook time: 5 Mins

Ingredients:

3 Cups Rolled Oats
1 Cup Sweetened Shredded Coconut
6 Tablespoons Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
1 teaspoon salt
2 Cups Granulated sugar
1/2 Cup Unsalted Butter
1/2 Cup Milk
1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract

Directions:

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a sheet of wax paper.

Mix oats, coconut, cocoa powder, and salt in a large microwavable bowl until combined. Set aside.

Place sugar, butter, and milk in a medium saucepan and bring it to a boil over medium-high heat.

Remove from heat, stir in the vanilla.

Pour the syrup into the bowl with the dry ingredients, and stir to combine well.

Let set 2-3 Minutes.

Drop onto the paper using an ice scream scoop.

Notes:

You can flatten the cookies, or leave them as “haystacks”.

For Sprinkled cookies, srinkle the cookies before they completely set and then flatten with the bottom of a clean glass.

If the mixture starts to get too crumbly to form the cookies, place the mixture in the microwave for 35 seconds.