Chow Mein Noodle Cookies for Christmas
No Bake Chow Mein Noodle Christmas Cookies with Peanut Butter and Caramel
The secret to these salty and sweet caramel chow mein noodle cookies is of course the chow mein noodles. These no bake Christmas cookies have a mouthwatering sweet and salty flavour and lots of crunch. You can make them as is, or add chocolate and a dusting of icing sugar to make them extra appealing Christmas Cookies.
Why Use No Bake Recipes for Christmas
I am a baker, I love to bake, and everyone around me during the holidays knows the baked treats are at Leanna’s house. But, I like to offer a wide variety of nibbles, my family each have their annual favorites they look for, buttertarts (Damien), date squares (Hubs), chocolate chip sandies (Jared), gingerbead (Brandon) and so forth. But besides these traditional treats I want to have a wide variety of sweet treats for my family to try. Once upon a time I would bake until 4 am without any issues, but I just don’t have that level of energy anymore (sigh). Now I can spend one day making easy no bake recipes to compliment the fancier recipes. I still get to share lots of variety, my Christmas treat trays are still pretty, and I don’t get crabby from being worn out.
After all that, lets start the recipe.
Caramel Peanut Chew Christmas Cookies Ingredients
- 28 caramels unwrapped (250g or 8 oz)
- 3 tbsp of butter
- 3 tbsp of water
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup smooth peanut butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 cups fried chow mein noodles
- 1/2 cup salted peanuts, chopped
- Optional 1/4 cup melted chocolate, sprinkles or icing sugar
Note: I gave three measurements for the caramels as the size of each caramel as well as the package depends on the brand you purchase.
How to Make No Bake Caramel Peanut Chew Christmas Cookies
Step One – Preparation
Line a large cookie sheet with parchment paper. Butter the parchment paper well. Butter either a cookie scoop or tablespoon and set aside.
Chop the peanuts and set aside.
Chop the chowmein noodles and set aside.
Step Two- Melt Caramels
In the top of a double boiler or a large bowl over boiling water, melt the butter. Unwrap the caramels and add to the butter. Add the water and melt over medium low heat. Stir constantly until the caramel is melted and the mixture is smooth. Mine took 10 minutes to melt.
Step Three – Add the Crunchy Salty Goodness
Add the peanut butter and vanilla, stir to combine. then add the chow mein noodles and salted chopped peanuts.
Note: If your bowl isn’t large enough for the peanuts and chow mein noodles. Place the peanuts of noodles into a large buttered bowl and then pour the buttery caramel mixture over top instead.
Step Four – Pan the Caramel Peanut Chews
Work quickly to have the cookies panned before they cool and harden. Scoop heaping tablespoons of the cookies onto your cookie sheet. Let cool.
Step Five – Decorate for Christmas Cookies
Decorating these no bake cookies is optional, but I like to make them into extra special Christmas cookie by adding chocolate. You can drizzle/coat them with melted chocolate, sprinkle them with Christmas sprinkles, or sift icing sugar over the top.
Makes 20 – 24 cookies.
Cover and place in the fridge to chill for a half an hour until set.
Chow Mein Noodle Cookie Video
A quick video that outlines all the basic steps to making these quick no bake cookies.
Storing and Freezing Caramel Chow Mein Noodle Cookies
This recipe is pretty small so we rarely have had to store these cookies. If you do want to store them they can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container, or you can place them in an air tight container in the fridge for longer than a week. These no bake chow mein noodles can also be frozen in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
No Bake Chow Mein Noodle Christmas Cookies
Ingredients
- 28 caramels unwrapped 250g or 8 oz
- 3 tbsp of butter
- 3 tbsp of water
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ cup smooth peanut butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 cups fried chow mein noodles
- ½ cup salted peanuts chopped
- Optional 1/4 cup melted chocolate sprinkles or icing sugar
Instructions
Step One – Preparation
- Line a large cookie sheet with parchment paper. Butter the parchment paper well. Butter either a cookie scoop or tablespoon and set aside.
- Chop the peanuts and set aside.
- Chop the chowmein noodles and set aside.
Step Two- Melt Caramels
- In the top of a double boiler or a large bowl over boiling water, melt the butter. Unwrap the caramels and add to the butter. Add the water and melt over medium low heat. Stir constantly until the caramel is melted and the mixture is smooth. Mine took 10 minutes to melt.
Step Three – Add the Crunchy Salty Goodness
- Add the peanut butter and vanilla, stir to combine. then add the chow mein noodles and salted chopped peanuts.
- Note: If your bowl isn’t large enough for the peanuts and chow mein noodles. Place the peanuts of noodles into a large buttered bowl and then pour the buttery caramel mixture over top instead.
Step Four – No Bake Chow Mein Noodle Cookies
- Work quickly to have the cookies panned before they cool and harden. Scoop heaping tablespoons of the cookies onto your cookie sheet. Let cool.
Step Five – Decorate for Christmas Cookies
- Decorating these no bake cookies is optional, but I like to make them into extra special Christmas cookie by adding chocolate. You can drizzle/coat them with melted chocolate, sprinkle them with Christmas sprinkles, or sift icing sugar over the top.
Other Christmas Cookies to Try
Shortbread Macaroon Christmas Cookies
These are very special macaroon Christmas cookies featuring a shortbread bottom, caramel macaroon filling, chocolate drizzle and just a touch of sea salt goodness.
Chocolate Peanut Butter Pretzel Christmas Cookies
Another salty no bake Christmas cookie with peanut butter and chocolate. These cookies are sandwiched between salty pretzels for extra crunch and flavour.