Name: Holiday Haystack Ting-a-Lings
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 80 min
Ingredients: 12 oz chow mein noodles; 11 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips; 3/4 cup Nutella hazelnut spread; 1/2 cup hazelnuts – chopped ((or any nut of your choosing)); 1/2 cup red and green M&M candies ((mini or regular))

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When it comes to holiday treats, few things can match the joy that comes from making Haystack Ting-a-Lings. This whimsical dessert not only brings a cheerful pop of colors to your holiday spread but also delivers a delightful crunch and melt-in-your-mouth goodness. I first stumbled upon this recipe during a festive gathering, and it quickly became a family favorite. Packed with crunchy chow mein noodles, rich Nutella, and vibrant M&M candies, it’s the perfect no-bake treat to whip up in a jiffy when you’re short on time but still want to impress your guests.

Why you’ll love this dish

Holiday Haystack Ting-a-Lings are the ultimate holiday treat for several reasons. First off, they’re incredibly easy to make, requiring no baking—just a bit of melting and mixing. This means you can spend more time enjoying the festivities instead of slaving away in the kitchen. They’re also versatile enough to cater to diverse taste buds! The combination of chocolate, hazelnuts, and festive colors makes every bite feel special, whether you’re serving them at a holiday party, a family gathering, or even as a last-minute gift for neighbors.

"These haystacks are not only cute but absolutely delicious. My kids had a blast helping make them, and they disappeared in a flash at the party!" – Happy Home Baker

Step-by-step overview

Making Holiday Haystack Ting-a-Lings is a breeze, and your kitchen will be filled with delightful aromas in no time. The entire process is simple and quick. Start by melting the chocolate, then mix in the Nutella, and finally, combine it all with your chow mein noodles and nuts for a crunchy dessert. Once you’ve shaped them into delightful haystack mounds, a pop of festive M&M candies completes this cheerful treat!

What you’ll need

Gather these essential ingredients before starting your culinary adventure:

12 oz can chow mein noodles
11 oz bag semi-sweet chocolate chips
3/4 cup Nutella hazelnut spread
1/2 cup hazelnuts – chopped (or any nut of your choosing)
1/2 cup red and green M&M candies (mini or regular)

Feel free to mix it up; if you prefer a different nut or want to add coconut flakes for a tropical twist, go for it!

Step-by-step instructions

Holiday Haystack Ting-a-Lings festive treats recipe

Here’s how to whip up these scrumptious haystacks in no time:

Pour the chow mein noodles into a large mixing bowl and set aside.
Melt the chocolate chips using a double boiler over medium heat. Stir occasionally until fully melted, and then remove from heat.
Add the Nutella spread to the melted chocolate and mix until well combined.
Pour this luscious mixture over the chow mein noodles and gently toss to coat.
Incorporate the chopped hazelnuts (or your chosen nuts) and mix to distribute evenly.
Line a cookie sheet with wax or parchment paper. Using a tablespoon, drop mounds of the mixture onto the lined sheet.
Before the chocolate hardens, sprinkle each haystack with red and green M&M candies. Feel free to use mini or regular candies—both work well!
Place the tray in the refrigerator for about an hour to let the chocolate harden completely.
Once set, serve and ENJOY your festive treat!

How to serve Holiday Haystack Ting-a-Lings!

These delightful haystacks are perfect for serving on a decorative platter with other holiday treats. You can also package them in festive cellophane bags tied with a ribbon for easy gift-giving! Consider pairing these treats with a warm cup of hot cocoa or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience that your guests will absolutely love.

Storage and reheating tips

To keep your Haystack Ting-a-Lings fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to a month. Just layer them between sheets of wax paper in the container to avoid sticking. Let them thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy!

Helpful cooking tips

If you want to enhance your holiday treat experience, here are a few tips:

Ensure the chocolate is smooth by not rushing the melting process. Stir frequently to maintain an even consistency.
Try different nuts based on your family’s preferences! Almonds, pecans, or even walnuts can work beautifully.
Get the little ones involved—they can help with sprinkling the M&M’s and forming the haystacks for a fun family activity!

Creative twists

Feel free to get creative with these haystacks! Consider adding shredded coconut for a tropical flavor or using white chocolate chips for a lighter color contrast. You could even blend in some dried fruits like cranberries or raisins for an added chewiness that pairs wonderfully with the crunchy noodles and nuts.

Your questions answered

1. How long does it take to prepare these haystacks?
The total time for making Haystack Ting-a-Lings is about 15-20 minutes, plus an additional hour for chilling.

2. Can I substitute the nuts?
Absolutely! If hazelnuts aren’t your favorite, feel free to swap them for peanuts, almonds, or any nut you love.

3. Are these haystacks gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free chow mein noodles, this treat can easily fit into a gluten-free diet.

Now that you have all the information you need, it’s time to gather your ingredients and delight in making these festive Holiday Haystack Ting-a-Lings. Happy baking!