As the holiday season approaches, the sweet aroma of treats fills the air, and I find myself daydreaming about festive desserts that not only taste incredible but are also simple to whip up. Enter my new favorite creation: Holiday Haystack Ting-a-Lings. Imagine the delightful crunch of chow mein noodles coated in silky chocolate, mingling with the earthy richness of Nutella and the satisfying crunch of hazelnuts.
I first stumbled upon this recipe while searching for a fun way to involve my kids in the kitchen, and boy, did we strike gold! Less than 30 minutes of prep is all it takes for this fun treat, and best of all, they’re a visual feast with cheerful red and green M&M’s that capture the spirit of the season. Whether you’re looking to impress at a holiday gathering or simply craving a delightful homemade snack, these little wonders are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. So, let’s dive into making some magical moments with these splendid Holiday Haystack Ting-a-Lings!
Why will you love Holiday Haystack Ting-a-Lings?
Delightful Crunch: The unique combination of chow mein noodles creates an exciting texture that you won’t find in typical holiday treats.
Easily Accessible Ingredients: Packed with pantry staples, these morsels are quick to prepare, making them perfect for last-minute festivities.
Kid-Friendly Fun: Involve your little ones while crafting these treats—watch their faces light up as they combine and scoop!
Visual Appeal: The vibrant red and green M&M’s not only enhance flavor but also add a cheerful touch that brightens any dessert table.
Sweet and Savory Harmony: The rich blend of Nutella and hazelnuts introduces a perfect balance that will leave you craving more.
Crowd-Pleaser: These delightful bites are sure to impress guests, making them a hit at holiday gatherings or festive parties! For more scrumptious holiday ideas, check out some of these festive treats.
Holiday Haystack Ting-a-Lings Ingredients
• Get ready to create a treat that brings joy!
- 12 oz chow mein noodles – perfect for that delightful crunch.
- 11 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips – enhances the sweetness without being overly rich.
- 3/4 cup Nutella hazelnut spread – adds a creamy, nutty flavor that elevates the treats.
- 1/2 cup hazelnuts – chopped, for a satisfying bite and nutty goodness.
- 1/2 cup red and green M&M candies – festive colors bring cheer to your holiday collection!
How to Make Holiday Haystack Ting-a-Lings
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Combine ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, gently mix together the chow mein noodles, chopped hazelnuts, and M&M candies. Ensure everything is evenly distributed for fabulous flavor in every bite!
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Melt chocolate: In a separate microwave-safe bowl, melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips in 30-second intervals. Stir after each interval until the chocolate is silky smooth and completely melted.
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Mix in Nutella: Stir the Nutella hazelnut spread into the melted chocolate until fully combined. This rich, creamy mixture will bring a luscious texture to your Holiday Haystack Ting-a-Lings.
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Coat noodles: Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the chow mein noodle combination. With a gentle hand, stir until every noodle is evenly coated in the delicious chocolate-hazelnut mix.
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Scoop onto baking sheet: Using a spoon, drop generous spoonfuls of the mixture onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Leave some space between each mound to allow for slight spreading.
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Set to firm: Let the mixture set at room temperature for about 60 minutes, or until firm to the touch. You can also pop them into the refrigerator for quicker setting if you can’t wait!
Optional: Drizzle more melted chocolate on top for an extra touch of indulgence.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Holiday Haystack Ting-a-Lings Variations
Feel free to get creative with these delightful treats—each variation adds a unique twist to the classic flavor!
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Nut-Free: Replace hazelnuts with sunflower seeds for a nut-free option that still offers a satisfying crunch.
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Dark Chocolate Lux: Swap semi-sweet chocolate chips for dark chocolate chips to deepen the flavor profile, balancing sweetness with a rich cocoa taste.
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Fruity Surprise: Add 1/2 cup of dried cranberries or cherries for a burst of fruity flavor that complements the sweetness beautifully.
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Coconut Bliss: Stir in 1/2 cup of unsweetened shredded coconut for a tropical twist that brings a chewy texture to the mix.
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Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper into the chocolate mix for an unexpected heat that elevates the flavor experience.
Mixing different ingredients not only enhances the flavor but also lets you personalize these snacks for festive gatherings.
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Peanut Butter Delight: Blend 1/4 cup of peanut butter into the melted chocolate for an irresistible nutty flavor that both kids and adults will adore.
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Salted Caramel Drizzle: Once set, drizzle with melted caramel and a sprinkle of sea salt to create a gourmet touch that takes these treats to the next level.
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Cookie Crunch: Crush up your favorite cookies and mix them in for an added crunch and extra flavor complexity that teases the palate.
Expert Tips for Holiday Haystack Ting-a-Lings
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Perfect Coating: Ensure the chocolate is fully melted and smooth, as lumps can lead to uneven coating of the chow mein noodles.
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Mix Gently: When combining the ingredients, be gentle. Over-mixing can break the noodles and create a less appealing texture in your Holiday Haystack Ting-a-Lings.
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Chill for Quick Set: If you’re in a hurry, pop the baking sheet in the fridge instead of waiting at room temperature. They’ll firm up faster, but don’t rush it too much!
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Use Quality Chocolate: Opt for high-quality semi-sweet chocolate chips for a richer taste. Cheap chocolate can lead to a waxy texture that diminishes flavor.
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Creative Additions: Feel free to mix in dried fruits or other nuts to personalize your treats. Just remember—they’ll still be called Holiday Haystack Ting-a-Lings!
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Storage Tips: Store them in an airtight container at room temperature. If they last longer than a few days, refrigerate to maintain freshness.
Storage Tips for Holiday Haystack Ting-a-Lings
Room Temperature: Keep your Holiday Haystack Ting-a-Lings in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their delightful crunch.
Fridge: If you’d like to keep them fresh for longer, store in the fridge where they can last up to a week without losing their taste.
Freezer: For extended storage, freeze them in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before enjoying!
Reheating: There’s no need to heat these treats; enjoy them straight from the fridge or at room temperature for the best flavor and texture!
Make Ahead Options
These delightful Holiday Haystack Ting-a-Lings are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts looking to save time during the festive rush! You can prepare the mixture of chow mein noodles, chopped hazelnuts, and M&M candies up to 24 hours in advance—just store it in an airtight container. To maintain freshness and prevent the chocolate from hardening prematurely, melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips and mix in the Nutella just before you’re ready to assemble. When you’re set to serve, simply coat the noodle mixture with the chocolate-hazelnut blend, scoop onto the baking sheet, and allow them to set. This way, you’ll have a delicious homemade treat ready to impress with minimal last-minute effort!
What to Serve with Holiday Haystack Ting-a-Lings?
Elevate your festive gathering with delightful accompaniments that perfectly balance the sweetness of these treats.
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Hot Cocoa: The rich, velvety warmth of hot cocoa complements the crunchy sweetness, creating a cozy holiday experience. Topped with whipped cream, it becomes the ultimate treat pairing!
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Spiced Apple Cider: This fragrant drink harmonizes beautifully with the nutty flavors, adding a warm spice that pairs well with the chocolate goodness.
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Fresh Fruit Salad: Bright, juicy fruits add a refreshing touch, cutting through the sweetness while delivering a burst of natural flavor. Think crisp apples and tart berries!
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Gingerbread Cookies: The festive spices of gingerbread resonate with the holiday spirit, creating a delightful contrast to the creamy chocolatey pieces.
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Mini Cheesecakes: Rich and creamy, mini cheesecakes deliver a decadent hosting option that beautifully complements the textural crunch of haystack treats.
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Nutty Coffee: Pair with a warm cup of nutty-flavored coffee to enhance the hazelnut richness of your Holiday Haystack Ting-a-Lings. This combo is perfect for a post-dinner treat!
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Holiday Punch: A fruity and refreshing punch adds a celebratory flair, offering a delicious balance to the sweetness of these festive snacks.
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Chocolate Dipped Fruit: For a more indulgent treat, serve chocolate-dipped strawberries or bananas. Their sweetness pairs wonderfully with the haystack texture.
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Ice Cream Sundaes: Create a fun dessert station where guests can top vanilla scoops with bits of Holiday Haystack Ting-a-Lings for a touch of holiday magic!
Holiday Haystack Ting-a-Lings Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the best chow mein noodles?
Absolutely! Look for chow mein noodles that are crispy and have a light golden color. Avoid any that appear dark or have a stale texture. If you’re using fresh noodles, they should be firm and free from moisture.
Can I store Holiday Haystack Ting-a-Lings, and for how long?
Yes, you sure can! Keep your Holiday Haystack Ting-a-Lings in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to extend their freshness, they can be stored in the fridge for up to a week. Just ensure they are properly sealed to avoid drying out.
What’s the best way to freeze Holiday Haystack Ting-a-Lings?
To freeze your delightful treats, first allow them to fully set at room temperature. Then, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, ensuring they don’t touch each other. Freeze for about 2 hours, until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them in the fridge or at room temperature!
What if the chocolate mixture seems too thick to coat the noodles?
If your chocolate-Nutella mixture is too thick, don’t worry! You can gently reheat it in the microwave in 10-second intervals until it becomes pourable. Be cautious not to overheat; you want it smooth and silky. Once it’s loosened up, pour it over your chow mein noodles and stir until thoroughly coated.
Are there any allergy considerations with Holiday Haystack Ting-a-Lings?
Absolutely! Since this recipe contains hazelnuts, individuals with nut allergies should avoid these treats or substitute with allergy-friendly ingredients. You can use sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds to achieve a similar crunch without the allergenic risk. Always check the labels on your chocolate and Nutella for potential cross-contamination with allergens.
Indulgent Holiday Haystack Ting-a-Lings for Festive Cheer
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large mixing bowl, gently mix together the chow mein noodles, chopped hazelnuts, and M&M candies. Ensure everything is evenly distributed for fabulous flavor in every bite!
- In a separate microwave-safe bowl, melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips in 30-second intervals. Stir after each interval until the chocolate is silky smooth.
- Stir the Nutella hazelnut spread into the melted chocolate until fully combined.
- Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the chow mein noodle combination. Stir until every noodle is evenly coated.
- Using a spoon, drop generous spoonfuls of the mixture onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Let the mixture set at room temperature for about 60 minutes, or until firm to the touch.
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