Short Description
Butterscotch Crunchies are an easy, no-bake treat made with crispy cereal, creamy butterscotch chips, and a hint of peanut butter for a sweet and crunchy bite. These nostalgic cookies are perfect for holiday platters, bake sales, or a quick dessert when you need something delicious in a hurry!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No baking required – quick and easy to make
- Crunchy and chewy with a rich butterscotch flavor
- Minimal ingredients – just a few pantry staples
- Perfect for holidays, parties, or an everyday treat
- Customizable with different mix-ins like nuts or chocolate
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Butterscotch chips
- Peanut butter (creamy or crunchy)
- Chow mein noodles or crispy rice cereal
- Peanuts or chopped pecans (optional)
- Vanilla extract (optional, for extra flavor)
Directions
- Melt the Butterscotch & Peanut Butter
- In a microwave-safe bowl or using a double boiler, melt the butterscotch chips and peanut butter together, stirring until smooth.
- Mix in the Crunchy Ingredients
- Stir in the chow mein noodles or crispy rice cereal, ensuring everything is well coated.
- If using, fold in chopped nuts for extra crunch.
- Form the Cookies
- Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Shape into clusters and let them cool at room temperature or in the fridge until set.
- Serve & Enjoy
- Once firm, enjoy these crunchy butterscotch treats!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: About 24 cookies
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Chill Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Variations
- Chocolate Twist: Mix in melted chocolate chips for a chocolate-butterscotch combo.
- Nut-Free Version: Skip the peanut butter or use sunflower seed butter.
- Salted Butterscotch: Sprinkle a little sea salt on top for a sweet-salty contrast.
- Marshmallow Mix-In: Stir in mini marshmallows for extra chewiness.
- Coconut Crunch: Add shredded coconut for extra texture.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or in the fridge for 2 weeks.
- Freezing: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before eating.
FAQs
Can I use different types of cereal?
Yes! Rice Krispies, cornflakes, or even pretzel pieces work well.
Can I substitute the peanut butter?
Yes, you can use almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter for a nut-free option.
Do these need to be refrigerated?
They set at room temperature, but chilling them helps them firm up faster.
What can I serve these with?
They pair well with coffee, hot chocolate, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
How do I prevent them from being too sticky?
Make sure the butterscotch mixture is fully melted and evenly coats the cereal.
Can I make these in advance?
Yes! They last up to a week, making them great for holiday prep.
Can I use white chocolate instead of butterscotch?
Absolutely! White chocolate chips create a different but equally delicious flavor.
Why did my butterscotch chips seize up?
Overheating can cause them to clump. Melt them slowly and stir frequently.
Can I make these smaller for bite-sized treats?
Yes! Just use a teaspoon instead of a tablespoon when scooping them out.
Are these gluten-free?
Most chow mein noodles contain gluten, but you can use gluten-free rice cereal instead.
Conclusion
Butterscotch Crunchies are an easy, no-bake dessert that’s crispy, sweet, and full of butterscotch goodness. Whether you make them for the holidays, a party, or just a quick snack, they’re sure to be a hit. Try different mix-ins to customize them to your taste and enjoy a crunchy, chewy treat in no time!
PrintButterscotch Crunchies
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12–15 crunchies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Description
These no-bake butterscotch crunchies are made with crispy cereal, melted butterscotch chips, and peanut butter for a quick and tasty dessert or snack!
Ingredients
- 1 (11-ounce) bag butterscotch chips
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 3 cups cornflakes (or crispy chow mein noodles)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Melt butterscotch chips and peanut butter: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butterscotch chips and peanut butter together in 30-second intervals, stirring after each until smooth. (Alternatively, melt in a saucepan over low heat.)
- Add vanilla and salt (if using), then stir in the cornflakes or chow mein noodles until fully coated.
- Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Let set: Allow the crunchies to cool and harden at room temperature (about 30 minutes) or place them in the fridge for quicker setting.
- Enjoy! Store in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge.
Notes
- Use Rice Krispies instead of cornflakes for a different crunch.
- Add ½ cup chopped nuts or mini marshmallows for extra texture.
- Melted chocolate can be drizzled on top for extra sweetness!
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