Haystack cookies are chewy no‑bake chocolate cookies made with oats and coconut. They use simple pantry ingredients, are quick to prepare, and are a hit with both kids and adults.
No Bake Haystack Cookies
Haystack cookies — sometimes called macaroons (not to be confused with French macarons) or no‑bake chocolate oatmeal cookies — are a classic, easy treat. They take about 10 minutes to prepare and combine chocolate, oats, and coconut for a chewy, fudgy bite.
These cookies were a childhood favorite in my family. My grandmother used to make huge batches and we’d leave with a pail full. Now my cousin Tanya often makes them at Christmas, and I always look forward to them.
Instead of waiting for the holidays, here’s a simple description and recipe so you can make them any time. The basic method is straightforward:
- Combine the oats and shredded coconut in a bowl.
- In a medium saucepan, add butter, milk, cocoa powder, and sugar.
- Heat gently, whisking as the ingredients melt, then bring to a rolling boil and maintain for 5 minutes while whisking to avoid scorching.
- Remove from heat and pour the hot chocolate mixture over the oats and coconut, stirring until well combined.
- Drop tablespoon-sized portions onto a sheet lined with wax paper and refrigerate until set, about 30 minutes.
The main tip is to whisk gently while the chocolate mixture comes to a boil so the milk doesn’t scorch. Once mixed with the oats and coconut, the batter is ready to portion and chill.
What oats should you use? Quick oats or old‑fashioned rolled oats both work well. I don’t recommend steel‑cut oats because they stay too firm and won’t give the right chewy texture.
For coconut, either sweetened or unsweetened shredded coconut is fine — choose based on your preference for sweetness.
These cookies deliver a fudgy chocolate flavor with a pleasant chewy crunch from the oats and coconut. They’re quick, forgiving, and perfect for when you want a no‑bake treat. Whether they bring back memories from childhood or are new to you, they’re worth trying — simple to make and reliably delicious.
Haystack Cookies
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Ingredients
- 3 cups oats*
- 1 cup shredded coconut**
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 2 cups sugar
Instructions
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In a medium bowl, stir together the oats and shredded coconut.
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Combine butter, milk, cocoa powder, and sugar in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
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Whisk gently as the butter melts and ingredients combine, then bring to a full boil and continue boiling for 5 minutes, whisking occasionally to prevent burning.
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Pour the hot chocolate mixture over the oats and coconut and stir until evenly coated.
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Drop tablespoon-sized mounds onto a baking sheet lined with wax paper. Refrigerate for about 30 minutes until set.
Notes
**Use sweetened or unsweetened shredded coconut to taste.
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