Why I Love Chow Mein Candy
This homemade chow mein candy is quick to make and perfect for holiday baking and gift-giving. Crispy chow mein noodles and crunchy peanuts (if you choose to add them) get coated in a rich blend of semi-sweet chocolate and butterscotch, creating sweet, crunchy clusters that are addictive. The combination of textures — crisp noodles, smooth chocolate, and the slight chew from the butterscotch — makes these candies a memorable snack for parties, cookie exchanges, or a simple family treat.
What makes this recipe especially appealing is its simplicity: three main ingredients, minimal equipment, and no tempering required. It’s an ideal recipe for bakers of any skill level and it scales easily if you need more for a crowd. Below you’ll find the concise ingredient list, clear step-by-step instructions, and practical tips for successful results every time.
More Christmas Candies
- Peppermint marshmallows
- Saltine toffee
- Chocolate and peanut butter fudge
- Three decadent truffles
Have I Convinced You to Make This Recipe?
I hope you give this chow mein candy a try and add it to your holiday lineup. If you make it, please leave a comment and share a star rating so others know how it turned out for you. Your feedback helps other home cooks decide whether this recipe is right for their gatherings and gift boxes.
Chow Mein Candy
Ingredients
- 12 oz semi-sweet chocolate
- 11 oz butterscotch chips
- 4 cups chow mein noodles
Instructions
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Place the semi-sweet chocolate and butterscotch chips in a heatproof bowl. Set the bowl over a pan of simmering water so the bottom of the bowl does not touch the water (double boiler method). Stir frequently until both chocolates are fully melted and the mixture is smooth and glossy.12 oz semi-sweet chocolate, 11 oz butterscotch chips
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Remove the bowl from heat. Add the chow mein noodles and gently fold until every noodle is coated with the chocolate mixture. Work carefully to avoid crushing the noodles; use a spatula or large spoon to combine.4 cups chow mein noodles
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Using two spoons or a small cookie scoop, drop about 2 tablespoons of the coated noodle mixture onto parchment-lined baking sheets, spacing the clusters so they don’t touch. If desired, press a few extra noodles on top to create attractive clusters.
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Allow the clusters to cool at room temperature until the chocolate sets. You can speed this up by placing the trays in the refrigerator for about 10–15 minutes.
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Store the candies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week, or chill and store for up to 3 weeks. Separate layers with parchment or wax paper to prevent sticking.
Tips for Success
- Use a dry, clean bowl when melting chocolate; any moisture can cause the chocolate to seize.
- If you prefer a nuttier texture, fold in 1 to 1 1/2 cups of roasted peanuts or chopped nuts of your choice.
- For a prettier finish, drizzle a little melted white chocolate over cooled clusters for contrast.
- Work quickly once the chocolate is melted — chilling the mixture briefly can make it easier to handle if it starts to firm up.
Variations and Serving Ideas
Try swapping some semi-sweet chocolate for milk chocolate for a sweeter profile, or add a pinch of flaky sea salt on top of each cluster for a sweet-salty balance. These candies make excellent gifts when placed in decorative tins or cellophane bags and tied with ribbon. They’re also a fun addition to holiday dessert tables or snack platters.
Nutrition
Calories: 164 kcal
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.
Did you make this? Leave a comment below!