Chocolate Chow Mein Cookie Clusters
Crunchy meets sweet in these no-bake Chocolate Chow Mein Cookie Clusters—lightly crispy chow mein noodles coated in rich semi-sweet chocolate and gooey marshmallows for an irresistible snack or dessert that’s quick, easy, and customizable.
- Author: Lina
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes (including chilling)
- Yield: Approximately 24 clusters 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Not gluten-free by default (contains wheat in chow mein noodles); can be gluten-free if using gluten-free chow mein noodles
Main Ingredients
- 3 cups chow mein noodles (light and crunchy base)
- 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup mini marshmallows or 3/4 cup marshmallow fluff
- 3 tablespoons butter or margarine
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Add-ins
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (almonds, peanuts, or cashews)
- 1/4 cup sprinkles or crushed candy canes (for festive touch)
- 1 tablespoon peanut butter (for peanut butter swirl variation)
- Melt the Chocolate Mixture: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips, butter, and mini marshmallows or marshmallow fluff. Heat in 20-second intervals, stirring well each time until the mixture is fully melted and smooth, forming the glue that holds the clusters together.
- Add Vanilla Extract: Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to enhance the chocolate’s flavor and add a warm, inviting aroma.
- Fold in Chow Mein Noodles: Gently fold the chow mein noodles (and optional nuts or sprinkles if using) into the chocolate mixture, making sure each noodle is coated but still retains its crispiness for perfect texture.
- Spoon Onto a Baking Sheet: Drop small mounds (about a tablespoon each) of the mixture onto parchment paper-lined baking sheets. Space them slightly apart to prevent sticking as they set.
- Chill Until Firm: Place the baking sheets in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the clusters to harden and hold their shape. Once firm, the clusters are ready to enjoy.
Notes
- Use fresh chow mein noodles to ensure maximum crunch; stale noodles can become chewy.
- Melt the chocolate mixture carefully in short bursts to avoid burning and keep it smooth.
- Prepare your baking sheet ahead of time to work quickly, as the clusters set fast once combined.
- Experiment with different types of chocolate (semi-sweet, bittersweet, or white) and add-ins to customize sweetness and flavor.
- Store clusters in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain crispness and freshness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cluster (approx. 20g)
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 35mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: Chocolate snacks, no bake cookies, chow mein clusters, easy dessert, quick treats, crunchy chocolate clusters