Chinese Spiders
Sweet and savory Chinese Spiders combine chocolate, butterscotch, peanuts, and noodles for a crunchy treat that appeals to all ages and is perfect for snacking or gifting.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Melt the chocolate chips and butterscotch chips together.
- Add the dry roasted peanuts and Chinese noodles to the melted mixture.
- Drop spoonfuls onto wax paper.
- Refrigerate until set.
Tips & Substitutions
For the best texture, ensure the chocolate and butterscotch chips are fully melted before mixing in the peanuts and noodles. If you're looking for a nut-free option, you can substitute the dry roasted peanuts with sunflower seeds. These treats can also be made with semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips for a richer flavor. Consider adding a pinch of sea salt to enhance the sweetness.
Serving Suggestions
Chinese Spiders are a delightful treat on their own, but they pair wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee. You can also serve them alongside other festive treats like Chinese New Years Cookies for a fun dessert platter. These no-bake delights are perfect for gatherings, and you can even sprinkle some extra peanuts on top for added crunch.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Chinese Spiders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to three months. To enjoy them again, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Avoid reheating as these treats are best enjoyed cold or at room temperature.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chinese Spiders contains roughly 856 calories, with 24g protein, 93g carbohydrates, and 48g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (48% of the Daily Value), iron (46% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (44% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1088mg per serving (47% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of chocolate for this recipe?
Absolutely! You can experiment with milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate chips to create variations of this recipe. Each type will bring a different flavor profile, so feel free to mix and match to suit your taste preferences.
What if I can't find Chinese noodles?
If you can't find traditional Chinese noodles, you can use other crispy noodles, such as chow mein or even pretzel sticks, as a substitute. This will still give you that crunchy texture, making the treat equally enjoyable.
How do I make these treats more festive for a party?
To make Chinese Spiders more festive, consider drizzling melted chocolate over the top or adding colorful sprinkles before they set. You can also shape them into fun forms or place them in decorative mini cupcake liners for an attractive presentation.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).