Baby Jesus in the Manger Cookies

These no bake cookies are right up every kid's alley (or at least the ones that are NOT allergic to peanuts!). I made these years ago when my little ones were just toddlers and it was so much fun to do with them. It was even more fun this time since they are older and could really help more. The key to these is to work quickly. It's the perfect cookie to make with little helpers who can place the little baby Jesus marshmallows into the mangers as you drop the haystacks.

2 12oz bags of dry chow mein noodles
1 jar (16 oz) peanut butter (I use creamy but you can use chunky if you want)
2 bags (12 oz) butterscotch chips

Prepare 4 cookie sheets (or lots of plates) covered with foil or parchment paper or wax paper. Pour noodles into a large bowl. Melt the peanut butter and butterscotch chips together in a pot on the stove. Stir continually as to not burn it (like I did with the first batch!). Pour the melted pb/butterscotch mixture over the noodles and toss with salad tongs till WELL mixed and coated. Working quickly, use two spoons to drop the coated noodles onto the cookies sheets in little mounds. Using the back of a spoon, press down the center a bit. Have kids quickly place mini marshmallows end to end to look like baby Jesus wrapped in swaddling clothes. Let the cookies sit out till dry.

NO- these are not healthy! =0)

Variations:
- these are really yummy and can be made for a more sophisticated group (i.e. instead of children) by omitting the marshmallows.
- make a chocolate version by either dipping halfway in chocolate after they have hardened OR drizzle chocolate on them OR use one package butterscotch chips and 1 package chocolate chips when melting the peanut butter mixture.
- make these as bird nests for a bird nest themed baby shower by using candy coated almonds as eggs instead of the marshmallows.