Easter Bird Nests Cookies Recipe
There’s something so magical about springtime treats, and nothing captures that playful spirit quite like Easter Bird Nests Cookies. These no-bake cookies not only look adorable — like tiny nests filled with candy eggs — but they also come together in a snap with just a handful of pantry staples. They’re irresistibly crunchy, decadently chocolatey, and perfect for making memories with kids or adding a whimsical touch to your Easter dessert table. Each bite brings a fun mix of flavors and textures that makes this cheerful treat truly unforgettable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
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For the Cookies:
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup butterscotch chips
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 5 cups chow mein noodles or pretzel sticks
- candy-coated chocolate eggs or jelly beans (for topping)
- pastel sprinkles (optional)
How to Make Easter Bird Nests Cookies
Step 1: Melt the Chocolate, Butterscotch, and Peanut Butter
Combine your chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, and creamy peanut butter in a large microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring after each, until everything’s melted and the mixture is velvety smooth. This step fills your kitchen with downright irresistible aromas!
Step 2: Coat the Crunchy Noodles
Gently fold the chow mein noodles (or pretzel sticks, if you prefer) into the melted mixture. Take your time here — you want every noodle to be beautifully smothered while remaining unbroken for authentic nest shapes.
Step 3: Shape Your Nests
Scoop heaping spoonfuls of the coated noodles onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Use the back of your spoon or your fingertips to make a little dip in the center of each mound, mimicking the look of a real bird’s nest.
Step 4: Add “Eggs” and Sprinkles
Work quickly while the nests are still soft! Press two or three candy eggs (or jelly beans) into the center of each nest. If you’re channeling extra spring cheer, now’s the time to shower your nests with pastel sprinkles.
Step 5: Let Them Set
Patience is a virtue — let your Easter Bird Nests Cookies cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes, or pop them in the fridge for a quicker set in 15 to 20 minutes. Once set, they’re ready to be admired and devoured!
How to Serve Easter Bird Nests Cookies
Garnishes
For a festive touch, try adding a dusting of powdered sugar, edible glitter, or even a tiny edible flower on each nest. These flourishes make your Easter Bird Nests Cookies feel extra special and perfect for showing off at springtime gatherings.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with light, fruity treats like lemon bars, berry salad, or a bowl of pastel-hued jelly beans. An easygoing vanilla or strawberry milkshake makes a dreamy accompaniment for grown-ups and kids alike.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your nests in a shallow basket lined with colorful Easter grass for a charming centerpiece, or wrap them individually in cellophane bags with ribbons for adorable party favors. For a sweet surprise, tuck a cookie into each guest’s place setting at your holiday table!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any extra Easter Bird Nests Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Just make sure they’re completely set before stacking, so the eggs and nests don’t stick together.
Freezing
If you want to stock up, these cookies freeze beautifully! Arrange them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container (with parchment between layers), and they’ll stay fresh for up to two months. Let thaw at room temperature before serving for best texture.
Reheating
There’s no need to reheat these cookies, but if you’re craving a slightly softer bite, leave them out at room temperature for a few minutes after chilling. Avoid microwaving, as that can melt the chocolate and make the nests lose their shape.
FAQs
Can I make Easter Bird Nests Cookies without peanut butter?
Absolutely! Swap in sunflower seed butter for a nut-free option, or skip the peanut butter and add extra chocolate chips to keep that creamy texture. Your nests will still taste fantastic.
Which works better, chow mein noodles or pretzel sticks?
Both create an amazing crunchy texture and nest-like appearance. Chow mein noodles are classic, but pretzel sticks bring a touch of salty crispness. Use whichever you love most, or even try a half-and-half mix for extra fun.
Can I prepare these Easter Bird Nests Cookies with kids?
This recipe is a huge hit with little helpers! Kids love stirring the noodles, shaping the nests, and pressing in the candy eggs. Just help with the melted chocolate, and let everyone get creative with sprinkles and decorations.
What if my mixture seems too thick or too runny?
If your mixture is too thick to coat the noodles, microwave it for another 10-15 seconds to loosen it up. If it’s too runny, add a few more noodles to absorb some of the chocolate-peanut butter mixture.
How far in advance can I make these cookies?
You can make them up to a week ahead and store in an airtight container. If you’re assembling Easter baskets or goody bags, the nests hold up perfectly for several days and even travel well if layered with parchment paper.
Final Thoughts
Making a batch of Easter Bird Nests Cookies is pure joy from start to finish. They’re easy, festive, and absolutely delicious — a wonderful way to sweeten your spring celebrations and share a smile with everyone at your table. If you haven’t tried them yet, I can’t recommend them enough. Happy baking and happy springtime!
Print
Easter Bird Nests Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes (plus cooling)
- Yield: 18–20 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Easter Bird Nests Cookies are a fun and easy no-bake treat perfect for springtime celebrations. Made with a mix of chocolate, butterscotch, and peanut butter, these crunchy nests hold candy eggs, making them a delightful addition to any Easter basket or dessert table.
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup butterscotch chips
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 5 cups chow mein noodles or pretzel sticks
- candy-coated chocolate eggs or jelly beans (for topping)
- pastel sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Melt the Ingredients: In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, and peanut butter. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until fully melted and smooth.
- Coat the Noodles: Gently fold in the chow mein noodles until evenly coated.
- Shape the Nests: Scoop heaping spoonfuls onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, shaping each into a small ‘nest’ with a dip in the center.
- Add the Eggs: Immediately press 2–3 candy eggs into the center of each nest. Add sprinkles if desired.
- Set and Serve: Allow to cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes or refrigerate for 15–20 minutes until set. Serve or store in an airtight container.
Notes
- For a nut-free version, use sunflower seed butter or omit peanut butter and increase chocolate chips.
- Great for making with kids and perfect for springtime parties or Easter baskets.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 minutes (microwave)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
