These Easter Bird’s Nest Cookies are a fun and festive no-bake treat, perfect for springtime and Easter celebrations! Made with crispy chow mein noodles or shredded coconut and coated in a sweet chocolate or butterscotch mixture, these adorable nests are topped with candy eggs for a cute and delicious dessert.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No-Bake & Quick – Ready in just minutes with no oven required.
- Festive & Fun – Perfect for Easter celebrations, kids’ parties, or spring gatherings.
- Customizable – Use chocolate, butterscotch, or peanut butter for different flavors.
- Kid-Friendly – Fun to make and decorate with little ones!
- Perfect for Gifting – Package them up for a sweet homemade Easter treat.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Chow mein noodles or shredded coconut
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips or butterscotch chips
- Peanut butter (optional, for extra flavor)
- Mini candy eggs (such as Cadbury Mini Eggs or M&M’s)
- Sprinkles (optional, for decoration)
Directions
- Melt the Chocolate – In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate (or butterscotch chips) in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth. If using peanut butter, stir it in until combined.
- Coat the Noodles or Coconut – Gently fold the chow mein noodles (or coconut) into the melted mixture until fully coated.
- Shape the Nests – Scoop spoonfuls of the mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Use the back of a spoon to create a small indentation in the center of each “nest.”
- Add the Eggs – While the nests are still soft, place 2–3 mini candy eggs in the center of each nest.
- Set & Serve – Let the nests cool at room temperature or place them in the refrigerator for 20–30 minutes until firm. Enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: About 12 nests
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Chill Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Variations
- White Chocolate Version – Swap semi-sweet chocolate for white chocolate or colored candy melts.
- Nut-Free Option – Omit the peanut butter or use sunflower seed butter.
- Crunchy Mix-In – Add chopped nuts or crushed pretzels for extra texture.
- Oatmeal Alternative – Use oats instead of chow mein noodles for a different texture.
Storage & Reheating
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Refrigerator: Keep in the fridge for up to a week for a firmer texture.
- Freezing: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months.
- Serving Tip: Let refrigerated or frozen nests sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.
FAQs
Can I use pretzels instead of chow mein noodles?
Yes! Broken pretzel sticks work well as a crunchy alternative.
Do these need to be refrigerated?
Not necessarily, but refrigeration helps them firm up faster and last longer.
Can I use dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate?
Absolutely! Dark chocolate adds a rich, slightly less sweet flavor.
How do I keep the nests from falling apart?
Make sure the chocolate mixture fully coats the noodles, and let them set properly before handling.
Can I use peanut butter chips instead of chocolate?
Yes! Peanut butter chips melt well and create a delicious flavor variation.
How can I make them dairy-free?
Use dairy-free chocolate and a nut or seed butter alternative.
What’s the best way to shape the nests?
Use a spoon to make an indentation in the center, or press with your fingers if needed.
Can I add coconut to the nests?
Yes! You can mix shredded coconut into the chocolate mixture or sprinkle it on top.
What type of candy eggs work best?
Cadbury Mini Eggs, M&M’s, or jelly beans all work great for decoration.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! These store well for several days, making them perfect for advance preparation.
Conclusion
These Easter Bird’s Nest Cookies are a simple, festive, and delicious treat that’s perfect for celebrating spring! With their crunchy texture, sweet chocolate coating, and adorable candy eggs, they’re sure to be a hit at any Easter gathering. Try them out and enjoy making these fun, no-bake desserts!
PrintEaster Bird’s Nest Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 nests 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Description
These adorable Easter Bird’s Nest Cookies are a no-bake treat made with crunchy chow mein noodles (or pretzels) coated in chocolate and shaped into nests. Each nest is filled with colorful candy eggs, making them a fun and easy dessert for Easter!
Ingredients
- 2 cups chow mein noodles (or crushed pretzel sticks)
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips (or milk chocolate)
- 1/2 cup butterscotch chips (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1/4 cup peanut butter (optional, for creaminess)
- 1 cup mini candy eggs (Cadbury Mini Eggs, jelly beans, or M&M’s)
Instructions
-
Melt the Chocolate:
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, and peanut butter in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until smooth.
-
Coat the Noodles:
- In a large bowl, pour the melted chocolate mixture over the chow mein noodles (or pretzel sticks) and stir gently until fully coated.
-
Shape the Nests:
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Scoop about 2 tablespoons of the mixture onto the parchment and shape into small nest-like circles. Use a spoon or your fingers to make a small indentation in the center.
-
Add the Eggs:
- While the nests are still soft, place 2-3 candy eggs in the center of each nest.
-
Set & Serve:
- Let the nests harden at room temperature for about 30 minutes, or chill in the fridge for 15 minutes to set faster.
- Serve and enjoy!
Notes
Swap chow mein noodles for pretzel sticks for a saltier twist.
Use white chocolate instead of semisweet for a different flavor.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
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