These Easter Bird’s Nest Cookies are an adorable and delicious treat that’s perfect for springtime celebrations! Made with a chewy cookie or crunchy no-bake base and topped with chocolate eggs, they resemble little bird’s nests. Whether you’re making them for Easter, a spring party, or just for fun, these cookies are sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Festive & Fun – These cookies look like tiny bird’s nests, making them perfect for Easter.
- Easy to Make – Choose between a baked or no-bake version for a quick and simple treat.
- Kid-Friendly – A great recipe for kids to help decorate.
- Customizable – Use different cookie bases, candies, or flavors to suit your preference.
- Great for Gifting – Perfect for Easter baskets, dessert platters, or party favors.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the No-Bake Version:
- Chow mein noodles or shredded coconut
- Peanut butter or butterscotch chips
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Mini candy eggs (like Cadbury Mini Eggs or jelly beans)
For the Baked Cookie Version:
- Unsalted butter
- Brown sugar
- Granulated sugar
- Eggs
- Vanilla extract
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Rolled oats (for a nest-like texture)
- Mini chocolate eggs or jelly beans
Directions
No-Bake Bird’s Nest Cookies:
- Melt Chocolate & Peanut Butter – In a microwave-safe bowl, melt chocolate chips and peanut butter in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
- Coat the Noodles – Stir in chow mein noodles (or shredded coconut) until fully coated.
- Shape the Nests – Spoon small portions onto a lined baking sheet, making a slight indent in the center for the eggs.
- Add Eggs & Set – Place mini eggs in the center of each nest while the mixture is still soft. Let set at room temperature or refrigerate until firm.
Baked Cookie Bird’s Nests:
- Preheat the Oven – Set to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Make the Cookie Dough – Beat butter and sugars until creamy. Add eggs and vanilla, mixing well.
- Combine Dry Ingredients – In another bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to the wet ingredients. Stir in rolled oats for texture.
- Form & Bake – Scoop cookie dough onto the baking sheet, creating small wells in the center of each. Bake for 10-12 minutes.
- Add Eggs – While cookies are still warm, press mini chocolate eggs into the center. Let cool before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 12-15 cookies
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes (for baked version)
- Total Time: 10-25 minutes (depending on the version)
Variations
- White Chocolate Nests – Use white chocolate instead of semi-sweet for a lighter look.
- Nut-Free Option – Swap peanut butter for melted butterscotch or extra chocolate.
- Coconut Lovers – Toast shredded coconut for a crunchy, nest-like texture.
- Gluten-Free Version – Use gluten-free oats or a GF cookie base.
- Caramel Drizzle – Add a caramel drizzle for extra sweetness.
Storage/Reheating
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to a week.
- Refrigerator: Keep chilled for up to 10 days for extra firmness.
- Freezing: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Thaw before serving.
- Reheating: Not needed, but if you want a softer cookie, microwave for a few seconds.
FAQs
Can I use pretzels instead of chow mein noodles?
Yes! Crushed pretzels work well for a salty-sweet variation.
Do these cookies need to be refrigerated?
No, but chilling helps them set faster, especially for the no-bake version.
Can I use store-bought cookie dough?
Yes! Press a well into the cookies before baking, then add eggs after.
What type of chocolate eggs work best?
Cadbury Mini Eggs, M&M eggs, or jelly beans all work great.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Both versions store well for several days.
Why did my no-bake nests fall apart?
Make sure the chocolate is fully melted and coats the noodles well before shaping.
Can I add peanut butter to the baked version?
Yes! Add a tablespoon of peanut butter to the dough for a nutty twist.
Can I use shredded wheat cereal instead of chow mein noodles?
Yes! Crushed shredded wheat gives a realistic nest texture.
How do I keep my cookies soft?
Store baked cookies in an airtight container with a slice of bread to keep them soft.
Can I add sprinkles for extra color?
Absolutely! Pastel sprinkles make these cookies even more festive.
Conclusion
Easter Bird’s Nest Cookies are the perfect sweet treat for spring and Easter celebrations. Whether you choose the easy no-bake version or the chewy baked cookie version, these adorable nests are sure to impress. Fun to make and even more fun to eat, they’re a great addition to any holiday dessert table. Try them today and enjoy a festive, delicious snack!
Print
Easter Bird’s Nest Cookies
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12–15 nests 1x
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Easter Bird’s Nest Cookies are adorable, crunchy, and chocolatey treats that look like little nests! Made with just a few simple ingredients, they come together in minutes and are perfect for Easter parties, spring gatherings, or a fun baking activity with kids.
Ingredients
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup butterscotch chips (or peanut butter chips)
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter (optional, for extra flavor)
- 4 cups chow mein noodles (or shredded wheat, crushed)
- 1 cup mini candy eggs (like Cadbury Mini Eggs or M&M’s)
- 1/2 cup shredded coconut (optional, for a “grass” effect)
Instructions
- Melt Chocolate & Butterscotch: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips and butterscotch chips in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth. If using peanut butter, stir it in until well combined.
- Mix in Noodles: Gently fold in the chow mein noodles (or crushed shredded wheat) until they’re fully coated in the melted chocolate mixture.
- Form Nests: Scoop about 2 tablespoons of the mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Use the back of a spoon to create a small indent in the center to form a nest shape.
- Add Eggs: While the nests are still warm, press 2-3 mini candy eggs into the center of each nest.
- Chill: Place the nests in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to set.
- Serve & Enjoy! Once firm, remove from the fridge and enjoy your adorable Easter treats!
Notes
- Nut-Free Option: Skip the peanut butter or use sunflower seed butter.
- Extra Festive: Tint shredded coconut green with food coloring for a “grass” effect and place under the nests.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 3 days or in the fridge for up to a week.