Springtime Nest Delights

Easter brings with it a delightful array of traditions, and for many, that includes crafting sweet, festive treats. Among the most cherished are Easter Birds Nest Cookies – simple, enchanting, and utterly irresistible. Every year, without fail, these charming no-bake cookies make a grand appearance on dessert tables, captivating hearts with their whimsical bird’s nest appearance and delightful crunch. Made with crispy chow mein noodles, coated in a luscious blend of butterscotch, chocolate, and peanut butter, and adorned with pastel candy eggs, they are as delicious as they are adorable. They are a true symbol of spring and renewal, offering a perfect blend of sweet and crunchy textures that disappear almost as quickly as they are prepared. Beyond their visual appeal, these cookies hold a special place for their ease of preparation, making them a fantastic activity for families looking to create cherished holiday memories together. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting, this recipe promises a fun, fuss-free experience and a batch of cookies that everyone will adore.

Birds Nest Cookies Recipe

These easy bird’s nest cookies are the perfect treat for Easter. Simple and quick to make, crispy noodles are coated in chocolate and decorated with chocolate eggs.

★★★★★

5 from 1 vote

Prep: 2 minutes

Cook: 15 minutes

Total Time: 17 minutes

Servings: 20 cookies

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Ingredients

• 11 ounces butterscotch chips
• 9 ounces dark chocolate chips
• 6 ounces white chocolate chips
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 2 tablespoons salted butter (¼ stick)
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 10 ounces chow mein noodles (2 (5-ounce) tins)
• 9 ounces candy-coated chocolate mini eggs such as Cadbury

US Customary – Metric

Equipment

• Kitchen Scale (optional)
• Baking Sheet

Instructions

1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This non-stick surface is crucial for easy removal of your finished nests. Set the prepared sheet aside.

   

2. Prepare a double boiler: Set a heat-proof bowl over a saucepan filled with 1½-2 inches of water, ensuring the bottom of the bowl does not touch the water. Place over medium heat. Add the butterscotch chips, dark chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, creamy peanut butter, and salted butter to the bowl. Stir gently and continuously as they melt, creating a smooth, rich, and cohesive mixture. Melting slowly prevents scorching and ensures a consistent texture.

   11 ounces butterscotch chips, 9 ounces dark chocolate chips, 6 ounces white chocolate chips, 1 cup creamy peanut butter, 2 tablespoons salted butter
   

3. Once the mixture is completely melted and smooth, remove the bowl from heat. Stir in the pure vanilla extract until it is thoroughly combined. Vanilla adds a wonderful depth of flavor that enhances the chocolates and butterscotch.

   1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
   

4. In a large mixing bowl, add the chow mein noodles. Pour the warm, melted chocolate and peanut butter mixture over the noodles. Using a rubber spatula, gently fold and stir until every single noodle is completely coated with the sweet, sticky chocolate. Be careful not to break the noodles too much; you want to maintain their structure for the “nest” effect.

   10 ounces chow mein noodles
   

5. Scoop generous spoonfuls of the chocolate-coated noodle mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Using the back of the spoon or your fingers (lightly greased if needed), gently shape each scoop into a small, rounded “nest” with a slight indentation in the center. Immediately, while the chocolate is still soft, place three candy-coated chocolate mini eggs into the center of each nest. Allow the cookies to sit at room temperature or, for faster setting, refrigerate for about 45 minutes to an hour, or until the chocolate has completely hardened and the nests are firm.

   9 ounces candy-coated chocolate mini eggs
   

Notes

• Melting Chocolate: Always melt your chocolate mixture slowly to prevent burning and achieve a silky-smooth consistency. A double boiler method offers the most control. If using a microwave, heat in short bursts (15-30 seconds), stirring thoroughly after each interval until fully melted.
• Easy Removal: Using parchment paper on your baking sheet is key! It ensures your delicate nests can be easily lifted off once set, without sticking or breaking.
• Setting Time: For perfectly firm nests, allow them to set for approximately 45 minutes to an hour in the refrigerator. This ensures the chocolate is fully hardened and the cookies maintain their shape.

Storage: Store these delightful bird nest cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If you need to keep them longer, they can be frozen for up to 3 months. For best results when freezing, place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Thaw them in the refrigerator before enjoying.

Nutrition Facts

Birds Nest Cookies Recipe

Amount Per Serving (1 cookie)

Calories 386 Calories from Fat 180

% Daily Value*

Fat 20g31%

Saturated Fat 10g63%

Trans Fat 1g

Polyunsaturated Fat 2g

Monounsaturated Fat 5g

Cholesterol 8mg3%

Sodium 246mg11%

Potassium 185mg5%

Carbohydrates 47g16%

Fiber 2g8%

Sugar 31g34%

Protein 8g16%

Vitamin A 87IU2%

Vitamin C 1mg1%

Calcium 92mg9%

Iron 1mg6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Author: Becky Hardin

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How to Make Birds Nest Cookies Step-by-Step for Easter Fun

Creating these delightful bird’s nest cookies is a breeze, perfect for even the most novice of bakers or for getting the kids involved in the kitchen. Follow these simple steps for a truly enchanting Easter treat:

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients and Prep Your Workspace

Before you begin, gather all your ingredients and equipment. This will ensure a smooth and efficient cooking process. Line a standard baking sheet with parchment paper. This is a crucial step that prevents the cookies from sticking and makes for effortless removal once they’re set. Having everything ready to go makes the entire experience more enjoyable and stress-free. Precision is key for perfect results, so ensure all your ingredients are measured out and accessible.

Step 2: Gently Melt the Decadent Mixture

To create the rich, sticky coating for your nests, you’ll need to melt the chips and butter. Set a heat-proof bowl securely over a saucepan that contains 1½ to 2 inches of simmering water. Ensure that the bottom of the bowl does not touch the water directly, as this creates a gentle double boiler effect. Over medium heat, add 11 ounces of butterscotch chips, 9 ounces of dark chocolate chips, 6 ounces of white chocolate chips, 1 cup of creamy peanut butter, and 2 tablespoons of salted butter to the bowl. Stir the mixture continuously and gently until all the ingredients have fully melted and are combined into a smooth, glossy, and uniform liquid. This slow melting process prevents the chocolate from seizing or burning, ensuring a perfect base for your cookies.

Step 3: Infuse with Fragrant Vanilla

Once your chocolate and peanut butter mixture is perfectly melted and silky smooth, carefully remove the bowl from the saucepan. Add 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract to the warm mixture. Stir it in thoroughly until the vanilla is completely incorporated. Vanilla adds a delightful aromatic depth that beautifully complements the sweetness of the chocolates and butterscotch, enhancing the overall flavor profile of your bird’s nest cookies. This simple addition elevates the taste significantly, bringing a gourmet touch to your no-bake treats.

Step 4: Combine with Crispy Chow Mein Noodles

Now for the fun part that gives these cookies their signature crunch! Pour the rich, melted chocolate mixture into a large, sturdy mixing bowl that already contains 10 ounces (typically two 5-ounce tins) of chow mein noodles. Using a spatula or a large spoon, gently but thoroughly stir the noodles into the chocolate mixture. The goal is to ensure every single noodle strand is completely coated in the delicious, sticky goodness. Be mindful not to break the noodles too much during this process; you want to retain their length and texture to form distinct nest shapes. This step transforms the plain noodles into the foundation of your adorable Easter treats.

Step 5: Shape the Nests and Decorate with Eggs

Once the noodles are fully coated, it’s time to shape your nests. Scoop generous spoonfuls of the mixture onto your prepared parchment-lined baking sheet. Using the back of the spoon, or your fingers (you can lightly grease them with a tiny bit of butter or cooking spray if the mixture is too sticky), gently form each scoop into a small, rounded “nest” shape. Create a slight indentation in the center of each, just like a real bird’s nest. Immediately, while the chocolate coating is still pliable and soft, carefully place three candy-coated chocolate mini eggs (from your 9 ounces total) into the center of each noodle nest. The vibrant colors of the eggs against the dark chocolate nests create a striking and festive appearance. Once all nests are shaped and decorated, let them sit undisturbed at room temperature, or transfer the baking sheet to the refrigerator for a quicker set. Allow them about 45 minutes to an hour to fully harden and become firm to the touch. This waiting period is the hardest part, but it’s essential for perfectly set, crunchy cookies!

Expert Tips for Crafting Perfect Easter Bird Nests

While these cookies are incredibly simple, a few expert tips can elevate your results from good to absolutely spectacular:

• Quality Ingredients Matter: Since there are so few ingredients, the quality of each really shines through. Use good quality chocolate chips and a creamy, flavorful peanut butter. This makes a noticeable difference in the overall taste and texture.
• Melting Method is Key: As mentioned in the recipe, a double boiler is your best friend for melting chocolate. It provides gentle, even heat, preventing scorching or seizing. If you must use a microwave, heat in short intervals (15-20 seconds), stirring vigorously between each. Overheating chocolate makes it thick and difficult to work with.
• Don’t Overmix the Noodles: While you want all the noodles coated, excessive stirring can break them into tiny pieces. Gentle folding ensures the noodles maintain their length, which is essential for creating that delicate, nest-like structure.
• Work Quickly: Once the chocolate mixture is combined with the noodles, it will begin to cool and set. Work relatively quickly to scoop and shape your nests and add the candy eggs before the mixture becomes too stiff.
• Parchment Paper is Non-Negotiable: Don’t skip the parchment paper! It makes cleanup a breeze and guarantees your beautiful nests won’t stick to the baking sheet, ensuring easy removal without breakage.
• Get Creative with Shaping: Use a spoon to scoop and then your fingers to gently create an indentation in the center. If the mixture is too warm and sticky, you can chill it for a few minutes before shaping.
• Chill for a Firm Set: While they will eventually set at room temperature, refrigerating the cookies for 45-60 minutes ensures they are perfectly firm and crunchy, especially important if your kitchen is warm.

How to Store and Freeze Your Delicious Bird’s Nest Cookies

These no-bake bird’s nest cookies are not only delicious but also incredibly easy to store, making them a fantastic make-ahead treat for busy holiday preparations. For optimal freshness and crunch, allow your cookies to fully set before storing them.

To store leftover bird’s nest cookies at room temperature, place them in an airtight container. They will maintain their delightful crunch and flavor for up to 1 week. If you plan to stack them, I recommend placing a sheet of parchment paper between the layers to prevent them from sticking together and to protect the delicate candy eggs.

If you’re looking to extend their shelf life, these cookies freeze beautifully. Simply arrange the completely set cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and flash freeze for about 30 minutes until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe airtight container or a heavy-duty freezer bag, again separating layers with parchment paper. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply let them thaw in the refrigerator for a few hours or at room temperature until softened enough to eat. While they will still be perfectly good to eat after this time, prolonged storage, especially at room temperature, might eventually lead to the chow mein noodles becoming a bit softer over time, losing some of their initial crispiness. Always ensure the container is tightly sealed to protect them from moisture and freezer burn.

Beyond Easter: Versatile and Fun for Any Occasion

While these bird nest cookies are synonymous with Easter, their charming appearance and delicious taste make them incredibly versatile for a multitude of other holidays and special occasions. Don’t limit their enjoyment to just one season!

• Baby Showers: Imagine how adorable these would be for an animal-themed baby shower! You could use blue or pink candy eggs (or a mix for a gender reveal) to match the theme. They’re a sweet and unique treat that will surely delight guests.
• Halloween Treats: For a spooky twist, you can transform these into “spider nests” or “monster eyes.” Use green or purple food coloring in the chocolate mixture (or swap out some of the chocolate for colored candy melts), and instead of pastel eggs, fill them with Reese’s Pieces, gummy worms, or even eyeball candies for a creepy-crawly effect.
• Christmas Confections: With a few simple changes, these can become festive Christmas “wreaths.” Use green candy melts for the base, and decorate with red and green sprinkles or mini M&M’s. Or, keep the chocolate base and use red and green candy pearls or tiny candy canes as decoration.
• Birthday Parties: Customize the candy eggs or sprinkles to match a child’s favorite colors or party theme. They’re an easy, crowd-pleasing dessert that feels special without much effort.
• Forest/Nature-Themed Parties: These are a natural fit for any gathering with a woodland or nature theme. The rustic “nest” look is perfect and can be enhanced with edible glitter or leaf sprinkles.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. By simply changing the color of your candy melts or the type of small candies used for decoration, you can create a completely different look and theme. It’s a fantastic canvas for culinary creativity, ensuring these delightful crunchy cookies can be enjoyed all year round, not just when the Easter bunny hops by!