Sweet Easter Birds Nest Cookies Recipe

Adorable Sweet Easter Birds Nest Cookies Recipe for Spring Joy

Springtime celebrations burst with delightful desserts, and these sweet Easter birds nest cookies pack a playful punch of flavor and festivity.

Chocolate-drizzled coconut nests cradle colorful candy eggs in a whimsical treat that captures the essence of the season.

Crisp and chewy textures blend perfectly with rich chocolate undertones.

Each bite delivers a nostalgic reminder of childhood Easter memories.

Kids and adults alike will adore these charming confections that come together in just minutes.

The simple yet elegant design makes these cookies a standout dessert for any springtime gathering.

Prepare to delight your loved ones with this magical sweet creation.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 226 kcal

Servings: 24

Ingredients for Sweet Easter Birds Nest Cookies

For Melting Base:
  • Chocolate Chips: Provides rich, creamy chocolate flavor and smooth texture for binding the nests together.
  • Butterscotch Chips: Adds sweet, caramel-like depth and helps create a glossy coating for the nests.
  • Peanut Butter: Creates extra richness and helps blend the melting ingredients seamlessly.
For Nest Structure:
  • Chow Mein Noodles: Creates crunchy, intricate nest-like texture and provides sturdy base for the cookies.
  • Shredded Wheat: Alternative noodle option that offers similar structural integrity and crispy element.
For Decorative Topping:
  • Mini Candy Eggs: Adds festive Easter charm, provides colorful visual appeal, and creates playful sweet center in each nest.

Tools That Help You Build Birds Nest Cookies Easily

  • Microwave-safe bowl: Perfect for melting chocolate and butterscotch chips smoothly.
  • Parchment-lined baking sheet: Ensures easy removal and prevents sticking of nests.
  • Spoon: Helps create nest shape and gently press candy eggs into center.
  • Spatula or rubber scraper: Ideal for folding noodles into chocolate mixture and stirring during melting process.
  • Measuring tablespoon: Guarantees consistent nest sizes.

How to Shape and Decorate Birds Nest Cookies

  • Prepare Chocolate Mixture

Grab your favorite microwave-safe bowl and start melting chocolate and butterscotch chips. Zap them in short bursts, stirring between each interval until they transform into a silky, glossy pool of deliciousness.

  • Create Nest Base

Gently fold crunchy chow mein noodles into the melted chocolate, ensuring every single noodle gets a luxurious chocolate bath. The mixture should look like a tangled, chocolatey masterpiece.

  • Shape Delicate Nests

Scoop generous spoonfuls onto a parchment-lined tray. Use the back of your spoon to craft adorable little indentations, creating cozy nests that look like they’ve been woven by chocolate-loving birds.

  • Add Colorful Eggs

While the nests are still warm and inviting, nestle mini candy eggs into the center. These little sweet gems will make your treats look like magical spring surprises.

  • Chill and Set

Pop your chocolate nests into the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. Let the cool air help them firm up into perfect, irresistible treats that will make everyone smile.

Colorful Candy and Coconut Options for Birds Nest Cookies

  • Use a slightly warm, damp spoon to smooth and shape the nests for a more professional, uniform look.
  • These cookies can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, making party planning a breeze.
  • Swap regular chow mein noodles with gluten-free rice noodles or certified gluten-free crispy noodles to accommodate dietary restrictions.
  • Skip the peanut butter and use additional chocolate or white chocolate chips for binding if allergies are a concern. Dark chocolate works wonderfully for a richer flavor profile.
  • Let children help choose and place colorful candy eggs, turning dessert preparation into a fun family activity. Different chocolate colors and egg varieties can make each nest unique and exciting.

Serve Birds Nest Cookies at Easter Celebrations

  • Festive Family Fun: Place these charming nests on a colorful Easter basket-themed platter for an eye-catching dessert display that'll delight kids and adults alike.
  • Sweet Springtime Centerpiece: Arrange the nests on a tiered cake stand surrounded by pastel-colored tulips or daffodils to create a stunning seasonal table decoration.
  • Kids' Crafty Treat: Let children help add the candy eggs and decorate the nests, turning cookie-making into a fun Easter afternoon activity that sparks creativity and joy.
  • Party Favor Magic: Wrap individual nests in clear cellophane with a ribbon, creating adorable take-home treats for Easter egg hunts or family gatherings.

Tips to Keep Easter Birds Nest Cookies From Crumbling

  • Cool these delightful nests rapidly in the refrigerator to help chocolate set faster and maintain crisp texture within 30 minutes.
  • Use parchment paper between layers when storing, preventing nests from sticking together and maintaining their delicate shape.
  • Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, keeping them away from direct sunlight or warm areas to prevent melting.
  • Keep cookies in a cool, dry environment between 60-70°F to maintain their structural integrity and prevent chocolate from becoming soft or losing its glossy finish.
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Sweet Easter Birds Nest Cookies Recipe

Sweet Easter Birds Nest Cookies Recipe


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4.8 from 31 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 25 1x

Description

Festive Easter birds nest cookies bring whimsical springtime charm to dessert tables everywhere. Sweet chocolate-coated clusters topped with pastel candies create delightful treats you’ll want to share with family and friends.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups chow mein noodles (or shredded wheat, crushed)
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1 cup butterscotch chips (or peanut butter chips)
  • 1 cup creamy peanut butter (optional, for extra flavor)
  • 1 cup mini candy eggs (like Cadbury Mini Eggs or M&Ms)
  • ½ cup shredded coconut (optional, for a grass effect)

Instructions

  1. Chocolate Melting: Combine chocolate chips and butterscotch chips in a microwave-safe bowl, heating in 30-second intervals and stirring until achieving a silky, uniform consistency. Incorporate peanut butter, mixing thoroughly to create a glossy chocolate base.
  2. Noodle Integration: Delicately fold chow mein noodles or shredded wheat into the molten chocolate mixture, ensuring complete and even coating of each noodle strand for optimal texture and flavor distribution.
  3. Nest Crafting: Utilize a parchment-lined baking sheet to construct cookie nests by spooning chocolate-coated noodles into small mounds. Gently shape each mound with the back of a spoon, creating a subtle indentation to mimic a bird’s nest structure.
  4. Egg Placement: While the nests remain warm and slightly malleable, strategically nestle mini candy eggs into the center of each structure, allowing them to slightly sink and create a realistic nest appearance.
  5. Solidification: Transfer the decorated nests to the refrigerator, allowing them to set and firm up for approximately 30 minutes, which will stabilize their shape and enhance their textural integrity.

Notes

  • Melt chocolate and butterscotch chips slowly to prevent burning, using short microwave intervals and stirring frequently for smooth consistency.
  • Use the back of a spoon to gently press and shape the mixture, ensuring an even indent that resembles a bird’s nest without breaking the delicate noodles.
  • Add candy eggs immediately after forming nests while the chocolate is still warm, allowing them to slightly sink and stick naturally without additional adhesive.
  • Chill cookies completely for 30 minutes to help them firm up and maintain structural integrity, preventing crumbling when handled or served.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Blending
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 25
  • Calories: 120
  • Sugar: 10 g
  • Sodium: 50 mg
  • Fat: 6 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3.5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 15 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
William Hawkins

William Hawkins

Founder & Culinary Director

Expertise

  • Modern American and Southern Cuisine
  • Farm-to-Table Practices
  • Restaurant Concept Development
  • Culinary Education and Mentorship​

Education

Sullivan University, Louisville, KY

  • Degree: Associate of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Focused on mastering culinary methods and food science, immersive externships, hands‑on training in industry‑standard kitchen labs, and equipping graduates for roles in restaurant operations.

William Hawkins isn’t just a chef, he’s a storyteller through food. From his hometown of Louisville, KY, he’s spent years refining his craft, turning local ingredients into something extraordinary. 

With classical training from Sullivan University and a career marked by innovation, mentorship, and Southern soul, William approaches every recipe with purpose. His kitchen is where old techniques meet fresh ideas, and where comfort food gets a thoughtful, modern twist. 

When he’s not building dishes from the ground up, he’s out gathering inspiration from nature, markets, and the stories people share around the table.

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