Name: Easter Birds Nest Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips; 1 cup butterscotch chips; 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter; 4 cups chow mein noodles (or pretzel sticks, broken); Candy eggs (such as mini chocolate eggs or jelly beans) for decorating

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If you’re seeking the ultimate no-fuss spring treat, look no further than Easter Birds Nest Cookies! These adorable little bundles—built with crunchy chow mein noodles enveloped in a luscious chocolate, butterscotch, and peanut butter coating—are as fun to make as they are delightful to eat. Topped with candy eggs, they steal the show on any Easter dessert table, and are perfect for baking with kids or adding a whimsical touch to your holiday celebration. Trust me, you’ll fall in love with the playful look and unbeatable flavor of these Easter Birds Nest Cookies.

Easter Birds Nest Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Cookies:
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup butterscotch chips
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 4 cups chow mein noodles (or pretzel sticks, broken)
- Candy eggs (such as mini chocolate eggs or jelly beans) for decorating

How to Make Easter Birds Nest Cookies

Step 1: Melt Your Chocolate, Butterscotch & Peanut Butter

Start by combining your chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, and peanut butter in a large microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring well between each, until everything is silky-smooth and totally blended. This gentle way of melting ensures the mixture doesn’t scorch and keeps it perfectly pourable for later.

Step 2: Fold in the Crunch

Add your chow mein noodles (or broken pretzel sticks) right into that glossy chocolate mixture. Fold gently—use a spatula or big spoon—making sure every strand gets a thorough coating but without crushing all that glorious crunch.

Step 3: Scoop & Shape Into Nests

Drop heaping tablespoons of your mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. These don’t need to be perfect! Use your fingers or the back of a spoon to gently press down the center of each mound, forming a little well that will cradle your candy eggs. This is a great step for little helpers, too.

Step 4: Decorate With Candy Eggs

Nestle 2 to 3 candy eggs into the center of each cookie while the chocolate mixture is still soft. This way, the eggs will stick as the nests set—plus, you get to choose your color combos for extra fun.

Step 5: Let the Nests Set

Leave the cookies at room temperature for about 30 minutes, or pop the entire tray into the refrigerator for 15 minutes to speed things up. Once the Easter Birds Nest Cookies are firm, they’re ready to serve, share, or sneak a taste right away!

How to Serve Easter Birds Nest Cookies

Garnishes

While the classic candy eggs are the showstopper, you can add a finishing touch with a light dusting of powdered sugar for a gentle “spring snow.” If you’re feeling extra festive, try a sprinkle of colorful nonpareils or some edible shimmer dust—because why not make them truly magical?

Side Dishes

A platter of fresh fruit—think strawberries and pineapple slices—pairs beautifully with the sweet richness of Easter Birds Nest Cookies. If you’re serving a crowd, round out the dessert table with lemon bars or a bright berry salad for a burst of tartness alongside each sweet, crunchy bite.

Creative Ways to Present

Go for Easter magic by arranging your birds nest cookies on a bed of edible grass in a woven basket, or place each cookie in a pastel-colored cupcake liner. They also look enchanting stacked on a tiered dessert stand, nestled among faux spring flowers and wrapped in clear cellophane bags as adorable party favors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Easter Birds Nest Cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Stack them between layers of parchment or wax paper to keep them from sticking together and to preserve all that irresistible crunch.

Freezing

Want to get ahead on holiday prep? These cookies freeze beautifully! Place the set cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. They’ll keep for up to two months—just thaw at room temperature before serving for best flavor and texture.

Reheating

There’s no need to reheat these no-bake treats; they’re best served at cool room temperature. If you do freeze them and the candy eggs sweat a bit while thawing, a quick blot with a paper towel will make them picture-perfect once again.

FAQs

Can I make Easter Birds Nest Cookies peanut-free?

Absolutely! Swap in sunflower seed butter for the peanut butter, or simply omit the nut butter if there are allergies or preferences. The cookies will still hold together and taste fantastic.

Are chow mein noodles gluten free?

Most traditional chow mein noodles contain wheat, so they aren’t gluten free. For a gluten free version, use gluten free pretzel sticks or gluten free chow mein noodles, which are available in some specialty stores.

Can kids help make these cookies?

Definitely—kids love getting their hands messy shaping the nests and adding the candy eggs. It’s a hands-on recipe that’s simple enough for even toddlers to join in with a little supervision.

How long do these cookies take to set?

If you let them sit at room temperature, expect about 30 minutes for them to firm up. If you’re in a hurry, pop them in the fridge and they’ll be ready in just 15 minutes.

Can I use other types of chips besides chocolate and butterscotch?

Go for it! White chocolate chips or even dark chocolate chips are wonderful alternatives that tweak the flavor to your liking. Just be sure you have about two cups of chips total for proper coating.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a crowd-pleaser that delivers smiles as easily as it comes together, you can’t do better than these Easter Birds Nest Cookies. Cute, crunchy, and bursting with springtime fun, they deserve a permanent place in your holiday rotation. Make a batch, share with someone you love, and watch the magic (and happy messes!) unfold.

Easter Birds Nest Cookies Recipe

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4.5 from 8 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes (including chill time)
Yield: 20 cookies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Easter Birds Nest Cookies are a fun and festive treat to make for the holiday season. They require no baking and are perfect for getting the kids involved in the kitchen. The combination of chocolate, butterscotch, and peanut butter creates a deliciously sweet and salty flavor that pairs perfectly with the crunchy chow mein noodles and candy eggs. These adorable cookies are sure to be a hit at any Easter gathering!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cookies:

1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup butterscotch chips
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
4 cups chow mein noodles (or pretzel sticks, broken)
Candy eggs (such as mini chocolate eggs or jelly beans) for decorating

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Instructions

Melt the Ingredients: In a large microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, and peanut butter together in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth and fully combined.
Combine with Noodles: Gently fold in the chow mein noodles until they are evenly coated in the mixture.
Shape the Nests: Scoop heaping tablespoons of the mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Shape each scoop into a nest by pressing down the center slightly.
Add Candy Eggs: Place 2-3 candy eggs in the center of each nest.
Set and Serve: Let the cookies set at room temperature for about 30 minutes, or chill in the refrigerator for 15 minutes until firm. Serve or store in an airtight container.