There is something irresistibly charming about this Birds Nest Cookies Recipe that makes it perfect for springtime gatherings, Easter celebrations, or anytime you want to bring a little whimsy to your snack table. These delightful treats combine crunchy chow mein noodles with rich melty chocolate and butterscotch, all held together by creamy peanut butter, creating a nest-like base that cradles colorful candy eggs right on top. Not only do they look adorable, but their textures and flavors come together for a sweet and satisfying bite that’s so simple to make, you’ll want to keep this Birds Nest Cookies Recipe in your baking repertoire forever.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Birds Nest Cookies Recipe uses a handful of everyday ingredients that each play an important role in the final taste and texture. From the luscious chocolate and butterscotch chips to the crunchy chow mein noodles and creamy peanut butter, every component is essential for building those perfect nests.
- Milk chocolate chips (1 cup): Provides a smooth, sweet base that melts beautifully and holds the nest together.
- Butterscotch chips (½ cup): Adds a buttery sweetness with a hint of caramel that complements the chocolate perfectly.
- Creamy peanut butter (2 tablespoons): Ensures the mixture stays moist and sticky to shape the nests, while adding a rich, nutty depth.
- Chow mein noodles (2½ cups): The secret to that delightful crispy crunch that mimics twigs in a bird’s nest.
- Candy eggs (36 pieces): These miniature candy eggs add color and a festive touch that makes the nests truly pop.
How to Make Birds Nest Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Sheets
Start by lining two cookie sheets with parchment paper to make sure your nests don’t stick and come off cleanly once set. This step is key to retaining the cute shape and prevents any messy clean-up later.
Step 2: Melt the Chocolate, Butterscotch, and Peanut Butter
Place the milk chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, and creamy peanut butter together in a large microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring frequently to ensure a smooth blend without burning. If you prefer, melt everything gently over low heat in a saucepan. This combined mixture is what gives your nests a luscious, flavorful base that’s both sticky and easy to work with.
Step 3: Mix in the Chow Mein Noodles
Once your chocolate mixture is smooth, fold in the chow mein noodles carefully, making sure each noodle is coated. The goal is to maintain a crunchy texture while binding everything together, so mixing gently is important to keep the noodles intact and crunchy.
Step 4: Shape the Nests and Add Candy Eggs
Use a spoon to scoop about two tablespoons of the mixture onto your parchment-lined cookie sheets, shaping each mound gently into a nest-like form with a slight indentation in the center. Then, nestle three candy eggs on top of each mound. These are the charming finishing touches that make this Birds Nest Cookies Recipe so fun and festive.
Step 5: Let the Nests Set
Allow the nests to stand at room temperature for about three hours until fully set and firm to the touch. This wait time ensures the nests hold their shape and the flavors meld beautifully.
How to Serve Birds Nest Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
While the candy eggs are the stars, you can get a little creative by dusting a light sprinkle of powdered sugar over the nests for a ‘morning dew’ effect or adding a few tiny edible flowers for a whimsical touch. A light drizzle of white chocolate can also add some visual contrast and extra sweetness.
Side Dishes
These Birds Nest Cookies make an excellent accompaniment to a simple cup of tea or coffee, making for a perfect afternoon treat. For a larger gathering, serve them alongside fresh fruit platters or a light citrus punch to balance the sweetness with fresh, bright flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your nests on a bed of shredded green paper or edible grass on a decorative platter to mimic a real bird’s nest scenario. You can also place each one inside small cupcake liners for easy individual servings, making them perfect for kids’ parties or Easter brunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra nests, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and crunchy for up to one week, so you can enjoy their delightful flavors without worrying about spoilage.
Freezing
This Birds Nest Cookies Recipe freezes wonderfully. Arrange the nests in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. When stored properly, they can last up to 3 months without losing their crunch or flavor.
Reheating
Since these cookies don’t require baking, reheating isn’t necessary. However, if you want to soften them slightly, let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes to take the chill off the freezer. Avoid microwaving as the chocolate may melt and lose the nest shape.
FAQs
Can I use other types of noodles instead of chow mein noodles?
Chow mein noodles work best due to their unique crispiness and light texture, which mimic twigs perfectly. However, if unavailable, you might try broken pretzel sticks or crispy rice cereal for a slightly different texture.
What if I have a peanut allergy? Can I still make this Birds Nest Cookies Recipe?
If peanut butter is a concern, sunflower seed butter or almond butter can be used as substitutes. Just keep in mind it might slightly alter the flavor and texture.
Do I have to use the specific candy eggs mentioned?
Not at all! Any small, colorful candy eggs will add the festive look you want. Mini chocolate eggs, jelly beans, or even pastel-colored M&Ms can work beautifully.
Can I make these nests gluten-free?
Yes! Just ensure you use gluten-free chow mein noodles or substitute with something like gluten-free pretzel sticks to keep the crunch without gluten.
How long does it take for the nests to set properly?
About three hours at room temperature is ideal to ensure the chocolate and peanut butter solidify, so the nests hold their shape when handled.
Final Thoughts
This Birds Nest Cookies Recipe is one of those delightful treats that bring joy not just through taste but through its playfulness and charm. Whether you’re making them with kids or prepping a surprise for friends, these nests never fail to impress and satisfy. Give them a try—you’ll find they become a beloved classic in your collection of sweet recipes.
Print
Birds Nest Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Birds Nest Cookies are a delightful no-bake treat combining creamy milk chocolate, rich butterscotch, and peanut butter with crunchy chow mein noodles. Topped with colorful candy eggs, they make a perfect festive snack or party dessert that’s quick to prepare and requires no oven time.
Ingredients
Chocolate Mixture
- 1 cup milk chocolate chips (180g)
- ½ cup butterscotch chips (90g)
- 2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter (40g)
Cookies
- 2½ cups chow mein noodles (150g)
- 36 candy eggs (such as Cadbury mini chocolate eggs)
Instructions
- Prepare Cookie Sheets: Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and to make cleanup easier.
- Melt Chocolate Mixture: In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine milk chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, and peanut butter. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring well between intervals until the mixture is completely melted, smooth, and well combined. Alternatively, melt the mixture gently in a pot over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Mix with Chow Mein Noodles: Stir the chow mein noodles into the melted chocolate mixture until evenly coated.
- Form Cookie Mounds: Using a spoon, scoop about 2 tablespoons of the mixture onto the lined cookie sheets, forming 12 mounds in total. Press 3 candy eggs into the center of each mound to resemble a bird’s nest.
- Set Cookies: Allow the cookies to stand at room temperature until fully set, about 3 hours. This will ensure they hold their shape when served.
- Storage: Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week to maintain freshness.
Notes
- If microwave is not available, melting the chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, and peanut butter on the stovetop over low heat works well — just stir constantly to prevent burning.
- For a dairy-free version, use dairy-free chocolate chips and substitute peanut butter with a preferred nut or seed butter.
- Chow mein noodles add a delightful crunch and can be substituted with crispy rice cereal for a different texture.
- The candy eggs can be replaced with mini jelly beans or small candies depending on availability and preference.
- Ensure the cookies are fully set before storing to prevent them from sticking together.
