Easter is the perfect time to indulge in colorful, festive treats, and Easter Birds Nest Cookies are a fun and delicious way to celebrate the season. These cookies are inspired by the idea of birds’ nests, complete with “eggs” nestled inside, making them a perfect holiday snack or treat to share with friends and family. With their sweet combination of chocolate, peanut butter, and crispy chow mein noodles, these cookies are sure to delight both kids and adults alike.

What makes these cookies truly special is their playful presentation. The crispy chow mein noodles form the “nest,” while the chocolate and peanut butter chips provide the perfect melt-in-your-mouth base. The finishing touch is the bag of colorful chocolate or malted milk eggs, which give the cookies a festive, Easter-ready look. Whether you’re looking for an easy baking project with the little ones or simply need a tasty addition to your Easter dessert spread, these cookies are a hit.

Not only are these cookies a treat for the taste buds, but they’re also an enjoyable activity to make. So gather your ingredients, and let’s get started creating these adorable and delicious Easter Birds Nest Cookies!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fun and Festive – These cookies are a playful, colorful addition to your Easter celebrations.
Quick and Easy – No baking required! Just melt, mix, and form into nests.
Perfect for Kids – A great family-friendly project for kids to help assemble.
Chocolate and Peanut Butter Delight – The combo of milk chocolate and peanut butter chips is irresistible.
No Fuss – Simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps make this a stress-free treat.

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups milk chocolate chips
2/3 cup peanut butter chips
4 cups fried chow mein noodles
1 (10-oz.) bag chocolate or malted milk eggs

Variations

Add Nuts: Add chopped peanuts, almonds, or cashews to the mixture for a crunchy twist.
Use White Chocolate: Swap the milk chocolate chips for white chocolate for a different flavor.
Make it Nut-Free: Omit the peanut butter chips and replace with more milk chocolate chips or use a different type of nut butter for a nut-free option.
Use Jelly Beans: Swap out the chocolate or malted milk eggs for colorful jelly beans for a burst of fruity flavor.
Coconut Flakes: Add shredded coconut for a tropical twist and extra texture.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1

Melt the milk chocolate chips and peanut butter chips together. You can do this by placing both chips in a microwave-safe bowl and microwaving in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until fully melted and smooth. Alternatively, you can melt them together in a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water.

Step 2

Once the chocolate and peanut butter chips are melted and smooth, add the fried chow mein noodles into the mixture. Stir gently until the noodles are evenly coated with the chocolate mixture.

Step 3

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or wax paper. Scoop out spoonfuls of the chocolate-coated noodles and drop them onto the prepared baking sheet. Use the back of the spoon to create a nest-like shape by gently pressing down in the center to form a little hollow for the “eggs.”

Step 4

Once you’ve formed all the nests, place 3-4 chocolate or malted milk eggs in the center of each nest.

Step 5

Let the nests cool and set. You can speed up the process by placing the tray in the fridge for about 30 minutes to help the nests firm up.

Step 6

Once set, transfer the nests to a serving tray and enjoy!

Tips for Making the Recipe

Use a non-stick or silicone mat to prevent the nests from sticking to the parchment paper.
Be gentle when mixing the chow mein noodles with the chocolate to avoid breaking the noodles.
Allow the nests to cool completely before handling them to prevent them from falling apart.
Feel free to make smaller or larger nests depending on your preference or how many treats you need.
You can use other types of chocolate (dark or white) or flavored chips if you prefer.

How to Serve

Serve these Easter Birds Nest Cookies on a festive platter or as part of a holiday dessert spread.
Pair them with a glass of milk or a warm cup of hot cocoa for the ultimate treat.
Great for gift-giving: Wrap individual nests in clear plastic bags with a ribbon for a cute, homemade gift.
Use them as an Easter centerpiece to decorate your table for a fun and edible touch.
Perfect as a party treat for Easter egg hunts or springtime celebrations.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They will stay fresh and crunchy.

Freezing

You can freeze these cookies for up to 1 month. Place them in a freezer-safe container or plastic bag, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Reheating

These cookies don’t require reheating. Simply take them out of the freezer and let them come to room temperature, or enjoy straight from the fridge if you like them cool.

FAQs

1. Can I use regular noodles instead of chow mein noodles?

For the best texture, stick with fried chow mein noodles, as they’re lighter and crispier, perfect for these nests.

2. Can I make these cookies without peanut butter chips?

Yes, you can replace the peanut butter chips with extra milk chocolate chips or another type of baking chip you prefer.

3. Can I make this recipe without eggs?

Yes, you can make this recipe egg-free! The chocolate chips and chow mein noodles hold everything together, so no eggs are necessary.

4. How many cookies does this recipe make?

This recipe makes about 12-15 nests, depending on the size you form them.

5. Can I use white chocolate chips instead of milk chocolate?

Absolutely! White chocolate chips are a great alternative and would give the cookies a different flavor profile.

6. What’s the best way to store these cookies?

Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain their crispness.

7. Can I use different kinds of “eggs”?

Yes, you can use any type of candy “eggs,” like jelly beans, peanut butter eggs, or mini Easter eggs—whatever fits your taste!

8. Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! These cookies are perfect for making ahead and can be stored for several days before serving.

9. Do I need to bake these cookies?

No, these cookies are no-bake! Just melt the chocolate, mix the ingredients, and set them in the fridge to firm up.

10. Can I use a different type of candy for the center of the nest?

Definitely! You can use other small candy-coated chocolate pieces, jelly beans, or even mini marshmallows.

Conclusion

Easter Birds Nest Cookies are the perfect sweet treat to celebrate the holiday season. With their playful, festive appearance and delicious combination of chocolate, peanut butter, and crispy noodles, these cookies are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re baking with kids, hosting a holiday gathering, or simply enjoying some holiday fun, these nests will bring joy and a touch of whimsy to your Easter celebration. Make them today and enjoy the smiles they bring!