Try these fun No-Bake Birds Nest Cookies for an easy 10-minute Easter dessert. They're sweet and crunchy and only require 4 ingredients - melted chocolate, butterscotch, crunchy chow mein noodles, and colorful candy eggs.
If you're looking for more Easy Easter Treats, we have tons of ideas. Make a batch of Bunny Chow with Chex Mix or Easter Oreo Bark! They're incredible!
Have some fun and get creative in the kitchen with this easy-to-make Easter treat. Not only are they super cute, but they’re a delicious spring or Easter dessert that the whole family can enjoy.
It may sound interesting to put chow mein noodles in a sweet recipe, but they add the right amount of salty crunch to this chocolatey dessert. They will undoubtedly be the hit of your spring party!
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Why We Love This Recipe
- EASY RECIPE. With just four simple ingredients, you can whip up a batch of these bird's nest cookies in about 10 minutes.
- KID-FRIENDLY. It's a great recipe to get your kids involved and create a unique Easter treat. They love eating them too!
- NO OVEN IS REQUIRED! This recipe is just about melting some chocolate and mixing in the ingredients. It's a wonderful no-bake easter dessert!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
Only four ingredients are needed to whip up these delicious Chocolate Birds Nests.
Milk Chocolate Chips - we've tested the recipe several times and found that higher-end chocolate tends to melt better. We recommend using Guittard or Ghirardelli chocolate chips, so the chips melt smoothly.
Butterscotch Chips - these add an excellent complement to the chocolate. You can also use peanut butter chips.
Chow Mein Noodles - these bring the right amount of crunch to the recipe, so use the crunchy variety found in the Asian food aisle, not the lo mein variety. You can substitute pretzel sticks, Rice Krispies, or potato sticks if you don't have or can't find chow mein noodles.
Candy Eggs - we like to use Cadbury Mini Eggs, but other brands make candy chocolate eggs that work just as well. Try M&Ms or jelly beans.
Find the full ingredients list and instructions in the printable recipe card below.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Gather all your ingredients, and let's make this tasty little treat! We especially love the butterscotch flavor!
First, line a cookie sheet with parchment paper or a Silpat baking mat. Set aside.
Step 1 - MELT CHOCOLATE & BUTTERSCOTCH CHIPS. Place your chocolate and butterscotch chips in a large microwave-safe bowl. Cook in 30-second increments, stirring after each one until fully melted.
Step 2 - STIR IN CHOW MEIN NOODLES. Now, in the same bowl, add all the chow mein noodles and stir until fully coated in the melted chocolate/butterscotch mixture.
Step 3 - CREATE COOKIE NESTS. Spoon approximately two tablespoons of the cookie mixture onto your prepared pan and create a nest shape.
We like to depress the center with the spoon to get the nest shape. Now, top with three candy eggs. Repeat with the remaining cookie mixture and candy eggs.
Step 4 - LET HARDEN. Finally, either place your chow mein noodle bird nests in the refrigerator for 10 - 15 minutes to harden or leave them on the counter to set for 30 - 60 minutes.
Tips & Tricks
- Make sure to use a clean and dry bowl to melt the chocolate. Water can cause the chocolate to seize and be unusable.
- We often use Cadbury Mini Eggs, but any other chocolate candy-coated egg will work. Jelly beans are also a fun idea.
- The recipe calls for milk chocolate chips, but we have used dark chocolate, and it’s also delicious!
- Depending on how large you make your nests, you will end up with 16-20 cookies. Adjust how many candy eggs accordingly.
Recipe Idea
Get creative. Make these chocolate nests with all pink or all blue candy eggs for a baby shower sweet treat!
These little Chocolate Bird Nest Cookies are also perfect for class parties (kids love them), Easter get-togethers, or any time you need a creative treat that's easy to whip together.
Recipe FAQs
Yes, you can use peanut butter chips instead of butterscotch chips in your bird nest cookies. It's a delicious option. Or use a combination of both. White chocolate chips also work as a substitute for butterscotch chips.
Store your Easter Nests in an airtight container at room temperature for about five days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
You can freeze the bird nests in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Make sure to place parchment between each layer of cookies so they do not stick together. Place in the fridge to defrost before serving.
More Easter Treat Recipes
You may want to check out these Easter Basket Ideas for Kids and Easter Ideas for Teens.
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*Images in the recipe card don't print unless you want them to print.
Recipe
Birds Nest Cookies Recipe
Equipment
- baking sheet
- parchment paper
- Spatula or cooking spoon
- large microwave-safe bowl
Ingredients
- 11-12 ounces milk chocolate chips
- 11-12 ounces butterscotch chips
- 12 ounces chow mein noodles (crispy)
- 48 candy eggs
Instructions
- Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper or a Silpat baking mat. Set aside.
- Place your chocolate and butterscotch chips in a large microwave-safe bowl. Cook in 30-second increments, stirring after each one until fully melted.
- Spoon approximately 2 tablespoons of the cookie mixture onto the prepared pan and create a nest shape. We like to depress the center with the spoon to get an indent in the center. Now, top with 3 candy eggs. Repeat with the remaining cookie mixture and candy eggs.
- Either place nests in the refrigerator for 10 - 15 minutes to harden or leave them on the counter to set for 30 - 60 minutes to fully set.
Video
Notes
- We often use Cadbury Mini Eggs, but any other chocolate candy-coated egg will work. Jelly beans are also a fun idea.
- The recipe calls for milk chocolate chips, but we have used dark chocolate, and it’s also delicious!
- You can substitute pretzel sticks, Rice Krispies, or potato sticks if you don't have or can't find chow mein noodles.
Courtney says
My daughter and I had so much fun making these. Definitely a new Easter tradition, thank you!
Erin Henry says
That's so great, Courtney! We love hearing how it goes in the kitchen, and we are thrilled you have a new holiday tradition!
Melissa says
I love the no bake recipes - Yummy and fun to make!
Erin Henry says
A totally fun recipe to make with kids. Plus, they get a cut little nest at the end!
Noelle says
These are the perfect spring dessert, loved them! Always love making no bake cookies 🙂
Erin Henry says
Our go-to recipe for spring! It's kind of addictive with the chocolate and butterscotch!