If you’re hunting for a festive, foolproof treat that satisfies both the sweet tooth and the need for a charming centerpiece, Easy Easter Nest Cookies are your answer. These delightful no-bake cookies combine rich chocolate, creamy peanut butter, and crunchy chow mein noodles, all topped with twinkling candy eggs for a showstopping effect. Whether you’re baking with kids or whipping up a quick holiday plate, this recipe brings joy (and chocolate) to every spring celebration with minimal effort and maximum fun.
Ingredients You’ll Need
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For the Cookies:
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup butterscotch chips
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 6 cups chow mein noodles
- candy-coated chocolate eggs or jelly beans (for decoration)
How to Make Easy Easter Nest Cookies
Step 1: Melt the Chocolate, Butterscotch, and Peanut Butter
Start by grabbing a large microwave-safe mixing bowl. Add the semi-sweet chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, and peanut butter. Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring well after each round, until everything is smooth and silky. You want a uniform mixture with no lumps—don’t rush this part, since gentle melting prevents scorching your chocolate.
Step 2: Fold in the Chow Mein Noodles
Once your mixture is velvety smooth, gently add in the chow mein noodles. Fold them in carefully so each noodle gets a glossy, even coat without breaking up the crunch. This step is fun to do with little helpers, just be sure to mix gently to keep that essential “nest” texture.
Step 3: Shape the Nests
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Drop heaping spoonfuls of the mixture onto the sheet, spacing them an inch or two apart. Use the back of a spoon to create a small well in the center of each mound, crafting nest shapes where your candy “eggs” will rest.
Step 4: Decorate with Candy Eggs or Jelly Beans
While the chocolate mixture is still soft, nestle 2–3 candy eggs or jelly beans into the center of each cookie. Feel free to have fun with the color combinations — pastel blues, pinks, yellows, and purples make each nest truly pop!
Step 5: Chill Until Set
Transfer the entire tray to your refrigerator and let the cookies chill for about 30 minutes. This quick step ensures the cookies set up perfectly and hold their shape. Once they’re firm to the touch, your Easy Easter Nest Cookies are ready to serve and enjoy.
How to Serve Easy Easter Nest Cookies
Garnishes
For that extra special touch, sprinkle your Easy Easter Nest Cookies with a pinch of powdered sugar or a few edible glitter flakes. A dusting of shredded coconut can also mimic the look of grass or twigs for a more rustic effect.
Side Dishes
These sweet, chocolatey nests pair beautifully with a spring fruit salad or a refreshing glass of milk. For a sophisticated twist, try serving them alongside lemon bars or a pot of floral tea — perfect for an Easter brunch spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your cookies on a pastel platter lined with colorful Easter grass, or nestle them into paper cupcake liners. You can even box them up in clear treat bags tied with ribbon for adorable homemade gifts or party favors!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Easy Easter Nest Cookies keep wonderfully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Stack them carefully between sheets of parchment to prevent sticking and maintain their perfect shape.
Freezing
Want to prepare ahead? Freeze the cookies in a single layer until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll stay fresh for up to two months — just thaw in the fridge before serving.
Reheating
These cookies are designed to be enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, so there’s no need to reheat. If you like them a bit softer, let them sit out for 10 to 15 minutes before eating.
FAQs
Can I make Easy Easter Nest Cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply use gluten-free chow mein noodles or even pretzel sticks if you need a gluten-free version. Check that all your chocolate and candy egg toppings are gluten-free as well.
What can I use if I don’t have butterscotch chips?
You can replace the butterscotch chips with more chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, or even caramel chips for a different twist. Each adds its own unique flavor profile.
How do I keep the nests from falling apart?
Be sure to fully coat the noodles in the warm chocolate mixture, and refrigerate the cookies until they’re completely firm before handling. This helps them hold together beautifully.
Can I customize the toppings?
Definitely! Swap out candy eggs for jelly beans, mini marshmallows, or any fun holiday candy you love. You can even mix in colorful sprinkles for extra flair.
Are Easy Easter Nest Cookies safe for kids to make?
They are a fantastic recipe to make with children, as there’s no baking required and only gentle microwaving with supervision. Kids love shaping nests and adding the eggs themselves!
Final Thoughts
Give Easy Easter Nest Cookies a try this spring and watch them disappear from your table in no time. With their adorable design, rich chocolatey crunch, and playful colors, they turn any Easter gathering into a sweet celebration. I know you’ll love having these cheery treats in your holiday recipe collection!
Print
Easy Easter Nest Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes (including chill time)
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Easy Easter Nest Cookies are a delightful no-bake treat perfect for spring. Featuring a mix of chocolate, butterscotch, and peanut butter, these crunchy nests are filled with candy-coated eggs for a festive touch.
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup butterscotch chips
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 6 cups chow mein noodles
- candy-coated chocolate eggs or jelly beans (for decoration)
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 after each until smooth.
- Add Noodles and Shape: Gently fold in the chow mein noodles until evenly coated. Drop spoonfuls onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, shaping each into a nest. Press the center down slightly with a spoon.
- Add Decorations: While still soft, place 2–3 candy eggs or jelly beans in the center of each nest.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the cookies for about 30 minutes until set. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
- You can use shredded coconut or pretzel sticks instead of chow mein noodles for a twist.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 17g
- Sodium: 105mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
