These classic bird’s nest cookies are a dessert I most often associate with Easter, but it’s a fun one for anytime in the spring to celebrate the changing of the seasons.
If you’ve never had bird’s nest cookies before, they are crunchy chocolate and peanut butter no-bake treats that get topped with candy eggs.
While they are usually referred to as cookies, I think of them as homemade candy like peanut brittle or buckeyes for the holidays.
Related: Want more no-bake treats? Check out 30+ Easy No-Bake Desserts.
Bird’s Nest Cookie Ingredients:
- Chow mein noodles
- Chocolate chips
- Peanut butter
- Candy eggs
You can use any kind of candy eggs, or candy that looks like eggs. Think Cadbury mini eggs, whoppers, M&Ms, or you could use jelly beans if you want something less crunchy. The hard shell candies aren’t always a good option for younger children.
Directions:
Melt the chocolate chips and peanut butter. You can do this on the stovetop, a double boiler, or in the microwave. I usually do it in the microwave, as it’s faster. To do this, microwave in 30-second increments, stirring between. It will probably take 1 to 1.5 minutes.
Add the chow mein noodles to the melted chocolate and stir to coat them all. Then spoon the mixture onto a surface covered with parchment paper or wax paper. Use the bottom of a tablespoon to create a bowl for the nest. Then add 2-3 candy eggs.
Allow the melted chocolate to set/harden. If you want to speed up this process, you can pop the cookies in the refrigerator.
Tips & Substitutions
- If you can’t find chow mein noodles, you can use shredded wheat cereal. Gently crush/pull apart the pieces before adding to the melted chocolate and forming the nests. Another option is toasted coconut flakes.
- You can use milk, dark, or semi-sweet chocolate chips depending on what flavor you prefer.
- If you plan to pop these in the refrigerator to help them set faster, form them on a cutting board or large plate with parchment or wax paper so you can easily move them to the refrigerator.
- Bird’s nest cookies do not need to be refrigerated after they have set, but do keep in mind they are made of chocolate and they can melt if they get too warm.
Other No-Bake Desserts:
- Easy Chocolate Oreo Truffles
- No-Bake Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies
- No-Bake Cheesecake Truffles
- No-Bake Peanut Butter Pie
- Easy Popcorn Balls
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I use instead of chow mein for bird’s nest cookies?
Shredded wheat cereal, toasted coconut flakes, or even Rice Krispie cereal can be used instead of chow mein noodles.
What can I use instead of peanut butter in bird’s nest cookies?
Almond butter or butterscotch chips can be used instead.
What cookies should I make for Easter?
Bird’s nest cookies, sugar cookies with royal icing, thumbprint cookies, and slice and bake cookie designs are all popular for Easter as they can be customized for the season.
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Ingredients
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- ½ cup peanut butter
- 5 ounces chow mein noodles
- 30 candy eggs
Instructions
- Melt the chocolate chips and peanut butter.
- To do this, microwave in 30-second increments, stirring between.
- Add the chow mein noodles to the melted chocolate and stir to coat them all.
- Then spoon the mixture onto a surface covered with parchment paper or wax paper.
- Use the bottom of a tablespoon to create a bowl for the nest.
- Then add 2-3 candy eggs.
- Allow the melted chocolate to set/harden.
Notes
Nutrition
Notice: Nutrition is auto-calculated, using Spoonacular, for your convenience. Where relevant, we recommend using your own nutrition calculations.
These are peak Midwest nostalgia! I have no kids or family to share with but I might have to make a small batch just for myself….
I haven’t had this in forever! I think whoever used to make them when I was a kid used those canned shoestring potato chip things. I remember it being a nice salty/sweet combo. Thanks for sharing!
Oh! That sounds amazing to me
So nostalgic!
These are too fun! I crushed the egg candies on a few (not pictured) so they’d be safer for my toddler to try. Random tip for toddler parents!