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Adorable Easter Birds Nest Cookies – Fun & Easy Easter Baking Recipe Thumbnail

Easter Birds Nest Cookies

These Easter Birds Nest Cookies are a fun, festive treat that’s perfect for spring celebrations. Soft chocolate cookie bases are topped with crunchy chocolate-coated nests and finished with pastel candy eggs for an adorable look. They’re easy to make, kid-friendly, and great for Easter parties, classroom treats, or holiday dessert tables. Whether you choose the classic noodle nest or a smooth piped chocolate version, each bite delivers rich chocolate flavor with a playful crunch. These cookies are simple enough for beginner bakers but impressive enough to steal the spotlight at any Easter gathering.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Course: Appetizer, Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • Ingredients
  • Chocolate Cookie Base
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup cocoa powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup unsalted butter softened
  • ¼ cup white sugar
  • ¼ cup brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 large egg
  • Crunchy Chocolate Nests
  • 1 cup chow mein noodles
  • 1½ cups milk chocolate chips
  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil or vegetable shortening optional, for smoother chocolate
  • Chocolate Center
  • ½ cup milk or dark chocolate chips
  • 1 teaspoon coconut oil or butter optional
  • Toppings
  • Pastel candy eggs 2–4 per cookie
  • Optional sprinkles or nonpareils for extra color

Method
 

1. Bake the Chocolate Cookie Bases

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking tray with parchment paper. In a small bowl, mix the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Set aside.

In a separate bowl, cream the butter with both sugars until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla and egg, mixing until smooth. Slowly blend in the dry ingredients until a soft dough forms.

Scoop about a tablespoon of dough and gently press it into a flat round, roughly 2 inches wide. Arrange on the baking sheet and bake for 8–10 minutes, just until the edges are set. Cool completely before decorating.

    2. Build Your Bird Nest Cookies

    Option A: Classic Chocolate-Coated Noodle Nests

    1. Melt the milk chocolate in the microwave using 30-second intervals, stirring between each. Add coconut oil if needed for a smoother texture.

    2. Place Chow Mein noodles in a large bowl and pour the melted chocolate over them. Toss gently until every noodle is coated.

    3. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the mixture onto each cookie base. Shape into a nest with a small hollow center. Let set for about 15 minutes.

    Fill the Center

    Melt the filling chocolate with coconut oil or butter. Spoon into the center of each nest until halfway full. Let harden at room temperature or refrigerate for 10–15 minutes.

      3. Option B: Piped Chocolate Nests

      1. Melt chocolate with coconut oil or butter until silky smooth.

      2. Transfer to a piping bag or zip-top bag with the corner snipped.

      3. Pipe circular rings on top of each cookie, layering slightly to create a nest shape with a dip in the center. Allow to set.

        4. Finish with Candy Eggs

        Once the chocolate has fully hardened, gently press 2–4 pastel candy eggs into each nest. Add sprinkles if you’re feeling extra festive.

          Notes

          Final Thoughts

          These Easter Birds Nest Cookies are the kind of dessert that feels playful, nostalgic, and just plain fun. They’re perfect for spring gatherings, classroom treats, or baking with kids. Whether you go crunchy with noodles or smooth with piped chocolate, the end result is always adorable—and guaranteed to disappear fast.

          FAQs

          Can I make these ahead of time?
           Yes! You can prepare them 1–2 days in advance and store them in an airtight container at room temperature.
          Can I use dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate?
           Absolutely. Dark chocolate adds a richer flavor and balances the sweetness of the candy eggs.
          What if I don’t have chow mein noodles?
           You can substitute with pretzel sticks, shredded wheat cereal, or coconut flakes for a similar nest effect.
          Are these kid-friendly to make?
           Very! Kids love shaping the nests and placing the candy eggs—just help with the melting chocolate.
          Can I freeze these cookies?
           You can freeze the cookie bases alone. Once assembled, freezing isn’t recommended due to the candy eggs and chocolate texture.