These Birds Nest Cookies are crunchy, chocolatey, and so fun to make. They’re perfect for spring holidays, dessert trays, and quick sweet cravings because they come together fast with just a few ingredients. The best part: you don’t need perfect shaping—messy nests look the most real.
Introduction
If you need a cute treat that’s basically foolproof, Birds Nest Cookies is a reader favorite for a reason. They’re fast, kid-friendly, and great for making with helpers. Plus, you can make them with a no-bake method (just chill) or bake them briefly to set the chocolate—either way works.
The standout trick is working quickly once the chocolate is melted. That way the cereal gets coated evenly and you can shape the nests before everything sets. Trust me, set up your candy eggs first—then Birds Nest Cookies comes together smoothly.
Why You’ll Love This Birds Nest Cookies
- Quick and easy: Just melt, mix, shape, and set.
- Perfect for holidays: Cute nests with candy eggs for spring.
- No-bake friendly: Chill to set if you want a super easy method.
- Great for gifting: Looks adorable on cookie trays.
- Customizable: Use different chocolates and candy colors.
Ingredients for Birds Nest Cookies
Chocolate Base
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips (2 cups): Main chocolate flavor.
- Swap: Milk chocolate chips for a sweeter nest.
- Butterscotch chips (1/2 cup, optional): Adds a classic sweet note.
- Swap: Use all chocolate if you prefer.
- Creamy peanut butter (2 tbsp, optional): Helps nests set and adds flavor.
- Swap: Skip if you want nut-free.
Crunchy Nest
- Crispy chow mein noodles (4 cups) or crispy rice cereal (4 cups): Makes the nest texture.
- Tip: Chow mein noodles look most like a real nest.
Topping
- Mini candy eggs (36, about 3 per nest): The cute “eggs” in the center.
How to Make Birds Nest Cookies
- 1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- 2. Melt chocolate (and butterscotch chips if using) in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second bursts, stirring each time, until smooth. Stir in peanut butter if using.
- 3. Fold in chow mein noodles (or cereal) until everything is coated. Work quickly so the chocolate doesn’t set in the bowl.
- 4. Scoop about 2 tbsp mixture onto the parchment for each nest.
- 5. Shape each mound into a nest and press a small indent in the center with your thumb or the back of a spoon.
- 6. Add 3 candy eggs into the center.
- 7. Set: Chill in the fridge for 25–30 minutes, until firm. (Or leave at cool room temp until set.)
Tips for Perfect Birds Nest Cookies
- Prep candy eggs first: Makes decorating fast.
- Work quickly: Chocolate sets fast once mixed with cereal.
- Don’t over-melt: Gentle melting keeps chocolate smooth.
- Use parchment: Helps nests lift off cleanly.
- Chill to set: Faster and sturdier nests.
Variations & Substitutions
- White chocolate nests: Use white chips and pastel eggs for extra spring vibes.
- Dark chocolate: Richer, less sweet flavor.
- Nut-free: Skip peanut butter and choose nut-free candy.
- Extra crunch: Add a handful of crushed pretzels.
- Drizzle finish: Drizzle melted chocolate over set nests.
Storing & Reheating
Store Birds Nest Cookies in an airtight container at cool room temperature for up to 5 days, or in the fridge for up to 7 days.
Freezing works for up to 1 month, but candy shells can get a little dull after thawing.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
- Add to holiday dessert trays and cookie boxes.
- Serve with fruit for a cute dessert board.
- Great for classroom parties and potlucks.
- Pair with coffee or hot cocoa.
Reader Review: “These birds nest cookies were so easy and adorable. They disappeared faster than any other treat on the table!”
If you make Birds Nest Cookies, leave a rating and comment! Are you using chow mein noodles or crispy cereal for your nests?
Print
Birds Nest Cookies (Best Ever, Easy, No-Bake Option)
- Total Time: 0 minutes (plus chilling)
- Yield: 12 nests 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Birds nest cookies are a no-bake spring treat—crispy chocolate nests filled with candy eggs.
Ingredients
2 cups chow mein noodles
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup butterscotch chips (or peanut butter chips)
1 tablespoon coconut oil (optional, helps smooth melting)
36 candy-coated chocolate eggs
Instructions
Line a sheet pan with parchment.
Melt chocolate chips and butterscotch chips (and coconut oil if using) in 30-second bursts, stirring until smooth.
Gently fold in chow mein noodles until coated.
Spoon mounds onto parchment and shape into nests with a small indent.
Add 3 candy eggs to each nest. Chill 20 minutes to set.
Notes
Don’t crush noodles too much—keep the “nest” texture.
Storage: Keeps 1 week in a cool place.
Tools: Microwave-safe bowl, spoon, parchment.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American