Bird’s Nest Cookies with Chocolate Eggs

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These no-bake cookies use crispy chow mein noodles and butterscotch to create edible nests, topped with candy eggs for a perfect Easter treat.

They take about 20 minutes to make and require zero oven time.

Why You’ll Love It

  • No baking required
  • Ready in under 30 minutes
  • Only 5 ingredients
  • Kids can help shape the nests
  • Makes a large batch for parties or gifts

Ingredients

For the Nests (makes about 24 cookies)

  • 1 cup butterscotch chips (6 oz)
  • 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 3 cups crispy chow mein noodles
  • 1 cup mini marshmallows (optional, for softer texture)
  • 72 candy eggs (about 3 per nest) – Cadbury mini eggs, jelly beans, or malted milk eggs

Optional Additions

  • 1/4 cup toasted coconut flakes (tinted green for “grass”)
  • 1/2 cup pretzel sticks, broken into small pieces
  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil (for smoother melting)

Steps

  1. Prepare your workspace. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. Have all ingredients measured and ready.
  2. Melt the butterscotch and peanut butter. Combine butterscotch chips and peanut butter in a large microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until completely smooth. This usually takes 1-2 minutes total.
  3. Add the noodles. Pour chow mein noodles into the melted mixture. If using marshmallows, add them now. Fold gently with a silicone spatula until everything is evenly coated. Work quickly before the mixture starts to set.
  4. Shape the nests. Drop heaping tablespoons of the mixture onto prepared baking sheets. Use two spoons or your fingers (lightly greased) to shape each mound into a nest with a pressed center. The indent should be deep enough to hold 3 candy eggs.
  5. Add the eggs. While the nests are still slightly tacky, press 3 candy eggs into the center of each one. If the mixture has set too much, the eggs won’t stick—work in batches if needed.
  6. Let them set. Allow nests to firm up at room temperature for 15-20 minutes, or refrigerate for 10 minutes to speed things up.

Helpful Tips and Substitutions

Peanut-free version: Replace peanut butter with sunflower seed butter or soy nut butter. The flavor will differ slightly but the texture works the same.

Butterscotch alternative: Use white chocolate chips or milk chocolate chips for a different flavor profile. White chocolate creates a lighter colored nest.

Chow mein noodle substitute: Crushed shredded wheat cereal or crispy rice cereal both work. Shredded wheat gives a more realistic “twig” appearance.

Mixture too thick: Add 1 tablespoon of coconut oil to the butterscotch mixture before adding noodles. This keeps it workable longer.

Mixture setting too fast: Work near the stove and briefly rewarm the bowl if needed. Don’t overheat or the coating will become too thin.

Green grass effect: Toss coconut flakes with a drop of green food coloring in a zip-top bag. Sprinkle around the eggs before the nests fully set.

Serving Ideas

Arrange nests on a cake stand lined with paper grass for an Easter table centerpiece.

Package individual nests in clear cellophane bags tied with ribbon for party favors.

Place one nest at each place setting as an edible Easter dinner decoration.

Stack on a tiered serving tray alongside other Easter cookies and candies.

Make-Ahead and Storage

At room temperature: Store in a single layer in an airtight container for up to 1 week. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

In the refrigerator: Store for up to 2 weeks. Bring to room temperature before serving for best texture.

Freezing: Freeze nests without candy eggs for up to 2 months. Add eggs after thawing. Candy eggs may develop condensation if frozen and thawed.

Make ahead timeline: Make nests up to 5 days before your event. Store at room temperature and add candy eggs the day of for the freshest appearance.

A Quick Win

These bird’s nest cookies deliver maximum impact for minimal effort, which is exactly what you want during a busy holiday.

Kids love shaping them, and the combination of crunchy, sweet, and salty hits all the right notes.

Make a double batch—they disappear faster than you’d expect.

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