I was baking these Easter Birds Nest Cookies during a college holiday break. My best friend and I wanted something cute yet satisfying for our study group. We had a modest kitchen, some leftover chow mein noodles, and a longing for chocolate that just wouldn’t quit. We cobbled together cookies that reminded us of small nests, then topped them with candy eggs.
The result made the entire room light up, and I never forgot that sweet memory. You might find the same delight while making these at home. The texture stands out, and the chocolate taste shines in every bite. I still look at those pictures from that afternoon and smile at how many cookie crumbs ended up on our textbooks.
Personal Connection And Flavor Experience
I love the blend of textures in these cookies. A soft chocolate cookie base holds a crunchy cluster of chow mein noodles, which feels like a fun puzzle of crispy edges and smooth chocolate. There’s something about pressing candy eggs on top that brings out my inner child. Spring celebrations often call for playful details, and this dessert brings that spirit to life. The combination of milk chocolate chips, coconut oil, and sweet pastel decorations checks the boxes for a pleasant treat that’s worth repeating year after year. My cousins have even started requesting them at our family gatherings, and I feel proud to bring something that sparks such broad grins.
Ingredients Overview: Soft Cookie Meets Crunchy Noodles
A few items stand at the core of this recipe: all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, and a pinch of salt create the dry foundation for the cookie base. Unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar blend into a smooth, creamy mixture that gives each cookie its signature softness. A single egg and a dash of vanilla extract round out the flavor profile. Milk chocolate chips melt and hug the chow mein noodles, which transform into crisp, chocolate-coated shapes that perch on top of each cookie. A little coconut oil or vegetable shortening helps the chocolate flow more easily, though I’ve skipped that before without an issue. Pastel candy eggs complete the look, and an optional sprinkle of colorful decorations adds a festive glow.
Preparing The Chocolate Cookie Base
A warm oven set to 350°F (175°C) starts the process. I often line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. In one bowl, I whisk together flour, cocoa powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, I cream softened butter with the two types of sugar until the mixture feels fluffy and light. I stir in the egg and vanilla, then gradually fold in the dry components. This creates a soft dough. I shape small disks of dough, flatten them slightly, and arrange them on the lined tray. After a few minutes in the oven, the cookies firm up along the edges but remain slightly soft in the center.
Chocolate-Coated Chow Mein Nests On Top
I melt milk chocolate chips in short bursts in the microwave, stirring regularly. A bit of coconut oil helps the melted chocolate flow. I pour this silky mixture over a bowl of chow mein noodles. Every noodle gets covered in that cocoa goodness. Next, I take spoonfuls of these coated noodles and place them on top of each cookie, leaving a small hollow in the center. This step turns the plain cookie rounds into whimsical nests that set the stage for the final toppings.
Filling With A Smooth Chocolate Center
I like to add an extra element of chocolate to highlight that sweet taste. More milk or dark chocolate chips melt in a small bowl, with a little coconut oil or butter if it needs thinning. Once smooth, I spoon the liquid chocolate into the hollow center of each nest. A quick tap of the cookie on the countertop helps spread the chocolate evenly. I let it cool before the candy eggs go on top. Sometimes I slide the sheet into the fridge to firm up the centers a bit faster. The waiting time creates anticipation, especially if you have little helpers in the kitchen.
Adding The Final Touches With Pastel Candy Eggs
Pastel candy eggs add color and make the nests pop. I gently push a few into each chocolate center, nestling them so they hold firm. A splash of sprinkles can land on the edges if you want extra flair. You can store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, though they rarely last that long in my house. My nieces call them “birdie cookies” and grin every time they see that plate arrive on the table. You might see the same reaction from your friends or family.
More Festive Treats For Easter
An assortment of spring-themed desserts can bring life to any gathering. I sometimes pair these nests with a playful Easter Dirt Cake or a Layered Easter Poke Cake for variety. A cookie-based option could include this Soft Easter Cookie Cake. Some folks enjoy bright cupcakes, and the Easter Bunny Egg Cupcakes bring even more color to the table. These recipes can fit together if you plan a larger Easter dessert spread, and they share a similar focus on playful shapes and sweet flavors.
Save It, Share It, And Join The Conversation
I enjoy connecting with others over food, so I appreciate any feedback or questions. Feel free to save this recipe to your Pinterest board for easy access later. I often glance at my pins for holiday inspiration when I’m short on time. You can also share your results in the comments or ask for advice if something seems unclear. I read each note and love seeing photos or stories from your kitchen. Good recipes keep evolving when people swap ideas, so please let me know how your batch turned out.
Easy Birds Nests Cookies Recipe
These festive Easter birds nest cookies combine a soft chocolate cookie base with crunchy, chocolate-coated chow mein noodles to create adorable nests. Each is filled with a smooth chocolate center and topped with pastel candy eggs for a charming springtime treat.
Ingredients
- FOR THE CHOCOLATE COOKIE BASE
- 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup (25g) cocoa powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup (50g) brown sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- FOR THE CHOCOLATE-COATED CHOW MEIN NESTS
- 1 cup (120g) chow mein noodles
- 1 1/2 cups (250g) milk chocolate chips
- 1 tbsp coconut oil or vegetable shortening (optional)
- FOR THE CHOCOLATE FILLING
- 1/2 cup (100g) milk or dark chocolate chips
- 1 tsp coconut oil or butter (optional)
- FOR THE TOPPING
- Pastel candy eggs (2–4 per cookie, depending on size)
- Optional: Colorful sprinkles or nonpareils
Instructions
- MAKE THE CHOCOLATE COOKIE BASE: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. In a larger bowl, beat the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla extract and egg, mixing until smooth. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms. Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough and flatten each into a 2-inch disk. Place on the baking sheet and bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are set. Allow them to cool completely.
- CHOOSE YOUR NEST STYLE:
- OPTION 1 – CHOCOLATE-COATED NOODLE NESTS (classic version):
- Microwave the milk chocolate chips in 30-second increments, stirring after each, until smooth. Add a tablespoon of coconut oil or shortening if the chocolate needs thinning. Place the chow mein noodles in a large bowl, pour the melted chocolate over them, and gently toss until every piece is fully coated.
- ASSEMBLE THE NESTS: Scoop about 2 tablespoons of the chocolate-coated noodles onto each cooled cookie base. Shape the noodles into a circular nest with a hollow center, leaving enough space in the middle for the chocolate filling. Let the nests sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes to firm up slightly.
- FILL THE NESTS WITH CHOCOLATE: In a small bowl, microwave the milk or dark chocolate chips with a teaspoon of coconut oil or butter (optional) until smooth. Stir well. Spoon the melted chocolate into the hollow center of each nest, filling it about halfway. Gently tap the cookie on the counter to smooth out the chocolate. Let the chocolate filling cool completely until it hardens. To speed up the process, refrigerate the cookies for 10–15 minutes.
- OPTION 2 – PIPED CHOCOLATE NESTS (as shown in the photo): Microwave the milk or dark chocolate chips in 30-second increments, stirring after each, until smooth. Stir in a teaspoon of coconut oil or butter (optional) for a silkier texture. Transfer the melted chocolate to a piping bag fitted with a small round tip, or use a zip-top bag with the corner snipped.
- PIPE THE NESTS: Starting near the center of each cooled cookie, pipe the melted chocolate in a circular motion to create a raised nest shape with a slight dip in the middle. Let the nests set at room temperature until firm, or refrigerate briefly to speed it up.
- ADD THE CANDY EGGS: Once the chocolate (in either version) has hardened, gently press 2–4 pastel candy eggs into the center of each nest. For extra decoration, sprinkle nonpareils or colorful sprinkles around the edges of the nest for a festive touch.
Notes
The photos show the piped chocolate nest version, which gives a cleaner look and is easier to shape. You’ll find both methods below, and either one works beautifully depending on the style you’re going for.
Nutrition Information
Yield
12Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 208Total Fat 11gSaturated Fat 5gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 5gCholesterol 45mgSodium 159mgCarbohydrates 23gFiber 2gSugar 7gProtein 5g
The picture looks nothing like what the directions tell you to do. What is the chocolate that is piped at the top??
Great catch, Viv — and you’re absolutely right to ask. The version shown in the photo is actually made using piped melted chocolate, not the chow mein noodle nests mentioned in the original instructions. Both methods work, but the piped version gives that neater, more polished nest shape you see here.
I’ve gone ahead and updated the recipe to include both options, so you can choose the style you prefer. If you’re going for the look in the photo, you’ll want to melt the chocolate, pipe it in circles onto the cooled cookies, and then nestle the candy eggs right in. Super simple and really pretty once it sets!
Appreciate you pointing it out — it helps keep things clear for everyone 🐣💛
Thank you! I appreciate your prompt response and the update! Looking forward to making these.