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Close-up of four bird's nest cookies with scalloped edges, chocolate noodles, and candy eggs on a plate.

Easy Bird Nests Cookies (No-Bake)

These delightful no-bake easy bird nests cookies are quick to make, featuring a crunchy oat and chocolate base shaped into charming nests, then filled with colorful mini candy eggs. Perfect for a sweet treat any time of year!
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 24 pieces
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American, Baking
Calories: 180
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Nests
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter 1 stick
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup milk any kind
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 3 cups quick-cooking oats
  • 1 cup shredded coconut optional, or 5 oz (2.5 cups) chow mein noodles for extra crunch
For the Filling
  • 1 cup mini candy eggs e.g., Cadbury Mini Eggs

Equipment

  • Large saucepan
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Baking Sheets
  • Parchment Paper
  • Spoon
  • Small Scoop (optional)

Method
 

Prepare the Nest Mixture
  1. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Set aside.
  2. In a large saucepan, combine the butter, granulated sugar, milk, and cocoa powder. Heat over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the butter is melted and the mixture comes to a rolling boil. Continue to boil for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
  3. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
  4. Add the quick-cooking oats and shredded coconut (if using, or chow mein noodles) to the saucepan. Stir well until all the dry ingredients are fully coated with the chocolate mixture.
Form the Nests
  1. Working quickly, drop spoonfuls (about 2 tablespoons each) of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheets. Immediately use the back of the spoon or your thumb to create an indentation in the center of each mound, forming a nest shape.
  2. Repeat until all the mixture is used, leaving some space between each nest.
Chill and Fill
  1. Place the baking sheets in the refrigerator and chill for at least 30 minutes, or until the nests are firm and set.
  2. Once firm, carefully remove the nests from the parchment paper. Place 2-3 mini candy eggs into the center of each nest.
  3. Serve immediately or store for later enjoyment.

Notes

For a richer chocolate flavor, you can melt 1/2 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips into the hot mixture before adding the oats. If you don't have mini candy eggs, M&M's or other small candies can be used as a substitute. Store leftover bird nests cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.