These festive birds nest cookies are a delightful kid-friendly treat that only requires 5 ingredients to make! Not only are they fun to make, but they’re a delicious Easter dessert recipe. Whether you’re making the cookies ahead of time or using it as a fun activity for kids, these cookies won’t last long.

They look just like a bird’s nest and are such an easy dessert or snack for the holidays. These no-bake cookies are the perfect balance between sweet, salty, and savory and even double as an edible holiday decor! What’s not to love about them? If you need another Easter recipe for your celebrations, try my carrot cake cookies recipe, peanut butter eggs recipe, or Easter basket cupcakes recipe!

What You Need to Make This Recipe

Chocolate chips — I use milk chocolate chips for these cookies. If you don’t have milk chocolate chips, you can roughly chop a milk chocolate bar instead.

Butterscotch chips — the butterscotch flavoring adds a sweetness that cuts through the chocolate.

Peanut butter — you’ll need creamy shelf-stable peanut butter for this, such as Jif or Skippy, as the all-natural ones are too oily.

Chow mein noodles — these are quick-cooked noodles that are light and crunchy. Their shapes make for the perfect “branches” for the nests, and the saltiness balances out the chocolate flavors. Be sure to get the cooked noodles.

Candy eggs — I love using Cadbury Mini Eggs as their pastel colors make for beautiful “bird eggs.”

How to Make Birds Nest Cookies

1. In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, and peanut butter. Microwave in 30-seconds intervals, stirring between each interval until the chips are melted, and the mixture is combined and smooth. Alternatively, melt the mixture together in a pot over low heat.

2. Stir in the chow mein noodles.

3. Scoop into 12 mounds (about 2 tablespoons each) onto a parchment-lined cookie sheet.

4. Place 3 candy eggs in the center of each mound, so it looks like a bird’s nest. Let the birds nest cookies stand until fully set, about 3 hours.

Pro Tips for Making This Recipe

If you don’t love butterscotch chips or prefer a different flavor, you can use any chocolate chips instead. Or, substitute the butterscotch for peanut butter chips. You can also use whatever type of chocolate you prefer- milk chocolate, semi-sweet, bittersweet, or dark chocolate.
When melting the chips, make sure your bowl is clean and dry. Water causes melted chocolate to seize, and you will have to start over.
Due to the melted chocolate, it’s best to use a cookie scoop or spoon to avoid getting your hands coated in chocolate.
If you cannot find mini chocolate eggs, try jelly beans, M&M’s, or even peeps!
If you cannot find chow mein noodles, try using chopped pretzels in their place.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I leave out the peanut butter in the bird nests?

If you’d like to skip the peanut butter, you can use just the chocolate and butterscotch chips. You will simply not have the peanut butter flavor.

How do I store these cookies?

Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week in the fridge.

Can I freeze this recipe?

Freeze the bird nests in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Place parchment between each layer of cookies, so they do not stick together. Place in the fridge to defrost before serving.

If you love this recipe try these out!

If you’ve tried this Birds Nest Cookies recipe, then don’t forget to rate the recipe and let me know how you got on in the comments below, I love hearing from you!

A birds nest cookie with candy eggs scattered around it.

5 from 6 votes