Easter Birds Nest Cookies (Haystack Cookies) (2024)

These deliciously adorable Easter Birds Nest Cookies are the perfect holiday treat for kids. The chow mein noodle nests are covered in a butterscotch and peanut butter coating, which holds decadent chocolate eggs.

Easter Egg Nests

Delicious no-bake haystack cookies are one of my favorite crunchy treats to indulge. The flavor combination of peanut butter and butterscotch is a delightful mix and the sweet bird’s nest shape makes them perfect for Easter.

My children even enjoy making these Easter Birds Nest Cookies, because they’re so easy to prepare. You can make them with either butterscotch chips or chocolate chips.

What are Easter Birds Nest Cookies?

These adorable treats are also known as no-bake haystack cookies. They are in the shape of a bird’s nest, which creates a great Easter treat. Birds Nest Cookies are made by combining melted peanut butter and butterscotch chips with chow mein noodles. Then the covered noodles are formed into a bird’s nest shape and topped with chocolate-covered eggs.

How to Make Bird Nest Cookies

This Easter birds nest recipe requires no baking at all and comes together in minutes. Follow the instructions below to make them or scroll to the recipe card at the bottom.

Ingredients in Easter Egg Nests

• Chow Mein Noodles: These crunchy noodles can be found in the Asian section of your local grocery store or you can purchase these chow mein noodles.
• Butterscotch Chips: The butterscotch chips and peanut butter melt together to create a delicious flavor combination.
• Peanut Butter: The no-stir creamy peanut butter works best for this recipe.
• Cadbury Mini Eggs: My favorite way to prepare these Easter Birds Nest cookies is by using the Cadbury Mini Eggs to top them off. If you prefer a different candy I have other options below.

Directions

• Melt. Place the butterscotch chips and peanut butter into a microwave-safe bowl and melt in the microwave on medium heat in 1-minute incriminates. Stir after each minute and continue until the chips are completely melted. About 1 to 2 minutes.
• Fold the Noodles. Pour the chow mein noodles into the melted mixture and use a spatula to gently fold them in.
• Shape the Nests. Using an ice cream scoop or your hands, scoop out about 3-inch sized balls of the mixture and place them onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Use your fingers to shape into a round bird’s nest with a slight dip in the center.
• Place the Eggs. Quickly, after the birds, nests have been formed place 2 to 3 of the candy eggs in the center of each nest. Place in the refrigerator for 5 minutes to firm up.

How to Store Birds Nest Cookies

There’s no need to place these cookies in the refrigerator. Store the bird’s nest cookies in an air-tight container you keep on the counter or in the pantry.

Can You Freeze Bird Nest Cookies?

No. Unfortunately, these cookies don’t freeze well. The chow mein noodles become chewy after they’ve thawed. The cookies will not go bad for up to a week, therefore you can make them ahead of time.

Other Options for Candy Eggs

• Mini Cadbury Eggs
• 1 large Cadbury Egg
• 1 Peeps Candy Bird
• Jelly Beans
• M&M Eggs
• Chocolate Robins Egg Candy

Can You Leave Out the Butterscotch and just Make Chocolate Haystack Cookies?

Yes. Swap out the butterscotch chips for chocolate chips and you’ll have chocolate peanut butter haystack cookies. Just as a reminder the nests will have a darker chocolate color.

Are Chow Mein Noodles Gluten-Free?

No. The crunchy chow mein noodles have gluten/wheat in them. You can, however, purchase these gluten-free chow mein noodles to ensure this recipe is without gluten.