Bird's Nest Cookies

I just adore these little “cookies.” They're so cute as Easter desserts and easy enough that children can help make them. Aren’t no-bake desserts wonderful?

If you've never made bird's nest cookies or haystack cookies, the main ingredient may seem a little odd for a cookie recipe. (Psst: It's chow mein noodles!) Become a believer, friends. The noodles are what give the cookies their "nest" look and delicious crunchiness. These are a twist on the classic because they're made with peanut butter and white chocolate instead of milk chocolate—and the result is utterly divine.

The real star of the show is the Easter candy you use to decorate each cookie. I like to add mini candy-coated eggs and marshmallow chicks, but you can also use jelly beans or peanut butter M&M's instead. Either way, adorable! The best part about these is they stay fresh for days, so you can make 'em ahead of Sunday morning.

Here are more Easter desserts and Easter cookie recipes that are perfect for the big day or an egg hunt leading up to it!

What can you use instead of almonds in birds nest cookies?

Chopped peanuts, pistachios, cashews, or pecans all work well in these cookies. Just be sure to use one cup.

Can you melt the chocolate in the microwave?

Yes, but it's safer to melt it on the stovetop! Chocolate can easily scorch in the microwave, so I prefer to melt it over a double boiler on the stove for more control. If you'd rather give the microwave a shot, place the chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave it in 30-second intervals at 50 percent power until melted and smooth, stirring between each round.

Why are my bird’s nest cookies falling apart?

There could be a few reasons. First, make sure you stir everything together thoroughly. The chocolate-peanut butter mixture acts like glue, so all the noodles need to be evenly coated for the cookies to hold together. Second, shape the cookies right away while the mixture is still warm. If it starts to cool and harden, the noodles won’t stick together as well. Finally, let the cookies chill in the fridge until they’re fully set. If the coating is still soft, the cookies can easily fall apart.

Can you make bird's nest cookies ahead of time?

Sure, you can! Store them refrigerated in an airtight container and these no-bake treats will stay fresh for up to five days.

Do bird’s nest cookies have to be refrigerated?

Yes, it’s best to store these cookies in the fridge so they hold together and don’t get soft or sticky. Stack them in an airtight container with pieces of parchment paper between the layers to keep them looking pretty. You don’t need to worry about food safety if they sit out for a while when serving, but they don’t hold up well in warm temperatures, so it’s best to keep them in a cool place or refrigerate them until you’re ready to serve.

What kind of peanut butter is best for bird's nest cookies?

Creamy peanut butter works great for these because it melts smoothly into the white chocolate. You'll want to avoid natural peanut butters that separate as they sit, as they tend to be a bit too oily for these cookies.