These easy bird’s nest treats are so easy to make, and considered a “no bake” dessert thanks to your microwave doing the work! Crispy chow mein noodles are coated in chocolate and butterscotch and formed into a nest shape to hold cute chocolate eggs – perfect for Easter!
With just 4 core ingredients, these bird’s nest treats are simple to make, but are adorable and delicious too! Of course, there are lots of variations you can do as well, based on your preferences or what you have on hand, so I’ll make sure to cover those too!
This is basically a classic “haystacks” recipe, but instead of dropping mounds, I’m turning them into small nest shaped cups which are perfect for holding mini candy eggs. They are the perfect little treat for Easter!
Since these cookie cups are no bake, it’s something the kids can help with (particularly the adding the eggs part). However, they are easily enjoyed by kids and adults alike! These are a great low-fuss option to make something cute, but still have plenty of time to hide those eggs!
Ingredients List
5 ounce jar chow mein noodles
5-6 ounces butterscotch baking chips (I use ½ of an 11-ounce bag)
5-6 ounces milk chocolate chips (I use half of an 11.5-ounce bag)
36 mini milk chocolate eggs (such as Cadbury)
Ingredient Tips and Substitutions
You can also use broken up pretzels or shredded wheat (the biscuits, not the little cereal bites) instead of or in combination with the Chinese chow mein noodles
Instead of butterscotch chips you can use ½ cup of creamy peanut butter (you can also add this in addition to the chips if preferred)
It’s fine to omit the milk chocolate if you prefer a lighter brown “nest” and just use butterscotch (with or without peanut butter)
For a gooier consistency, you can add 2 cups of melted mini marshmallows to your mixture, but I personally find it too sticky and troublesome to work with
Feel free to use any brand of mini eggs you like (Hershey’s makes one too) or you can also substitute jelly beans or mini malted (Robin) eggs – they work equally well!
Step By Step Instructions
Line a baking sheet or rack with a piece of parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. You can also use a muffin tin if preferred, which can be sprayed with nonstick spray or you can use paper liners
In a large microwave safe bowl, combine the milk chocolate and butterscotch chips
Cook on high in 30-second increments, stirring each time, until the mixture is fully melted and smooth. It took me 1 minute total in a 1000W microwave
Fold in the chow mein noodles, stirring until they are completely coated in the chocolate mixture
Spoon about 2 Tbsp of the mixture out onto the parchment paper (or into a muffin tin) and form into a “nest” shape by using your fingers to create an indent in the middle. Tip: just eyeball it; you can’t really measure with the stringy noodles, and it doesn’t need to be exact
Top each nest with 3 candy eggs. I prefer to do this before the chocolate sets, so that they actually adhere to the nest, but you can also add them after if you’d like
Allow the nests to set until they firm, then enjoy! You can speed up this process by placing them in the refrigerator
Bird’s nest treats are sweet confections made from a combination of ingredients, typically including chow mein noodles, chocolate, and candy eggs.
They are shaped to resemble bird nests, hence the name, and are a popular dessert during Easter or springtime festivities.
How Do I Make Bird’s Nest Treats?
To make bird’s nest treats, start by melting chocolate in a microwave or double boiler. Once melted, mix in chow mein noodles until they are fully coated with chocolate.
Then, shape the mixture into nest-like structures on a parchment-lined baking sheet and place candy eggs in the center of each nest. Allow them to cool and set before serving.
Can I Use Different Types of Chocolate for Bird’s Nest Treats?
Yes, you can use different types of chocolate for bird’s nest treats, depending on your preference. Milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or white chocolate can all be used to create delicious variations of this dessert.
You can also mix different types of chocolate for a unique flavor combination.
What Are Some Variations of Bird’s Nest Treats?
There are several variations of bird’s nest treats that you can try. Try adding shredded coconut or chopped up pretzels to the chocolate and chow mein noodle mixture for added texture and flavor.
You can also incorporate peanut butter or butterscotch chips for a different taste profile.
How Should I Store Bird’s Nest Treats?
Bird’s nest treats can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for several days. It’s best to layer them between sheets of parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together.
If you prefer a firmer texture, you can also store them in the refrigerator.
Can I Make Bird’s Nest Treats in Advance?
Yes, you can make bird’s nest treats in advance and store them in an airtight container until ready to serve.
They are a great make-ahead dessert for parties, holidays, or special occasions.
Are Bird’s Nest Treats Suitable for Allergies or Dietary Restrictions?
Bird’s nest treats typically contain chocolate, gluten in the noodles, and sometimes peanut butter, which may not be suitable for individuals with certain allergies or dietary restrictions.
Be sure to check the ingredient labels and modify the recipe as needed to accommodate any dietary concerns.
Recipe Pro Tips
You can use more chocolate or butterscotch chips if you want a thicker chocolate coating. However, I find it tends to pool at the bottom and can be harder to bite, so I stick with the ratio in this recipe
Your nests don’t have to be perfectly shaped! Remember that natural bird nests in the wild always have twigs sticking out, so yours don’t have to be flawless – just delicious!
While you could try to use a spoon to shape the nests, I find it just isn’t as effective as fingers. Note, however, that they ARE going to get messy – it’s unavoidable! If you hate getting dirty, use a pair of disposable gloves or similar to keep the mess off
Storage Tips
Store bird’s nest treats in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. For a firmer bite, these haystacks can also be stored in the refrigerator, and keep well for up to a week. Make sure to use wax or parchment paper between layers if you stack them to prevent sticking!
Bird’s nest treats are an adorable variation of haystacks that are perfect for Easter! These chocolate coated chow mein noodles make the perfect “branches” for a nest filled with mini chocolate eggs.
Of course, you can make it your own by using different varieties of chocolate, mix ins, or even different “eggs” in the center! It’s a fun treat that kids and adults both enjoy, and you can get the little ones involved in making them too.
With only about 1 minute of cooking time required in the microwave, these no bake treats are super convenient to throw together even during the busy Easter holiday. Just mix them up, shape, fill, and let them set and you have the perfect mini “cookies” to serve up!
For a more traditional cookie option, check out my cute Bunny Butt Cookies recipe!
Bird’s Nest Treats (No Bake Easter Haystacks)
These easy bird’s nest treats are the perfect Easter no-bake cookie option. Just 4 ingredients and a few minutes are all that’s needed to make this fun and crunchy sweet treat!
5.5Ouncesbutterscotch baking chips(I use ½ of an 11-ounce bag)
6Ouncesmilk chocolate chips(I just use half of an 11.5-ounce bag)
36Minimilk chocolate candy eggs(such as Cadbury)
Instructions
Line a baking sheet or rack (or even your counter) with a piece of parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. You can also use a muffin tin if preferred, which can be sprayed with nonstick spray or you can use paper liners
In a large microwave safe bowl, combine the milk chocolate and butterscotch chips
Cook on high in 30-second increments, stirring each time, until the mixture is fully melted and smooth. It took me 1 minute total in a 1000W microwave
Fold in the chow mein noodles, stirring until they are completely coated in the chocolate mixture
5 Ounce jar chow mein noodles
Spoon about 2 Tbsp of the mixture out onto the parchment paper (or into a muffin tin) and form into a “nest” shape by using your fingers to create an indent in the middle. Tip: just eyeball it; you can’t really measure with the stringy noodles, and it doesn’t need to be exact
Top each nest with 3 candy eggs. I prefer to do this before the chocolate sets, so that they actually adhere to the nest, but you can also add them after if you’d like
36 Mini milk chocolate candy eggs
Allow the nests to set until they firm, then enjoy! You can speed up this process by placing them in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes
Notes
You can also use broken up pretzels or shredded wheat (the biscuits, not the little cereal bites) instead of or in combination with the Chinese chow mein noodles
Instead of butterscotch chips you can use ½ cup of creamy peanut butter (you can also add this in addition to the chips if preferred)
It’s fine to omit the milk chocolate if you prefer a lighter brown “nest” and just use butterscotch (with or without peanut butter)
For a gooier consistency, you can add 2 cups of melted mini marshmallows to your mixture, but I personally find it too sticky and troublesome to work with
Feel free to use any brand of mini eggs you like (Hershey’s makes one too) or you can also substitute jelly beans or mini malted (Robin) eggs – they work equally well!
You can use more chocolate or butterscotch chips if you want a thicker chocolate coating. However, I find it tends to pool at the bottom and can be harder to bite, so I stick with the ratio in this recipe
Your nests don’t have to be perfectly shaped! Remember that natural bird nests in the wild always have twigs sticking out, so yours don’t have to be flawless – just delicious!
While you could try to use a spoon to shape the nests, I find it just isn’t as effective as fingers. Note, however, that they ARE going to get messy – it’s unavoidable! If you hate getting dirty, use a pair of disposable gloves or similar to keep the mess off
Store bird’s nest treats in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. For a firmer bite, these haystacks can also be stored in the refrigerator, and keep well for up to a week. Make sure to use wax or parchment paper between layers if you stack them to prevent sticking!
Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand and flavor of ingredients, any swaps or additions, size of nests, and quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
I enjoy trying new recipes, creating my own, and dabbling with new techniques all the time. My husband loves to protest when I make him my guinea pig, but it’s all for the love of food!
My cooking philosophy is that great tasting food doesn't have to be complicated or time consuming to make. I'm a home cook with over 20 years of experience feeding myself and others. I've learned from a variety of different people, things I've learned online, and some trial and error as well.
I enjoy cooking a variety of foods, from convenience to comfort foods, as well as international cuisine. You can rest assured that all of my recipes have been actually made, thoroughly tested, and most importantly: tasted! I want you to enjoy my food as much as I do!
