Chow Mein Noodle Birds Nest Cookies

These no bake bird's nest cookies made with chow mein noodles are a tasty and fun Spring and Easter treat!  Kids will adore helping make the 4-ingredient haystack nests and then filling them with their favorite chocolate candy eggs and more...

Edible Bird's Nests Easter Activity

By the end of Spring Break, my patience is typically wearing thin. I'm sure you can relate!

This year has been extra challenging, thanks to a ridiculous string of rainy days. So I've been on the hunt for simple activities to keep my kids occupied. After I saw my friend share her adorable no bake bird nest cookies on Facebook, I immediately messaged her for the recipe.

She generously brought me a handwritten copy of the bird nest recipe to our daughters' gymnastics practice that same night. Can I just say how refreshing it is to receive a handwritten recipe in this day and age? It's been ages since I've gotten one!

Bird Nest Cookie Ingredients

A quick glance at the recipe revealed that these sweet bird nests are just a simple variation on Rice Krispies treats and haystack cookies. Basically you stir chow mein noodles into a marshmallow base and form the mixture into little nests!

These no bake treats use just four simple ingredients and are SO easy to make:

• Dry chow mein noodles: These crispy noodles are ideal for giving these no bake cookies a nest-like appearance!
• Mini marshmallows: Large marshmallows will work in a pinch, but the mini ones melt more quickly.
• Unsalted butter: Substituting salted butter is not recommended since the chow mein noodles have a somewhat salty flavor profile.
• Pure vanilla extract: You could substitute almond extract instead.

You'll also need some Easter candy for filling the nests. This is the fun parts, because there are SO many fun options.

My kids chose Peeps chicks of all colors and Reese's Pieces chocolate peanut butter eggs. I've honestly never been much of a Peeps fan, but the Reese's Pieces candy eggs are YUMMO! Other good choices are Cadbury mini eggs and jelly beans.

How To Make Bird's Nest Cookies

These no bake birds nests are super simple to make! Older children can help with combining the ingredients for this birds nest recipe, while filling the cookie nests with candy is a great way to involve younger children.

1. Prepare a couple of cookie sheets by lining them with wax paper, parchment, or a silicone baking mats.
2. In a large saucepan, melt the marshmallows and butter over medium heat. Stir in the vanilla extract. Thoroughly combine the chow mein noodles with the marshmallow mixture and allow the mix to cool slightly.
3. Coat your hands with cooking spray or a little butter. Working quickly, form a small handful of the chow mein mixture into a ball. Press your thumbs into the center of the ball to hollow it out and create a nest shape.
4. Place the bird nests on the prepared cookie sheet and allow them to cool completely before filling with candy.

While this fun Easter treat activity didn't quite keep them occupied for as long as *I* would have liked, the kids had a blast decorating their nests — and then eating them, of course!

These adorable Easter treats would be ideal for class parties, as well.

Printable Recipe ↓