This post may contain affiliate links. As an amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. See my full Disclosure Policy for details.

🌸 These no-bake Bird Nest Cookies are the perfect spring or Easter treat! Made with crunchy chow mein noodles, gooey marshmallows, creamy peanut butter, and topped with candy eggs – they’re as fun to make as they are to eat! 🐣💐

hand holding a bird nest cookie

Pin this now to find it later

Pin It

Easter Cookies

Looking for a fun and festive spring cookies recipe? These Bird Nest Cookies – also known as Robin Nest Cookies – are the perfect no-bake treat! Made with crunchy chow mein noodles, gooey marshmallows, and candy eggs, they’re a hit at Easter, baby showers, or any spring celebration.

⭐ Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • No baking required
  • Fun for kids to help make
  • Just five ingredients
  • Perfect for parties, gifts, or springtime snacking

Whether you’re hosting an Easter brunch or looking for an easy recipe for bird nest cookies, this one’s a winner.

ingredients to make bird nest cookies

🛒 Ingredients & Substitutions

  • marshmallows – Mini or full-size marshmallows both work – just chop larger ones first.
  • butter
  • creamy peanut butter – Use almond butter or sunflower seed butter for a nut-free option.
  • chow mein noodles – Swap with pretzel sticks for a saltier crunch.
  • candy eggs or jellybeans

✨ Variations

  • Chocolate nests: Add ½ cup of melted chocolate chips to the mixture.
  • Colorful nests: Stir in pastel sprinkles or colored candy melts for an extra festive look.
  • Nut-free version: Skip the peanut butter or use a safe alternative.

Would you like to save this?

We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later!

🔥 Tips

  • Work quickly when shaping the nests – the mixture sets fast.
  • Use a muffin tin to help shape even nests.
  • Grease your hands to prevent sticking.
bird nest cookies on wooden board with spring flowers in the background

❓ FAQs

➡️ Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! These cookies keep well for up to 3 days in an airtight container at room temperature.

➡️ Can I freeze bird nest cookies?

Freezing is not recommended, as the texture may change.

➡️ Do I need to refrigerate them?

Nope! Room temperature is perfect.

➡️ Can I use chocolate chips instead of peanut butter?

Yes! You can melt ½ cup of chocolate chips with the marshmallows and butter for a chocolate version of the nests.

➡️ What can I use instead of chow mein noodles?

Try broken pretzel sticks, cornflakes, or even shredded wheat for a similar crunchy texture.

➡️ How long do bird nest cookies take to set?

They usually set within 30 to 45 minutes at room temperature. You can pop them in the fridge to speed it up.

➡️ Can I use marshmallow fluff instead of marshmallows?

You can, but the texture may be softer. Use about 1 cup of fluff and reduce the butter slightly.

➡️ Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes, just make sure your chow mein noodles (or pretzels) are certified gluten-free, and check the labels on your candy eggs.

➡️ How do I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Avoid humidity, as it can make the cookies sticky.

➡️ Can I double the recipe?

Definitely! Just melt the ingredients in a larger pot and work in batches when shaping the nests.

➡️ What are robin nest cookies?

Robin nest cookies are another name for bird nest cookies – named for their cute egg-filled appearance that mimics a robin’s nest in spring.

bird nest cookies on table with chocolate malted egg candy

🍽️ Other Recipes You May Enjoy

closeup of a hand holding a bird nest cookie
5 from 2 votes
Servings: 12 servings

Bird Nest Cookies

By Jamie Sherman
Make adorable Bird Nest Cookies with chow mein noodles, marshmallows, peanut butter, and candy eggs. A fun, no-bake Easter treat kids love!
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 10 minutes
Inactive Time: 45 minutes
Total: 1 hour

Would you like to save this?

We’ll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later!

Ingredients 

  • 2 cups miniature marshmallows
  • ¼ cup butter
  • 2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
  • 4 cups chow mein noodles
  • 36 candy eggs or jellybeans

Instructions 

  • Line a large baking sheet with wax paper and set aside.
  • In a large saucepan, combine the marshmallows, butter, and peanut butter.
  • Heat over medium, stirring often, until everything is melted and smooth.
  • Remove from heat. Quickly stir in the chow mein noodles until well coated.
  • Lightly butter your hands or spray them with cooking spray.
  • Scoop and shape the mixture into 12 small nests on the prepared lined baking sheet.
  • While the mixture is still soft, press 3 candy eggs or jellybeans into the center of each nest.
  • Let the nests sit at room temperature until they are firm.

Notes

  • Yield: Makes about 12 nests, depending on how large you shape them.
  • Hands-on Time: About 15–20 minutes.
  • Set Time: Let cool at room temperature for 30–45 minutes, or refrigerate for 15 minutes.
  • No-bake: Perfect for warm-weather days or when you want a quick treat without turning on the oven.
  • Shaping tip: Use a greased spoon or a muffin tin to help form consistent nests.
  • Sticky fingers? Butter or spray your hands lightly with cooking spray before shaping the nests.
  • Allergy-friendly option: Use sunflower seed butter for a nut-free version and gluten-free noodles if needed.
  • Kid-friendly: Great for little hands – just make sure an adult handles the stovetop step.
  • Customizable: Swap the candy eggs for jellybeans, mini chocolate eggs, or your favorite seasonal candy.
  • Presentation tip: Place each nest in a pastel cupcake liner for a cute, giftable look.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cookie, Calories: 370kcal, Carbohydrates: 65g, Protein: 12g, Fat: 7g, Saturated Fat: 3g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.5g, Monounsaturated Fat: 2g, Trans Fat: 0.2g, Cholesterol: 10mg, Sodium: 543mg, Potassium: 18mg, Fiber: 4g, Sugar: 9g, Vitamin A: 118IU, Calcium: 3mg, Iron: 3mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Like this? Leave a comment below!

Originally published on March 24, 2015. Updated on March 27, 2025.

Jamie

Jamie Sherman founded Love Bakes Good Cakes in February 2012. She is a self-taught home cook passionate about sharing easy, delicious, and family-friendly recipes. From comforting classics to irresistible desserts, I believe homemade food brings people together. Join me on my journey of creating and sharing meals that bring joy to every table!

You May Also Like

5 from 2 votes (2 ratings without comment)

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

5 Comments

  1. Nicole Elliott says:

    I love that you took a special childhood memory and turned it into a treat for your kids (a way to share it I know they appreciated, haha!) It turned out adorable! #client

  2. Deb@CookingOnTheFrontBurner says:

    What a cute idea… I'll need to make these for Emily!

  3. Lizzy T says:

    Your spring treats are so cute! Love these little cups.

  4. Brittanie Pyper says:

    Okay this is a great idea! I've seen the robin's nest treats done before but never thought of putting them in pudding cups! Brilliant idea! I am pinning this to my Easter board! Thanks for sharing!

  5. Yum Girl says:

    Thank you so much for posting such a lovely recipe on YG! It is gorgeous. As the new co-owners, we hope you will continue to submit – we are expanding and upgrading everything and even have a new mobile app for android! Kelli at Yum Goggle