Looking for an easy, festive treat to make this Easter? These Chocolate Bird Nests are made with just two ingredients and come together in minutes! Also known as chocolate haystacks, these adorable no-bake treats are a classic Easter recipe that kids and adults both love.
They’re perfect for Easter dessert tables, classroom parties (I remember making these in elementary school), or a fun springtime activity with the kids. All you need is melted chocolate and crunchy chow mein noodles—top them with candy eggs, and you’ve got the cutest edible bird nests!
Here are a few more Easter Themed treats. These Surprise Inside cereal covered Easter Eggs are also fun. And these Hershey Kiss M&Ms with Candy can also be made with Easter Colors or even Easter Jelly Beans.
Table of contents
Why I Love This Recipe
It only takes two ingredients, and I almost always have both on hand - chocolate chips and a can of chow mein noodles.
These are no-bake, which makes them the perfect treat to whip up quickly without turning on the oven.
They’re incredibly kid-friendly - fun for little hands to help shape and decorate, especially around Easter.
This recipe is super versatile - switch out the chocolate type or the candy in the middle to fit different holidays or whatever you’ve got in your pantry.
These can be made without any candy in the middle. However, during Easter we use chocolate eggs, candy eggs, or even jelly beans to resemble eggs making this the perfect Easter treat (called Easter Bird's Nests in the spring)!
Ingredients
2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 - 5 oz can of chow mein (see picture above)
candy eggs, or chocolate eggs or Cadbury mini eggs (optional - for Easter!)
Ingredient substitutions
Milk chocolate chips work well if you don't have semi-sweet chocolate chips. I have tried these when made with 1 cup chocolate chips and 1 cup butterscotch chips and that is delicious too. Or you can even use white chocolate chips.
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As for the candy treat, use what you like if you would like. You can make these reflective of different holidays. Red treats for Valentine's Day, Green for St. Patrick's Day etc.
Instructions
Step 1
Make sure to have either a piece of parchment or waxed paper ready to create your birds nest cookies on. The prep time goes quickly and it helps to have this ready.
Step 2
Pour chocolate chips into a large microwave-safe bowl.
Microwave for 60 seconds then for 30-second increments until melted.
If you aren't used to melting chocolate, make sure to try to stir between microwave heating increments. The chips keep their form and you need to stir them to make them smooth.
Step 3
Pour the 5-ounce can of chow mein noodles into the bowl with melted chocolate and using a rubber spoon or spatula, gently stir into the melted chocolate.
Once the noodles are well covered in chocolate, take a large spoonful and place on parchment.
If making a "nest" Use the spoon and/or your fingers to create a dip to help make it nest-shaped.
Aim to make a dozen nests. It's ok to break some of the noodles when doing this
FAQs
Yes. Chocolate bird nests can be made 1–2 days in advance and stored in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve them.
They don’t have to be refrigerated if your kitchen is cool. However, chilling them helps the chocolate set faster and keeps the nests firm, especially if your home tends to be warm.
Small chocolate eggs, candy eggs, jelly beans, or mini chocolate candies all work well. Choose something lightweight so it sits nicely in the center of the nest without weighing it down.
Yes. Chocolate bird nests are often called Easter haystacks. The difference is usually in how they’re shaped and decorated - bird nests have a small dip in the center to resemble a nest, while haystacks are typically scooped into mounds.
Storage
These can be stored in a container at room temperature for three days. They will keep for a couple of weeks in the fridge. If freezing, use parchment paper between layers. They should keep 3 months in the freezer.
Other No-Bake Desserts
Printable Recipe Card
Chocolate Bird Nests (No-Bake Easter Treat)
Ingredients
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips usually the small bag
- 1 can chow mein noodles large can containing 5 oz.
- Optional garnishes for your bird's nests (Optional) jelly beans, marshmallows, chocolate eggs etc.
Instructions
- Pour chocolate chips into a microwave safe large bowl.
- Melt at 50% power for 60 second then at 30 second increments until melted and smooth.
- Add chow mein noodles. All of them! Stir gently.
- Scoop about a tablespoon of the chocolate chow mien mixture onto parchment on a baking sheet.
- Put a little dent in the top if using candy garnishes for bird nests.
- Put them in the fridge so the chocolate hardens. That's it. You are done!
Notes
- You can use semi-sweet, milk chocolate, white chocolate, or a mix of chocolate chips depending on what you prefer or have on hand.
- For a smoother melt, stir the chocolate well between microwave intervals, even if the chips still look firm at first.
- If your kitchen is warm, refrigerate the nests briefly so the chocolate sets faster and holds its shape.
- These can be made without candy eggs and served as chocolate haystacks for other holidays throughout the year.
- Store finished nests in an airtight container to prevent them from absorbing moisture.
Nutrition (estimate)
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Originally published Feb. 13, 2014. Updated for images and clarity.
Karen
Thanks Susan! I’m planning on making these with my granddaughter!
Rosemary Palmer
These sound so good and crunchy. I've done them with coconut but like the look of the noodles better.
Brooke Fedigan
I love these treats and yours turned out perfect. Thank you for sharing how easy it is.
Marty Walden
You had me at chocolate! This is such a great activity for kids! Thanks for sharing!
Doreen
This looks like so much fun. I saved this to make for Easter
Sara
How fun and these don't need to be neat at all!