Are you looking for a fun and delicious way to celebrate Easter with your loved ones? Look no further than Easter Bird Nest Cookies! These cookies are not only adorable but also easy to make with just a few simple ingredients. In this article, we will share with you two different recipes for Easter Bird Nest Cookies that are sure to delight everyone.
Recipe 1: Classic Easter Bird Nest Cookies
Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- Jelly beans or chocolate eggs for decorating
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg yolk and vanilla extract and beat until well combined.
- Add the flour mixture to the butter mixture and mix until just combined.
- Roll the dough into small balls, about 1 tablespoon each. Roll the balls in the shredded coconut, pressing the coconut into the dough to form a nest shape.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes. Press jelly beans or chocolate eggs into the center of each nest.
- Let cool completely before serving.
Nutritional Information:
Per Serving:
- Calories: 130
- Total Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Cholesterol: 36mg
- Sodium: 49mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 11g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Total Sugars: 5g
- Protein: 2g
Cooking Time:
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Equipment:
- Mixing bowls
- Mixer
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Cooking spray
Serving Suggestions:
Easter Bird Nest Cookies are perfect for Easter celebrations or as a fun treat to make with kids. Serve them with milk or hot chocolate for a delicious and festive snack.
Variations:
Try using different colored jelly beans or chocolate eggs to make your nests more colorful. You can also add a few drops of green food coloring to the coconut to make it look like grass.
Substitutions:
If you don’t have sweetened shredded coconut, you can use unsweetened shredded coconut and add a tablespoon of sugar to the dough. You can also substitute the jelly beans or chocolate eggs with other small candies or nuts.
Storage:
Easter Bird Nest Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Tips:
- Don’t overwork the dough. Mix until just combined to avoid tough cookies.
- Press the coconut into the dough firmly to create a well in the center for the jelly beans or chocolate eggs.
- Let the cookies cool completely before adding the jelly beans or chocolate eggs to avoid melting.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I freeze Easter Bird Nest Cookies?
Yes, you can freeze Easter Bird Nest Cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Can I use different candy in the center of the nests?
Yes, you can use any small candy or nut in the center of the nests.
Recipe 2: Chocolate Easter Bird Nest Cookies
Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 egg yolk
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- Jelly beans or chocolate eggs for decorating
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg yolk and vanilla extract and beat until well combined.
- Add the flour mixture to the butter mixture and mix until just combined.
- Roll the dough into small balls, about 1 tablespoon each. Roll the balls in the shredded coconut, pressing the coconut into the dough to form a nest shape.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are firm.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes. Press jelly beans or chocolate eggs into the center of each nest.
- Let cool completely before serving.
Nutritional Information:
Per Serving:
- Calories: 140
- Total Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Cholesterol: 36mg
- Sodium: 49mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 12g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Total Sugars: 6g
- Protein: 2g
Cooking Time:
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Equipment:
- Mixing bowls
- Mixer
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Cooking spray
Serving Suggestions:
Chocolate Easter Bird Nest Cookies are perfect for chocolate lovers and Easter celebrations. Serve them with a glass of milk or hot chocolate for a delicious and festive snack.
Variations:
Try adding chopped nuts to the dough for extra crunch. You can also use different colored jelly beans or chocolate eggs to make your nests more colorful.
Substitutions:
If you don’t have sweetened shredded coconut, you can use unsweetened shredded coconut and add a tablespoon of sugar to the dough. You can also substitute the jelly beans or chocolate eggs with other small candies or nuts.
Storage:
Chocolate Easter Bird Nest Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Tips:
- Don’t overwork the dough. Mix until just combined to avoid tough cookies.
- Press the coconut into the dough firmly to create a well in the center for the jelly beans or chocolate eggs.
- Let the cookies cool completely before adding the jelly beans or chocolate eggs to avoid melting.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I freeze Chocolate Easter Bird Nest Cookies?
Yes, you can freeze Chocolate Easter Bird Nest Cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?
Yes, you can use any type of chocolate you prefer.
Personal Thoughts:
Easter Bird Nest Cookies are not only delicious but also fun to make with family and