Name: 30-Minute Birds Nest Cookies (No-Bake + Gluten-Free)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 16
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1½ cups dairy-free dark chocolate chips (or chocolate of choice); 3 Tbs. refined coconut oil (or extra virgin); 1 cup shredded unsweetened coconut; ½ cup rolled oats (or quick cooking); 1 cup rice crispies cereal (I love this brand) (or substitute more oats); 48 mini Cadbury eggs (or white chocolate-covered raisins or fresh berries of choice)

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These 30-minute Birds Nest Cookies are sure to be a hit in your household. They’re no-bake, made with whole foods like shredded coconut, oats, and coconut oil. Just 6 simple ingredients. They’re nut-free, gluten-free, and vegan-friendly. My kids love to make them for Easter or any time of the year!

Yield: 16

30-Minute Birds Nest Cookies (No-Bake + Gluten-Free)

Prep Time 10 minutes

Chill Time 20 minutes

Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

1½ cups dairy-free dark chocolate chips (or chocolate of choice)
3 Tbs. refined coconut oil (or extra virgin)
1 cup shredded unsweetened coconut
½ cup rolled oats (or quick cooking)
1 cup rice crispies cereal (I love this brand) (or substitute more oats)
48 mini Cadbury eggs (or white chocolate-covered raisins or fresh berries of choice)

Instructions

Line 16 muffin tins with silicone muffin liners. In a medium microwave-safe bowl, add the dark chocolate chips and coconut oil. Melt in the microwave in 25-second intervals, stirring in between each to avoid burning. You may also use a double boiler. Repeat until the chocolate is melted and smooth.
Add in the shredded unsweetened coconut, rolled oats, and rice crispies cereal and mix until combined and everything is well coated in chocolate.
Fill each silicon muffin liner ¾ of the way full with the chocolate mixture. Use your fingers to create a well in the center of each, ensuring that the mixture is going up the sides of the muffin liners (this will create the bird's nest shape).
Place in the freezer to set for 20-30 minutes or until hardened. Remove from freezer, unmold, and place 3 mini Cadbury eggs inside each bird's nest cookie. Enjoy! Store in an airtight container on the counter for up to 4 days, in the refrigerator for up to 8 days, or freeze for 3 months.

Notes

1. If you don’t want to use Cadbury eggs, feel free to add fresh raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries as your “eggs” to the center of each bird’s nest cookie.

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PIN FOR LATER

No Bake Coconut Birds Nest Cookies

Most bird’s nest cookie recipes you see use chow mein noodles, shredded wheat, or butterscotch. I wanted to make a recipe that was easy and with ingredients, most of us have in our kitchen. And if you’ve seen any of my recipes, you know I like to make things healthier. So I made these no-bake coconut bird’s nest cookies with your health in mind. Not only are they delicious and easy to make, but they are also loaded with complex carbs, healthy fats, and protein. You’re going to love them!

Birds Nest Cookies Recipe

What I love about this recipe is that the bird’s nest cookies have such a great texture and crunch to them. I didn’t want to use just all coconut because I felt that would be too overpowering. That’s why similar to my no-bake chewy granola bars, I used a combination of crispy cereal, oats, and shredded coconut. This gives them the perfect crunch and texture!

Bird Nest Cookies Without Peanut Butter

I was contemplating using peanut butter in this recipe, but then I decided not to just keep them more simple. I also love that they are nut-free for all my friends who have allergies. They would also be great to take to school functions because they are nut-free too! So I love that about these bird’s nest cookies. If you’re looking for more nut-free recipes, I got you 😉 Check out my healthy coconut macaroons, healthy blueberry pie, or my vegan homemade chocolate sauce. You can also just search “nut-free” on my blog and it will take you to a plethora of recipes.

Birds Nest Dessert

When I googled “Easter desserts,” my toddler son was so excited when he saw a picture of bird’s nest desserts! He wanted to make them immediately. And I’m not gonna lie, I definitely was excited too. They are just too cute! The little Cadbury eggs really take them to the next level. Yes, I know, Cadbury eggs aren’t the healthiest, but ya gotta live a little! That’s what I teach in my Smart Sweet Tooth program. It’s all about the balance 🙂

no bake Easter birds nest cookies recipe

How To Make Birds Nest Cookies

These no-bake bird’s nest cookies are so easy to make! They only take about 30 minutes from start to finish. You simply melt the dark chocolate chips and coconut oil, then add the rest of the ingredients and mix until everything is coated in chocolate. Then add the mixture to silicone muffin liners and create a well in the middle with your fingers. Chill in the freezer for 20-30 minutes until hardened and you’re set! Then you just add in the Cadbury eggs to make them look extra cute. Kids love adding the eggs!

If you know anything about me, I am ALL about easy recipes. As a mama, I know how difficult it can be to cook and bake from home with all the distractions and interruptions. But, I’m here to tell you that these bird’s nest cookies are foolproof and so simple to make. They are the perfect healthy Easter dessert to make with kids because there is no hot oven involved and they are done so quickly. Plus, who doesn’t love chocolate?! If you’re looking for more easy recipes to make with kids, check out my Healthy Baking Course where I teach you all you need to know about healthy baking and making it simple 🙂

toddler friendly no bake birds nest cookies

Gluten-Free & Vegan-Friendly Easter Dessert

I love creating gluten-free secretly healthy recipes here at the Secretly Healthy Home. You know it’s my jam. And if you know me, you know that I LOVE chocolate everything. So you’re in the right place for gluten-free and chocolate. If you’ve tried my healthy chocolate sauce, dairy-free chocolate pudding, zucchini brownies, or gluten-free chocolate lava cakes, you know what I’m talking about. This gluten-free bird’s nest cookie recipe is no different, you’re going to love it!

I cannot wait for you to give these easy Birds Nest Cookies a try! Please snap a picture and share it with me! Seeing your kitchen creations makes my day and encourages me to keep creating new recipes for you!