Microwave Easter Bird’s Nest Haystacks Recipe

These easy bird’s nest treats, sometimes called haystack cookies, are a simple no-bake dessert that comes together in minutes using your microwave. Crispy chow mein noodles are coated in a blend of milk chocolate and butterscotch, shaped into small nests, and filled with mini chocolate eggs — a perfect sweet for Easter or spring gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

With just four main ingredients, these bird’s nest treats are quick, kid-friendly, and delicious. They’re essentially a haystacks recipe reimagined as little nest-shaped cups that cradle candy eggs. The microwave does the melting, so there’s minimal fuss and no oven required.

These no-bake nests are great for involving children — shaping the nests and placing the eggs can be a fun activity. They’re also highly adaptable: switch up the chocolate, add mix-ins, or substitute different candies to match what you have on hand.

Ingredients List

• 1 (5 ounce) jar chow mein noodles
• 5–6 ounces butterscotch baking chips (about half of an 11-ounce bag)
• 5–6 ounces milk chocolate chips (about half of an 11.5-ounce bag)
• 36 mini milk chocolate candy eggs (for example, Cadbury-style mini eggs)

How to Make Bird’s Nest Treats

1. Prepare a work surface. Line a baking sheet or cooling rack with parchment paper or a silicone mat. A muffin tin with liners or sprayed with nonstick spray also works if you prefer uniform cups.
2. Melt the chips. In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine the milk chocolate and butterscotch chips.

3. Microwave on high in 30-second increments, stirring between each, until the mixture is fully melted and smooth. (On a 1000W microwave this may take about 1 minute total.)
4. Coat the noodles. Fold the chow mein noodles into the melted chocolate mixture, stirring until the noodles are evenly coated.

5. Spoon roughly 2 tablespoons of the coated noodles onto the prepared parchment or into muffin cups. Using your fingers (or the back of a spoon), create a shallow indent in the center to form a “nest.” Don’t worry about perfection — the nests look rustic and charming.
6. Add the eggs. Press three mini candy eggs into the center of each nest. Placing them while the mixture is still slightly warm helps them stick; you can also add them after the nests set.

7. Allow the nests to cool and firm at room temperature, about 20 minutes, or speed up setting by refrigerating for 15–20 minutes. Once set, they are ready to serve.

Tips For the Best Bird’s Nest Treats

• Use just enough chocolate and butterscotch to coat the noodles well. Too much coating tends to pool at the bottom and can make the nests harder to bite.
• Don’t stress about perfect shaping — rustic, twig-like edges make them look more like natural nests.
• If you want cleaner hands while shaping, wear disposable gloves. Shaping by hand is easiest because the noodles are stringy and don’t lend themselves to precise spooning.

Storage Tips

• Store nests in an airtight container at room temperature for 2–3 days. For a firmer texture, refrigerate; they will keep up to a week. Place parchment or wax paper between layers to prevent sticking.
• These nests are ideal for making ahead — prepare them a day or two early and store until ready to serve for easy holiday entertaining.

Recipe FAQs

Final Thoughts

Bird’s nest treats are a charming, simple twist on classic haystacks and make festive, bite-sized desserts for Easter. With minimal preparation and only a few ingredients, they’re an easy, customizable recipe that both kids and adults will enjoy. Melt, mix, shape, fill, and set — and you’ll have adorable nests ready to share.