Chow Mein Noodle Bird's Nest Cookies

By
Stephanie Gallagher
Stephanie Gallagher
Stephanie Gallagher is a journalist and food writer who has authored multiple cookbooks.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
Updated on 10/14/21
Chow Mein Noodle Bird's Nest Cookies

The Spruce / Kristina Vanni
Prep: 10 mins
Cook: 3 mins
Refrigerate: 2 hrs
Total: 2 hrs 13 mins
Servings: 18 servings
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
210 Calories
14g Fat
20g Carbs
5g Protein
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 18
Amount per serving
Calories 210
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 14g 18%
Saturated Fat 5g 25%
Cholesterol 0mg 0%
Sodium 146mg 6%
Total Carbohydrate 20g 7%
Dietary Fiber 2g 8%
Total Sugars 12g
Protein 5g
Vitamin C 0mg 0%
Calcium 16mg 1%
Iron 1mg 7%
Potassium 167mg 4%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

These no-bake chow mein noodle bird's nest cookies are so simple to make the kids can get involved. Besides being easy, they're simply adorable. If you are making these chow mein noodle cookies for Easter, you also can use jelly beans in place of the peanuts, or in addition for a more festive cookie. When we made this recipe, we were in a festive mood and used jelly beans.

If you want, feel free to jazz yours up by using butterscotch chips in place of the semisweet chocolate chips. So good!

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator, especially in hot and humid weather. Double up the recipe and freeze for later use or share them with family and friends.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips

  • 1 cup peanut butter

  • 2 cups chow mein noodles

  • 10 peanuts or jelly beans

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

    Chow Mein Noodle Bird's Nest Cookies ingredients

    The Spruce / Kristina Vanni

  2. Line a baking sheet with waxed paper.

    baking sheet with waxed paper

    The Spruce / Kristina Vanni

  3. Place chocolate chips and peanut butter in a microwave-safe container. Heat on 50% power for 1 minute. Stir and repeat, until chocolate chips are melted.

    peanut butter and chocolate in a glass bowl

    The Spruce / Kristina Vanni

  4. Stir in chow mein noodles until fully coated.

    add chow mein noodles to the chocolate-peanut butter mixture

    The Spruce / Kristina Vanni

  5. Drop by tablespoonfuls onto a prepared baking sheet, forming a nest shape with your fingers.

    tablespoonfuls of the noodles mixture on a prepared baking sheet

    The Spruce / Kristina Vanni

  6. Place a few peanuts or jelly beans in the center of each nest for eggs.

    Place a few peanuts or jelly beans in the center of each nest for eggs

    The Spruce / Kristina Vanni

  7. Refrigerate until firm.

    Chow Mein Noodle Bird's Nest Cookies on a baking sheet

    The Spruce / Kristina Vanni

Recipe Variations

  • Switch it up and use marshmallows in addition to the jellybeans or peanuts, or use them by themselves.
  • Haystacks Candy Recipe: This recipe comes together quickly in the microwave. Smooth or chunky peanut butter, along with chow mein noodles and butterscotch chips, are used to create a treat the whole family will love.
  • Chocolate Spiders Recipe: Semisweet and milk chocolate chips are combined with chow mein noodles and chopped peanuts to make a spooky treat for Halloween or any time of year.

How to Store and Freeze

  • These cookies should be placed in an airtight container and kept in the refrigerator. These don't last very long, but if there are any of them left, they will last for up to one week in the fridge.
  • After these cookies have cooled and hardened, they can be put in a freezer-safe container or bag, and be frozen for up to two months.

Alternate Way to Melt Chocolate Chips

Instead of melting the chocolate chips in a microwave, you can melt them on the stove, in a double boiler, or by using stainless steel bowl over and pan with simmering hot water. Stir constantly until the chocolate chips have melted. Keep the potholders or gloves ready. This method should be done by an adult.


When the chips are melted, then stir in the peanut butter and continue following the directions.