No-Bake Bird’s Nest Cookies (Christmas Nests): 4 Ingredient Holiday Cookie

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You’ll love this no-bake Christmas Cookie!

Along with my family’s fudge recipe, Bird’s Nest cookies have been a Christmas tradition for as long as I can remember. We’ve always called them Bird’s Nests, though some know them as “haystacks,” or even “nest cookies.” Since they’re no-bake, I was helping my mom make these before I even learned to spell “cookie”!

You only need 4 simple ingredient’s making them perfect for a last-minute addition to your holiday tables. They only take about 10-20 minutes and they are ready to be eaten! Or if you’re like me, you eat them when they are still warm 😉

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What You’ll Need

  • Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet or milk chocolate (I prefer semi-sweet)
  • Butterscotch chips:
  • Peanut butter: I like to use creamy
  • Chow Mein Noodles: These are commonly found in the Asian food section in the grocery store, in a can or in a bag

Recipe Tips & Tricks

Keep the heat low: It might be tempting to melt everything faster, but high heat can scorch the chocolate. Low and slow = best texture and flavor.

Perfect for gifting: Pop each Bird’s Nest into a muffin tin lined with holiday-themed cupcake wrappers. It keeps them tidy and gift-box ready!

Make it festive: Add colorful sprinkles or mini candy eggs, or holiday sprinkles in the center for a pop of holiday cheer.

Baking TOols I used

Watch me make Bird’s Nest!

How to make no-bake Birds Nest Cookies

Melt the base:
In a large saucepan over low heat, melt together chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, and peanut butter. Stir constantly to avoid burning.

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Add noodles:
Remove the pan from the heat. Gently fold in the chow mein noodles until they’re fully coated. Be sure not to add too many chow mein noodles; if you add too many, they will not stick together!

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Form nests:
Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto wax paper or a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Let set:
Allow the cookies to cool and harden at room temperature for 10–15 minutes. For faster setting, place them in the fridge for 10 minutes.

Serve or store:
Enjoy immediately — or package for gifts

Frequently Asked Questions:

The most common questions I get about making No-Bake Birds Nests!

Absolutely! Crunchy peanutbutter will add a subtly extra crunchy texture. Just make sure it melts all the way!

Not always — check the label on your chow mein noodles. Some contain wheat.

Yes! It can be fun experimenting with different flavors, You can use white chocolate, milk chocolate, or even caramel chips.

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No-Bake Bird’s Nest

You can't go wrong with these no-bake treats! Bird's Nest are simple to make, crunchy, and delicious
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 0 minutes
Time to set 10 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 package Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
  • 1 package Butterscotch Chips
  • ¼ cup Creamy Peanut Butter
  • Chow Mein Noodles

Instructions

  • Prepare a flat surface with parchement paper, and optional cupcake holders if you are using them
  • In a large saucepan, melt the chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, and peanutbutter together on low heat, until its is smooth.
  • Add in enough chow mein noodles so they are completly coated in chocolate. I typically will use three 6-oz bags.
  • Using a large cookie scopp or a spoon, spoon the mix onto the parchemt or cupcake liners.
  • Let the Bird's Nest sit until they set up and are hard, usually 10-20 minutes (longer if you have a warm house)

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