Easter Chocolate Birds Nest Cookies a Cracking Good Treat
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Fancy a bit of Easter baking? Are you looking for easter birds nest cookies that are both delicious and super cute? These chocolatey nests are just the ticket.
They're a proper chocolate treat!
Brief Overview
Easter chocolate bird's nest cookies are an American tradition. It's all about making the dessert look like the real thing.
This recipe is easy to make and takes about an hour. It makes about 12 cookies.
Main Benefits
These cookies aren't just tasty, they are a bit of fun too. They are the perfect homemade easter treats to enjoy with family.
What makes them special is the perfect combination of chocolate shortbread and ganache.
Okay, let's get cracking on these Easter Bird's Nest Cookie ! These are so much more fun than your average cookie.
I actually remember making something similar with my nan when I was little. Though hers were never this fancy, she would always add some Cadbury mini eggs on top.
It was our thing.
So, for the chocolate shortbread cookies , you'll need butter, sugar, cocoa, vanilla, flour, and salt. For the ganache, grab some semi sweet chocolate and heavy cream. Don't forget the mini eggs!
This recipe is also fab for easter baking with kids . They'll love helping you shape the nests. I usually end up with a bit of chocolate everywhere.
The combination of chocolate shortbread and the rich chocolate ganache is absolutely amazing, this is the best chocolate nest cookies recipe .
They are the perfect festive easter desserts to bring to your friend's house.
Honestly, you've got to try this easy easter cookie recipe .
Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get This Bake On!
Okay, let's get cracking on these easter birds nest cookies ! This recipe uses stuff you likely have already. Honestly, it's pretty straightforward.
I've tweaked it over the years. It's become a staple in my house.
Main Ingredients: The Nitty Gritty
Here's what you need. Exact measurements are key, alright?
For the Chocolate Shortbread Cookies:
- 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter. Make sure it is soft. Good quality butter is better!
- ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar. This adds sweetness.
- ¼ cup (25g) unsweetened cocoa powder. This is what gives it the chocolate kick.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. A must for flavour!
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour. Plus, a bit extra for dusting your surface.
- ¼ teaspoon salt. This balances the sweetness.
For the Chocolate Ganache Filling:
- 4 ounces (113g) semi sweet chocolate. Good quality chocolate makes ALL the difference for chocolate ganache . Seriously.
- ½ cup (120ml) heavy cream. This creates the silky ganache.
For Decoration:
- About 1 cup of Cadbury Mini Eggs . These are the best for the easter chocolate bird's nest cookies !
Seasoning Notes: Flavour Boosters
Want to take these up a notch? Try adding a pinch of cinnamon. Or, orange zest into the cookie dough.
Easter baking with kids needs to be fun and tasty. Vanilla extract? Swap it for almond extract. These small changes create a big difference.
Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple
You really don't need fancy stuff here.
- Mixing bowls: You will need a few.
- Electric mixer: A stand mixer is great, but a hand mixer works.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Obviously!
- Baking sheets: The bigger, the better.
- Parchment paper: Makes life easy, and cleanup a breeze.
- Small saucepan: You need this for the chocolate ganache .
- Spoon or spatula: For stirring everything together.
If you don't have parchment paper, use a baking sheet. If you don't have a mixer, elbow grease! Honestly, it’s all about those homemade easter treats , not the fancy equipment.
You know? Creating these easy easter cookie recipe is not hard. It just needs some time. So go on. Get your hands dirty! Let's make some magic.
Trust me, these festive easter desserts will be a hit.
Let's Get Baking: Easter Birds Nest Cookies!
Right then, fancy some easter chocolate bird's nest cookies ? Honestly, these easter cookies are a proper delight! They are perfect for a bit of easter baking with kids .
Trust me, it is less stressful than painting eggs. I even had my nephew give it a go last year.
He managed to make a nest that looked like a small volcano, but hey, it tasted amazing, which is what really matters.
Prep Steps for Cracking Cookies
Mise en place is fancy for getting everything sorted. Get your ingredients out! Make sure your butter is soft. We do not want a lumpy mix.
Get your baking sheets ready with parchment paper too. Safety first! Wash your hands and make sure little fingers are supervised near the oven.
- Essential mise en place : Butter softened, flour measured, chocolate chopped.
- Time saving organization tips : Pre-measure your ingredients before you start mixing. It will save you time and mess.
- Safety reminders : Make sure the oven is preheated and adults only handle hot pans!
Building Your Nest: step-by-step
Okay, let's actually get started! These easy easter cookie recipes, are dead simple to make.
- Cream together 1 cup softened butter and ½ cup sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in ¼ cup cocoa powder and 1 tsp vanilla .
- Gradually add 2 cups flour and ¼ tsp salt . Mix until combined.
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes . That's crucial to prevent spreading.
- Roll small dough portions into ropes. Arrange on baking sheets to form nests. Make a little hollow for the filling.
- Bake at 350° F ( 175° C) for 12- 15 minutes . Until edges are firm.
- Melt 4 ounces chocolate and ½ cup cream for the ganache.
- Fill nests with ganache. Top with Cadbury Mini Eggs .
Pro Tips for Perfect Nests
Honestly, a few tricks make all the difference to perfect your easter chocolate bird's nest cookies. These are great homemade easter treats !
- Don't overmix the dough . Tough cookies are nobody's friend.
- If the ganache is too runny, pop it in the fridge for a bit. Give it time to thicken.
- You can make the cookie dough ahead of time. Just keep it wrapped in the fridge for up to 2 days .
So there you have it! A recipe for chocolate nest cookies recipe that is festive easter desserts , and are incredibly delicious. Get baking and have a cracking Easter!
Recipe Notes for Your Easter Birds Nest Cookies
Okay, let's get cracking on these Easter Bird's Nest Cookie details! These are more than just cookies, you know? They're a bit of Easter magic.
Think homemade easter treats with a chocolatey twist!
Serving Suggestions: Make 'Em Pretty!
Honestly, presentation is half the battle! Plating these easter chocolate bird's nest cookies is easy. Pop them on a cute cake stand.
I love to dust them with a bit of cocoa powder for extra flair.
A glass of cold milk or a nice cuppa goes down a treat with these festive easter desserts . Or, how about a cheeky little glass of dessert wine? Go on, treat yourself!
Storage Tips: Keeping 'Em Fresh
Pop your chocolate shortbread cookies in an airtight container. They'll keep at room temp for up to three days . Honestly, they never last that long in my house!
If you need them to last longer, fridge them. They'll keep for about a week. I don't recommend freezing. The chocolate ganache might get a bit weird.
Variations: Mix It Up!
Want a twist? Add a bit of orange zest to the cookie dough! It's oh-so-good . For a dairy-free option, use vegan butter and chocolate.
Or, get adventurous! Try different cadbury mini eggs flavors. Think caramel or white chocolate! That will give your easy easter cookie recipe a unique boost!.
Nutrition Basics: A Little Treat
Each of these chocolate nest cookies recipe is around 250 calories. You get about 3g of protein, 15g of fat, 28g of carbs and 15g of sugar.
Remember, it's a treat. Enjoy in moderation.
Easter baking with kids is all about fun! Don't stress the small stuff. Just enjoy the process of making these adorable easter cookies . They're sure to be a hit!
Now go forth and bake!
Frequently Asked Questions
My easter birds nest cookies spread too much while baking! What did I do wrong?
Ah, the dreaded spreading cookie! The most common culprit is dough that's too warm. Make sure you chill the dough properly for at least 30 minutes (or even longer!). Also, ensure your oven is at the correct temperature and avoid using softened (melted) butter, as that can cause spreading too.
Can I make these easter birds nest cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely, you can! The baked cookies themselves can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also make the cookie dough ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days, or freeze it for longer storage.
I would suggest only filling them with the ganache and eggs on the day of serving or the day before, to keep them looking their best.
The chocolate ganache is too thin or too thick! How can I fix it?
A temperamental ganache, eh? If it's too thin, try adding a bit more melted chocolate, a tablespoon at a time, and stirring until smooth. If it's too thick, add a tablespoon of warm heavy cream at a time until you reach the desired consistency. Remember to stir gently to avoid any unwanted air bubbles!
I'm not a fan of Cadbury Mini Eggs. What else can I use to decorate my easter birds nest cookies?
No worries, be creative and use your favorite easter candy! Jelly beans, pastel colored M&Ms, robin’s egg candies, or even small marshmallows would all work beautifully. You could also use sprinkles or edible glitter for extra sparkle, or go for a more natural look with toasted coconut flakes.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
You certainly can! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a good quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Make sure it's a blend that contains xanthan gum or add a teaspoon of xanthan gum to the flour mixture yourself, as this will help bind the ingredients together.
Remember, gluten-free flours can sometimes be a bit drier, so you might need to add a touch more butter to the dough.
Are these Easter Birds Nest Cookies suitable for younger children to help make?
Yes, definitely! These cookies are great for getting kids involved in the kitchen. Children can help with measuring ingredients, mixing the dough (with supervision), shaping the nests, and of course, decorating with the mini eggs.
Just be sure to supervise them closely, especially when using the oven and working with hot ganache. Baking is a cracking way to spend quality time with the little ones!
Easter Chocolate Birds Nest Cookies A Cracking G
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 250 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 15g |
| Fiber | 1g |
