Jelly Bean Nest Cookies

Jelly Bean Nest Cookies are a no-bake Easter treat made with crunchy chow mein noodles, a sweet peanut butter coating, and colorful jelly beans. Kids love shaping the nests and filling them with "eggs," making this a perfect Easter party snack or classroom activity.

Prep Time: 15 minutes           Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes           Yield: 18–24 nests

• Category: Dessert
• No Bake
• Kid-Friendly
• Skill Level: Beginner

Ingredients

• 4 cups chow mein noodles (or thin crispy noodles)
• 1/2 cup light corn syrup
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 3/4 cup peanut butter
• Jelly beans
• Frosting (optional, to help jelly beans stick)

Instructions

1. Have kids gently break chow mein noodles into smaller pieces. Place noodles in a large bowl and set aside.
2. In a saucepan over medium-low heat, stir together corn syrup and sugar until sugar dissolves.
3. Add peanut butter and stir until fully melted and smooth.
4. Pour warm peanut butter mixture over noodles and stir until noodles are evenly coated.
5. Lay out a sheet of wax paper.
6. Drop spoonfuls (about 1 tablespoon) of the mixture onto wax paper.
7. Use the back of a spoon to gently press a small indentation in the center of each mound to form a nest shape.
8. While still warm, press jelly beans into the center as "eggs."
9. If the mixture cools and jelly beans don’t stick, add a tiny dot of frosting in the center and then add jelly beans.

Kid-Friendly Tips

• Kids can help break noodles, shape nests, and place jelly bean "eggs."
• An adult should handle the warm saucepan mixture and pouring.
• Work quickly once the peanut butter mixture is added—warm nests hold together best.

Fun Variations

• Swap jelly beans for mini chocolate eggs or pastel M&Ms.
• Use sunflower butter instead of peanut butter for a nut-free classroom option.
• Add a sprinkle of tinted green coconut “grass” in the center before adding eggs.

Notes

Store nests in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If your kitchen is warm, store in the refrigerator so nests hold their shape.

Print Recipe Card