Coconut Macaroon Easter Nests
Coconut Macaroon Easter Nests
Coconut macaroon Easter nests are the perfect festive treat for spring! These adorable, bite-sized desserts combine the sweet, chewy texture of coconut macaroons with the charm of a bird’s nest, topped with colorful Cadbury eggs for a fun and delicious Easter celebration. Not only are they simple to make, but they’re also a great activity for kids and a beautiful addition to any Easter dessert table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Festive & Fun – A creative Easter-themed treat that looks like tiny bird nests.
- Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and minimal prep time.
- Naturally Gluten-Free – Made with coconut and egg whites, no flour needed!
- Customizable – Use different candies, drizzle with chocolate, or add food coloring for variety.
Ingredients
- 3 cups sweetened shredded coconut
- 2/3 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 large egg whites
- 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar (optional, for stability)
- 24 Cadbury mini eggs or other egg-shaped candies
- 4 ounces melted chocolate (optional, for drizzling)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven – Set your oven to 325°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix the Macaroon Base – In a large bowl, combine the shredded coconut, sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir until well mixed.
- Whip the Egg Whites – In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites with cream of tartar until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped egg whites into the coconut mixture.
- Shape the Nests – Scoop small mounds of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Use your fingers or the back of a spoon to create a slight indentation in the center of each mound to resemble a nest.
- Bake – Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Let them cool completely.
- Decorate – Once cooled, place 2-3 Cadbury mini eggs in the center of each nest. For extra flavor, drizzle melted chocolate over the nests.
- Serve & Enjoy – These coconut macaroon nests can be enjoyed immediately or stored in an airtight container for up to a week.
Tips & Variations
- Use Different Candies – Try jelly beans or peanut butter eggs instead of Cadbury eggs.
- Add a Chocolate Coating – Dip the bottoms of the macaroons in melted chocolate for an extra indulgent touch.
- Make Them Colorful – Add a few drops of food coloring to the coconut mixture to create pastel-colored nests.
- Dairy-Free Option – Use sweetened condensed coconut milk for a dairy-free version.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
These nests store well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. You can also freeze them for up to three months—just thaw at room temperature before serving.
Serving Suggestions
These coconut macaroon Easter nests are the perfect addition to Easter brunch or a springtime dessert spread. Serve them alongside a cup of tea or coffee for a sweet and satisfying treat. They also make great edible gifts—package them in clear bags with pastel ribbons for a festive Easter surprise!
