These Vanilla Easter Egg Nest Cookies are a no-bake delight!
A creamy vanilla cookie base is topped with a smooth, velvety chocolate ganache piped into nest shapes and filled with festive candy eggs.
They’re quick, easy, and perfect for Easter celebrations or as a fun activity with kids.
How to Make It
Note:This is an overview. See recipe card below this post for ingredient quantities and full instructions.
Step 1: Prepare the Vanilla Cookie Base In a large mixing bowl, combine the crushed vanilla wafers, powdered sugar, melted butter, and a splash of vanilla extract. Mix until the mixture holds together when pressed.
Step 2: Shape the Cookies Using a cookie scoop or your hands, form the mixture into small, flat rounds. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and use your thumb to create a slight indentation in the center of each cookie.
Step 3: Make the Chocolate Ganache Heat the heavy cream until just simmering, then pour it over the chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl. Let it sit for 2-3 minutes, then stir until smooth and glossy. Allow the ganache to cool slightly until it thickens but is still pipeable.
Step 4: Pipe the Ganache Nests Transfer the ganache to a piping bag fitted with a small round tip. Pipe a circular “nest” shape on top of each vanilla cookie, leaving a small well in the center for the candy eggs.
Step 5: Add the Candy Eggs While the ganache is still soft, place 3-4 mini candy eggs in the center of each nest. Press them gently so they stick.
Step 6: Chill and Set Refrigerate the cookies for 20-30 minutes, or until the ganache is firm and set.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy! Once set, transfer the cookies to a serving platter and enjoy! These are best served at room temperature.
Pro Tips
Use high-quality chocolate for the ganache to ensure a rich, smooth texture.
For a nut-free version, ensure your vanilla wafers and chocolate are nut-free.
Add a sprinkle of edible glitter to the ganache nests for a festive sparkle.
If the ganache is too thick to pipe, let it cool slightly or add a teaspoon of warm cream to loosen it.
Storage
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, keep them in the fridge for up to a week.
Avoid stacking the cookies to prevent the ganache from smudging.
These adorable cookies feature a creamy vanilla base, piped chocolate ganache nests, and festive candy eggs. They’re quick, easy, and perfect for Easter celebrations or as a fun activity with kids.
Ingredients
For the Vanilla Cookie Base:
2cups vanilla wafer cookies, finely crushed
1/2cup powdered sugar
1/4cup unsalted butter, melted
1tsp vanilla extract
For the Chocolate Ganache Nests:
1cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/2cup heavy cream
36mini candy eggs (like Cadbury Mini Eggs)
Instructions
1
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the crushed vanilla wafers, powdered sugar, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Mix until the mixture holds together when pressed.
3
Using a cookie scoop or your hands, form the mixture into small, flat rounds. Place them on the prepared baking sheet and use your thumb to create a slight indentation in the center of each cookie.
4
In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream until just simmering. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl. Let it sit for 2-3 minutes, then stir until smooth and glossy. Allow the ganache to cool slightly until it thickens but is still pipeable.
5
Transfer the ganache to a piping bag fitted with a small round tip. Pipe a circular “nest” shape on top of each vanilla cookie, leaving a small well in the center for the candy eggs.
6
While the ganache is still soft, place 3-4 candy eggs in the center of each nest. Press them gently so they stick.
7
Refrigerate the cookies for 20-30 minutes, or until the ganache is firm and set.
8
Serve at room temperature and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Servings 12
Amount Per Serving
Calories150kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat9g14%
Total Carbohydrate17g6%
Dietary Fiber1g4%
Sugars11g
Protein1g2%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free vanilla wafers.
If you don’t have candy eggs, use small chocolate chips or sprinkles as a substitute.
These cookies are highly customizable—try using white chocolate ganache or adding a dash of almond extract for extra flavor.
These values are approximate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients and brands used. Always check your ingredient labels for precise nutrition details.