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These little bird nest cookies are a perfect treat for Spring! They are so yummy, easy to make and I love the fact that this is such an old recipe. We call them ‘Haystack Cookies’!
While these Haystack Cookies may not fall into the “healthy” category, they more than make up for it in sheer deliciousness. Sometimes, indulging in a sweet treat is just what we need to brighten our day!
A Perfect Easter Treat
As Easter approaches, it’s the perfect time to whip up some sweet treats to celebrate the season. What better way to celebrate Easter than with a classic favourite – Haystack Cookies! These no-bake wonders are not only easy to make but also irresistibly delicious and they’re sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike!
Simple Ingredients, Big Flavour
One of the best things about Haystack Cookies is their simplicity. This old fashioned recipe is made with just a handful of basic ingredients. The best part, you probably already have these ingredients in your pantry so you can create a batch of these sweet treats in no time. The combination of rolled oats and shredded coconut, sugar, milk, and butter, plays a crucial role in bringing out the rich, indulgent flavours of these cookies.
Easy to Make, Fun for All Ages
Whether you’re an experienced baker or a novice in the kitchen, making Haystack Cookies is a breeze. Simply mix the ingredients together, drop spoonfuls onto wax paper, and let them set until firm. It’s a fun and easy activity that the whole family can enjoy together, making it the perfect way to spend quality time with loved ones.
Bird Nest Variation
Did you know that you can get even more creative with your Haystack Cookies? If you are planning to make a bird nest, once you have placed the mixture on the wax paper, take the back of a teaspoon and press down in the middle of the cookie to make a small groove. You want the cookie to look like a little nest. Allow the cookies to cool completely. Once the cookies have cooled, add some chocolate eggs to create adorable bird nests. It’s a fun twist on a classic recipe.
Without further ado, here’s the recipe:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups white sugar
- 6 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 cup shredded coconut
- 2 cups rolled oats (I use quick oats)
Instructions:
- In a large pot, combine sugar, milk, cocoa powder and butter over medium heat. Stir continuously until the mixture comes to a boil.
- Remove the pot from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Add the rolled oats and shredded coconut to the mixture, stirring until well combined.
- Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto a cookie sheet lined with wax paper. You want them to appear like small haystack shapes. I use this KitchenAid Cookie Dough Scoop so my cookies are always a constant size.
- Allow the cookies to cool and set at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
- If making bird nests once you place the cookie mixture on the wax paper take the back of a teaspoon and push down in the middle of the cookie to form a small groove. You want the cookie to look like a little nest. Then, allow the bird nest cookies to cool completely. Once cooled, add 3 mini chocolate eggs in the middle of each nest. *These cookies freeze well too so you can make them ahead and add the mini eggs prior to serving.
This Easter, treat yourself and your loved ones to the irresistible goodness of Haystack Cookies. With their simple ingredients, easy preparation, and delicious flavour, they’re sure to become a new favourite in your household. So, gather your family, put on your aprons, and get ready to create memories in the kitchen that will last a lifetime. Happy baking!
Comment Below
Do you prefer to cook or bake? I have a HUGE sweet tooth so baking is definitely my favourite. Have you tried my Magic Bar Recipe? These Magic Bars are always a hit. I typically make extra and freeze them so I have something quick to grab for any last minute events. Do you have a favourite recipe you could share? I would love to see some of your favourites.
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