As a home baker who’s always chasing the next delicious dessert, I’m excited to share my recipe for these Mint Chocolate Easter Nests. These adorable little treats combine the refreshing flavors of cool mint with rich, decadent chocolate – perfect for celebrating spring and the Easter season. Best of all, they’re easy to make, so you can whip up a batch in no time and enjoy the ultimate bite-sized indulgence.
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Why You’ll Love This Mint Chocolate Easter Nests
These Mint Chocolate Easter Nests are the ultimate crowd-pleasing dessert. The combination of creamy chocolate and bright, fresh mint is simply irresistible, creating a flavor explosion in every bite. But beyond the mouthwatering taste, these little nests are also so much fun to make and assemble. You can get the whole family involved, letting the kids customize their nests with colorful candies and sprinkles. It’s a dessert that’s as joyful to create as it is to eat. Plus, these festive treats are the perfect way to celebrate the arrival of spring and the Easter holiday. Whether you’re hosting a party or just want a special treat for yourself, these Mint Chocolate Easter Nests are sure to delight.
Ingredients
To make these dreamy Mint Chocolate Easter Nests, you’ll need just a handful of simple, everyday ingredients. You’ll start with a base of melted chocolate, which you’ll mix with crushed cookies or cereal to create the “nest” shape. Then you’ll infuse the chocolate with fresh, fragrant mint for that signature flavor. Finally, you’ll top each nest with colorful Easter candies, sprinkles, or other festive decorations. The result is a dessert that’s equal parts delicious and adorable!
- 8 ounces – Semisweet chocolate, chopped or chips
- 1/4 cup – Fresh mint leaves, finely chopped
- 1 1/2 cups – Crushed chocolate cookie crumbs or shredded wheat cereal
- 1/4 teaspoon – Peppermint extract (optional)
- Assorted Easter candies, sprinkles, and decorations
Ingredient Substitutions
- Chocolate Type: You can use milk, dark, or even white chocolate instead of semisweet.
- Dietary Needs: For a vegan version, use dairy-free chocolate and substitute the mint with peppermint extract.
How to Make Mint Chocolate Easter Nests
To start, you’ll want to gather all your ingredients and equipment. Melt your chocolate in a double boiler or in the microwave, being careful not to overheat it. While the chocolate is melting, crush your cookies or cereal into a fine crumb using a food processor or by placing them in a resealable bag and crushing with a rolling pin.
Step 1: Prep Work
Once your chocolate is melted and smooth, stir in the fresh mint leaves, crushing them lightly as you go to release their essential oils. This will infuse the chocolate with that delightful minty flavor. Then, fold in the crushed cookie or cereal crumbs until the mixture is well combined and has a nice, thick, moldable consistency.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Now it’s time to start shaping your nests! Scoop heaping tablespoon-sized portions of the mint chocolate mixture into the cups of a greased mini muffin tin. Use your fingers to gently press and shape the mixture into little nest shapes, creating a shallow well in the center of each one. Once all the nests are formed, pop the tin in the fridge to allow the chocolate to set.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
When the nests are firm, carefully remove them from the tin and place them on a serving platter. Now it’s time for the fun part – decorating! Top each nest with your favorite Easter candies, sprinkles, or other festive toppings. Get creative and let your inner artist shine!
Step 4: Finishing Touches
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Work Quickly: The chocolate can firm up pretty fast, so work quickly when shaping the nests.
- Adjust Consistency: If the mixture is too dry or crumbly, add a touch more melted chocolate to bring it back to the right consistency.
- Flavor Swaps: Try swapping the mint for other extracts like peppermint, almond, or orange.
- Base Variations: Use crushed graham crackers, Oreos, or Rice Krispies for a fun twist on the crunchy base.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: These Mint Chocolate Easter Nests are best served chilled, straight from the fridge. They make a gorgeous and delicious addition to any Easter spread, but they’re also perfect for casual snacking or an after-dinner treat.
Storage: The nests will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Just be sure to store them in a single layer to prevent them from sticking together.
Make-Ahead: You can assemble the nests without the decorations, then add the toppings just before serving.
Nutrition Information
One serving of these Mint Chocolate Easter Nests contains approximately 150 calories, 10 grams of fat, 15 grams of carbohydrates, and 2 grams of protein. While they are a treat, they’re made with wholesome ingredients like real chocolate, fresh mint, and crunchy cookies or cereal. Enjoy them in moderation as part of a balanced diet, and savor every delicious bite!
- Serving Size: 1 nest
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Protein: 2 g
- Carbs: 15 g
- Fat: 10 g
- Sodium: 35 mg
Mint Chocolate Easter Nests: 20-Minute Festive Treats
These delightful Mint Chocolate Easter Nests are a fun and festive treat for your holiday celebrations. Made with crispy chow mein noodles and chocolate, they are easy to make and perfect for filling with candy eggs!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 nests 1x
- Category: 🎄 Festive & Seasonal Desserts
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
3 cups chow mein noodles
1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup mini chocolate eggs (for filling)
Optional: edible green grass (for garnish)
Instructions
1. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and peanut butter.
2. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth.
3. Stir in the peppermint extract and salt until well combined.
4. Add the chow mein noodles to the chocolate mixture and gently fold to coat.
5. Using your hands, form small nests on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
6. Create an indentation in the center of each nest for the chocolate eggs.
7. Refrigerate for about 30 minutes until set.
8. Once set, fill the nests with mini chocolate eggs and garnish with edible grass if desired.
Notes
– Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
– You can substitute other types of chocolate or candy as desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 nest
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Easter, Chocolate, Mint, Dessert
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make the nests gluten-free?
To make these nests gluten-free, simply swap out the regular cookies or cereal for a gluten-free version, like certified gluten-free graham crackers or rice cereal. You can also use a gluten-free chocolate to ensure the entire recipe is safe for those with dietary restrictions.
Can I use dried mint instead of fresh?
While fresh mint is preferred for the best flavor, you can certainly use dried mint if that’s what you have on hand. Just keep in mind that the flavor will be a bit more concentrated, so you’ll want to use a bit less. Start with 1/2 teaspoon of dried mint and adjust to taste.
How can I make the nests vegan?
To make these nests vegan, simply swap out the regular chocolate for dairy-free chocolate chips or a vegan chocolate bar. You’ll also want to use a vegan cookie or cereal crumb as the base. And instead of the fresh mint, try using a high-quality peppermint extract for that same minty punch.
Do the nests need to be refrigerated?
Yes, it’s best to keep these Mint Chocolate Easter Nests refrigerated, as the chocolate and mint filling can soften at room temperature. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Can I make the nests in advance?
Absolutely! You can make these nests up to 3 days in advance. Just assemble the nests without the decorations, and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to serve. Then, simply top them with your favorite Easter candies and sprinkles right before enjoying.