Can I use unsweetened coconut instead of sweetened?

While you can use unsweetened coconut, you'll need to add about 1/4 cup of granulated sugar to the mixture to compensate. The texture will be slightly different, but still delicious.

Why did my macaroons spread too much during baking?

This usually happens when the egg whites aren't beaten firmly enough. Make sure you achieve stiff peaks that hold their shape completely. Also, check that your oven temperature is accurate—too low and they'll spread before setting.

How do I know when the macaroons are done baking?

The edges should be golden brown and the exterior should feel set when lightly touched. The interior will still be somewhat soft but will firm up as they cool.

Can I make these dairy-free?

Yes! Replace the sweetened condensed milk with cream of coconut (not coconut cream), and use dairy-free chocolate chips. You'll need to find dairy-free "eggs" for decoration or use another candy alternative.

Coconut Macaroons Easter Birds Nests Recipe

Name: Coconut Macaroons Easter Birds Nests Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 5 ½ cups sweetened flaked coconut; ¾ cup sweetened condensed milk; 1 teaspoon almond extract; 2 large egg whites; ¼ teaspoon salt; ½ cup white chocolate chips; 1 package Cadbury mini eggs

These adorable Coconut Macaroons Easter Birds Nests are a perfect springtime treat that combines the chewy sweetness of classic coconut macaroons with a festive holiday twist. With their delicate golden exterior, moist interior, and decorative mini eggs nestled in white chocolate, these treats aren’t just delicious—they’re a charming addition to any Easter celebration. Best of all, they require minimal ingredients and come together in under an hour!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Impressive with Minimal Effort: These macaroons look like you spent hours creating them, but they’re surprisingly simple to make—perfect for busy holiday preparations.
Kid-Friendly Fun: Children love helping shape the nests and placing the mini eggs—a great way to involve little ones in holiday baking.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare these treats a few days before your celebration and they’ll still taste fresh and delicious.
Naturally Gluten-Free: A fantastic option for guests with dietary restrictions without sacrificing flavor or texture.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Sweetened Flaked Coconut: The star ingredient that creates the nest structure and provides that classic chewy-crisp texture. Make sure it’s fresh for best flavor.
Sweetened Condensed Milk: Acts as a binding agent and adds wonderful richness and sweetness to the macaroons.
Almond Extract: Provides a subtle nutty flavor that enhances the coconut. If you prefer, vanilla extract works wonderfully too.
Egg Whites: When beaten to stiff peaks, they create a light, airy texture and help the nests hold their shape during baking.
Salt: Just a pinch balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
White Chocolate Chips: Creates the “glue” that holds the mini eggs in place while adding a creamy contrast to the coconut texture.
Cadbury Mini Eggs: The perfect finishing touch that transforms simple macaroons into festive nests. Their pastel colors and candy shell make these treats instantly recognizable as Easter treats.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Color Options

Add a few drops of food coloring to the coconut mixture for pastel-colored nests. Light blue, pink, or yellow work beautifully for spring.

Chocolate Alternatives

Replace white chocolate with milk or dark chocolate for a different flavor profile. You could even try butterscotch chips for a caramel note.

Egg Alternatives

If you can’t find Cadbury mini eggs, try jelly beans, M&Ms, or even small chocolate truffles as your “eggs.”

Flavor Twists

Add lemon or orange zest to the coconut mixture for a citrusy spring flavor, or incorporate mini chocolate chips into the macaroon batter for chocolate-lovers.

How to Make Coconut Macaroons Easter Birds Nests

Step 1: Prepare Your Materials

Preheat the oven to 325°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This temperature gives the perfect balance between browning the exterior while keeping the inside moist.

Step 2: Mix the Coconut Mixture

In a medium bowl, combine the coconut, sweetened condensed milk, salt, and almond extract. Mix thoroughly until every shred of coconut is coated.

Step 3: Beat the Egg Whites

In a separate large bowl, beat egg whites with an electric mixer until they form stiff peaks. You’ll know they’re ready when you can turn the bowl upside down and the whites don’t move.

Step 4: Combine the Mixtures

Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the coconut mixture. Use a light touch to maintain as much air as possible for fluffy macaroons.

Step 5: Shape the Nests

Drop generous tablespoonfuls of the mixture onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about an inch apart. Gently press your thumb into the center of each mound to create a nest-like depression.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 25 minutes until the macaroons are set and delicately browned around the edges. The exteriors should be slightly crisp with soft, chewy interiors.

Step 7: Cool Completely

Transfer the baked nests to a wire rack and allow them to cool completely before decorating.

Step 8: Add the Finishing Touches

Melt the white chocolate chips in the microwave, heating in 30-second intervals and stirring between each until smooth. Drizzle some melted chocolate into each nest and quickly place three mini eggs on top before the chocolate sets.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Rush the Egg Whites: Take your time beating them to truly stiff peaks—this is crucial for macaroons that hold their shape.
Use a Cookie Scoop: For perfectly uniform nests, a medium cookie scoop works better than a spoon.
Watch the Baking Time: Coconut can quickly go from golden to burnt. Start checking at the 20-minute mark.
Cool Completely Before Decorating: Hot macaroons will melt your white chocolate immediately. Patience yields prettier nests!
Work Quickly with Chocolate: Have your mini eggs ready to place as soon as you add the white chocolate, as it sets fairly quickly.

How to Serve

These Coconut Macaroons Easter Birds Nests make a wonderful centerpiece for your Easter dessert table. Here are some serving suggestions:

Presentation Ideas

Arrange on a tiered cake stand interspersed with fresh spring flowers or greenery for a stunning visual display.

Pairing Suggestions

Serve with coffee, tea, or even a glass of dessert wine for adults. For children, a glass of milk makes the perfect accompaniment.

Holiday Meal Timing

These are best served after a main meal as part of a dessert spread. They’re substantial enough to stand alone but also complement other Easter treats like carrot cake or lemon bars.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store these macaroons in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Place wax paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Freezing

You can freeze the baked macaroons (before adding chocolate and eggs) for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature, then add the decorative elements.

Reheating

These don’t need reheating, but if you prefer them slightly warm, 5-10 seconds in the microwave will refresh them nicely.

FAQs

Can I use unsweetened coconut instead of sweetened?

While you can use unsweetened coconut, you’ll need to add about 1/4 cup of granulated sugar to the mixture to compensate. The texture will be slightly different, but still delicious.
Why did my macaroons spread too much during baking?

This usually happens when the egg whites aren’t beaten firmly enough. Make sure you achieve stiff peaks that hold their shape completely. Also, check that your oven temperature is accurate—too low and they’ll spread before setting.
How do I know when the macaroons are done baking?

The edges should be golden brown and the exterior should feel set when lightly touched. The interior will still be somewhat soft but will firm up as they cool.
Can I make these dairy-free?

Yes! Replace the sweetened condensed milk with cream of coconut (not coconut cream), and use dairy-free chocolate chips. You’ll need to find dairy-free “eggs” for decoration or use another candy alternative.

Final Thoughts

These Coconut Macaroons Easter Birds Nests bring together the beloved texture of classic macaroons with playful Easter charm. They’re the perfect balance of sophistication and whimsy—delightful enough for adults to enjoy but magical enough to delight children. Whether you’re hosting a grand Easter celebration or simply want to mark the season with something special, these adorable treats will bring smiles all around. Happy baking and happy spring!