Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Coconut Macaroon Nutella Nests are an ideal combination of textures and flavors. The crispy coconut macaroons offer a delightful chewiness, while the Nutella in the center adds a rich, creamy contrast. Topped with colorful candy eggs, these nests are not only delicious but also visually appealing—making them perfect for Easter celebrations or any festive occasion.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2/3 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1 large egg white
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 3 1/2 cups sweetened coconut flakes
- 1 cup Nutella
- Chocolate Easter egg candy (your choice)
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a Silpat mat.
- In a large bowl, stir together the sweetened condensed milk, egg white, vanilla extract, and salt until combined. Add the coconut and mix well.
- Scoop about 2 tablespoons of the dough and shape into small bird nest-like forms on the prepared baking sheet. Press down the center with your thumb.
- Bake for 17 to 20 minutes or until slightly golden brown. Once out of the oven, press down the centers again. Cool for about 5 minutes on the baking sheet.
- Once cooled, transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.
- Once the cookies are cool, spoon about 1 tablespoon of Nutella into the center of each nest. Top with 3 candy eggs.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 10 nests
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 17–20 minutes
- Total time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Nutella alternatives: If you’re not a fan of Nutella, try using peanut butter, almond butter, or another chocolate spread.
- Add-ins: Mix in chocolate chips, dried fruit, or even mini marshmallows into the coconut mixture for added flavor.
- Vegan option: Replace the egg white with a flaxseed egg and use a dairy-free sweetened condensed milk alternative to make this recipe vegan.
Storage/Reheating
Store the macaroons in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can store them with or without the candy eggs. If you want to make them ahead, they can be made 2-3 days in advance.
FAQs
Can I freeze the Coconut Macaroon Nutella Nests?
Yes, these cookies can be frozen! Just store them in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
Can I make these nests without Nutella?
Certainly! You can substitute Nutella with other spreads like peanut butter or chocolate ganache.
How do I make the coconut macaroon base crispier?
To make the macaroon base crispier, bake the nests for a few extra minutes, keeping a close eye on them to prevent burning.
Can I use unsweetened coconut for this recipe?
Sweetened coconut is preferred for this recipe, as it helps balance the flavors. However, unsweetened coconut can be used if you prefer a less sweet treat.
What candies can I use for the eggs?
You can use any small chocolate Easter eggs, such as Cadbury Mini Eggs, Robin Eggs, or M&M’s Speck-tacular Eggs, for a festive touch.
Can I add food coloring to the coconut mixture?
Yes, you can add a few drops of food coloring to the coconut mixture for a fun, colorful twist.
Can I make these nests larger or smaller?
Yes, you can adjust the size of the nests based on your preferences. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary.
How do I store the coconut macaroons if they are already decorated with candy eggs?
These can be stored the same way, in an airtight container, whether they have candy eggs or not.
What should I do if the macaroons spread too much while baking?
Make sure the coconut mixture is well-packed when forming the nests and avoid using too much liquid in the dough. If the nests spread too much, simply reshape them after baking.
How do I make sure the Nutella stays in the center of the nest?
Press the Nutella in gently but securely into the center, and be sure to let the cookies cool completely before adding the Nutella, as this helps them hold their shape better.
Conclusion
Coconut Macaroon Nutella Nests are a delicious, cute, and festive treat that will brighten any occasion. Whether you’re preparing for Easter or simply looking for a fun way to enjoy coconut macaroons, this recipe is sure to be a hit with everyone. The combination of coconut, Nutella, and candy eggs creates a perfect balance of sweetness and texture. Enjoy!
Print
Coconut Macaroon Nutella Nests
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 10 nests
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Coconut Macaroon Nutella Nests are a perfect blend of chewy coconut macaroons, creamy Nutella, and colorful candy eggs. A fun and festive treat ideal for Easter or spring gatherings, these nests are as cute as they are delicious. Easy to make and a crowd-pleaser, they bring a sweet, coconutty crunch and a creamy chocolate center.
Ingredients
- 2/3 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1 large egg white
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 3 1/2 cups sweetened coconut flakes
- 1 cup Nutella
- Chocolate Easter egg candy (your choice)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a Silpat mat.
- In a large bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk, egg white, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir until well combined.
- Add the coconut flakes to the mixture and mix thoroughly.
- Scoop about 2 tablespoons of the dough and shape it into small nest-like forms on the prepared baking sheet. Press down the center with your thumb.
- Bake for 17-20 minutes, or until the macaroons are slightly golden brown. Once out of the oven, gently press down the centers again.
- Let the nests cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.
- Spoon about 1 tablespoon of Nutella into the center of each cooled nest. Top with 3 colorful candy eggs.
Notes
- Nutella Alternatives: You can swap Nutella for peanut butter, almond butter, or any chocolate spread.
- Vegan Option: Use a flaxseed egg and dairy-free sweetened condensed milk for a vegan version.
- Add-ins: Add chocolate chips, dried fruit, or mini marshmallows to the coconut mixture for more flavor.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Freezing is also possible for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 17–20 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Easter Treats
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
