This vegan and gluten-free version of birds nest cookies is a quick, easy, and festive treat for Easter. These colorful no-bake cookies will be a hit this Easter.
The reality of Easter is so joyful, I can't help but want to cook bright, colorful foods to celebrate.
Birds nest cookies are an obvious choice. They naturally have the spring vibes (hello, birds nest). And with a little vegan know-how we can find a colorful replacement for those candy eggs that usually fill regular birds nest cookies.
These birds nest cookies are both vegan AND gluten free.
Most birds nest cookies are made with chow mein noodles, which aren't gluten free. So we also have a sneaky (and more accessable) gluten-free sub for chow mein.
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Why I love these Vegan Gluten-Free Birds Nest Cookies
- Dietary needs - these cookies are plant-based, gluten-free, dairy-free, and naturally colored
- So festive - birds nests definitely create those Easter vibes, especially when you use the naturally colored candy coated peanuts
- Quick and easy - these cookies are no-bake and they only take a few minutes to make!
- FOUR ingredients - it doesn't get better than four simple ingredients
- Freezer friendly - if you don't eat the entire batch in one sitting, these cookies store very well. They'll last in the freezer for several months.
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
- Gluten-Free Pretzels: usually birds nest cookies are made with chow mein noodles, which are not gluten-free. So, gluten-free pretzels are a great option! I like the Snyder's brand mini pretzels. If you aren't gluten-free, feel free to use regular pretzels or chow mein noodles.
- Vegan Chocolate Chips: I love the pascha brand chocolate chips. Any vegan chocolate chip brand will work though. To keep this recipe sugar-free, use an unsweetened chocolate. Otherwise, I recommend a dark chocolate.
- Peanut Butter: especially if you're using the peanut candies, I love the hint of peanut flavor in these cookies. You can use almond butter or just omit the nut butter altogether, but the fat from the nuts does help deepen the flavor
- Candy Coated Peanuts: I recommend the candy coated peanuts from Unreal - they are completely vegan, gluten-free, and colored with natural ingredients like beet powder and spirulina. I like the look of the peanuts, but you could also use the Unreal quinoa gems. Or use some fresh fruit like blueberries and raspberries for a completely fruit sweetened treat.
How to make Vegan Gluten-Free Birds Nest Cookies
Step 1. Use your hands to crush the pretzels into small pieces. (Avoid using a food processor because this will create a powder instead of pieces.)
Step 2. In a microwave safe bowl, melt the chocolate on 50% power, stirring every 30 seconds until completely melted and smooth.
Step 3. In a large bowl add the crushed pretzels, melted chocolate, and peanut butter. Mix well.
Step 4. Use a cookie scoop or ¼ cup measure to portion the pretzels into scant ¼ cup sized bunches. Place on parchment lined baking sheet. Top each nest with three candies in a nest shape.
Step 5. Freeze or refrigerate for 10-15 minutes until the chocolate it set.
Expert Tips & FAQ
It's a little tedious, but I recommend using your hands to individually crush each pretzel.
Especially if you are using pretzel twists (as opposed to rods) you'll want to try to break up each segment of the pretzel for the best "nest" look.
Avoid using a food processor to crush your pretzels because this will create a powder instead of pieces.
- Use fruit like blueberries or raspberries as your "eggs"
- Be sure to choose an unsweetened chocolate to coat the pretzels
- Check your pretzels for any added sugar
Store these cookies in an air-tight container. You can keep them on the counter or in the fridge. They'll last up to a week.
You can also freeze these cookies - place them in a freezer safe zip top bag. Place them somewhere they won't be crushed. They'll last several months.
Recipe Prayer
Praise the Lord for the resurrection. We are humbled and grateful to celebrate Easter. Amen.
More Vegan Gluten Free Easter Desserts
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📖 Recipe
Vegan Gluten Free Birds Nest Cookies
Ingredients
- 3 Cups Gluten Free Pretzels
- ¾ Cup Vegan Chocolate Chips
- 1 Tablespoon Peanut Butter
- 42 Vegan Candy Coated Peanuts, Vegan Candy Coated Chocolates, or Blueberries (I used the UnReal brand vegan candy coated peanuts)
Instructions
- Use your hands to crush the pretzels into small pieces. (Avoid using a food processor because this will create a powder instead of pieces.)
- In a microwave safe bowl, melt the chocolate on 50% power, stirring every 30 seconds until completely melted and smooth.
- In a large bowl add the crushed pretzels, melted chocolate, and peanut butter. Mix well.
- Use a cookie scoop or ¼ cup measure to portion the pretzels into scant ¼ cup sized bunches. Place on a parchment lined baking sheet. Top each nest with three candies in a nest shape.
- Freeze or refrigerate for 10-15 minutes until the chocolate is set.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is an estimate.
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