Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Easter Basket Cookies are a fun, festive, and sweet treat that brings the joy of Easter right to your table. These colorful, no-bake cookies are topped with candy “eggs” to mimic a basket full of goodies. With their crunchy texture from the cornflakes and a creamy, sugary coating, they’re easy to make and perfect for kids and adults alike. These cookies are a great way to celebrate Easter with a sweet, creative twist!
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
cornflakes cereal
white chocolate chips (or chocolate chips)
unsalted butter
confectioners’ sugar
vanilla extract
green food coloring
mini candy eggs (or jelly beans for decoration)
directions
- Melt the Chocolate: In a medium saucepan, melt the white chocolate chips and butter over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. Once melted, remove from heat.
- Mix the Coating: Stir in the confectioners’ sugar and vanilla extract into the melted chocolate mixture until smooth and fully combined.
- Add the Cornflakes: Gently fold the cornflakes into the mixture, ensuring each flake is coated with the chocolate mixture. Be careful not to crush the cornflakes.
- Shape the Cookies: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spoon a generous amount of the cornflake mixture onto the baking sheet and shape each mound into a nest shape, pressing lightly to form a small indent in the center (where the candy eggs will go).
- Add the Green Color: Mix a few drops of green food coloring into the remaining chocolate mixture to create a green “grass” effect. Spoon a small amount of the green mixture into the center of each cookie nest.
- Decorate: Place 2-3 mini candy eggs or jelly beans in the center of each “nest” to complete the Easter basket look.
- Set the Cookies: Let the cookies sit at room temperature for about 30-60 minutes to firm up, or place them in the fridge for about 15-20 minutes to speed up the process.
- Serve: Once the cookies are set and firm, they’re ready to be served and enjoyed!
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 12-15 cookies (depending on size).
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Setting time: 30-60 minutes
Total time: 40-70 minutes
Variations
- Chocolate Version: Use milk or dark chocolate chips instead of white chocolate for a richer flavor.
- Add Nuts: For extra crunch, you can mix in some chopped nuts, like almonds or pecans, with the cornflakes.
- Add Sprinkles: Top the “grass” with colorful sprinkles for extra fun and festive flair.
- Mini Nests: Make smaller nests using a teaspoon to create bite-sized Easter basket cookies.
storage/reheating
Store Easter Basket Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them, but they will firm up even more.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cereal?
Yes, you can use Rice Krispies, Cheerios, or even shredded coconut (for a more “bird’s nest” effect) as a substitute for cornflakes.
Can I make these cookies in advance?
Yes! These cookies can be made ahead of time and stored for up to a week, making them great for Easter prep.
What can I use if I don’t have food coloring?
If you don’t have food coloring, you can skip the green coloring and still make a delicious treat, or use natural food coloring like spinach powder for green.
Can I use larger candy eggs?
Yes, you can use larger candy eggs, but it might require a larger “nest” shape to hold them. You can also use chocolate-covered eggs or candy-covered jelly beans for variety.
Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes, you can freeze the cookies for up to 2 months. Simply layer them between parchment paper and store them in an airtight container in the freezer.
Conclusion
Easter Basket Cookies are a delightful and festive way to celebrate the holiday with sweet, crunchy, and colorful treats. With minimal effort and a lot of creativity, these no-bake cookies will be the star of your Easter dessert table. Perfect for kids to help make and fun for everyone to eat, they’re sure to become a new favorite seasonal tradition!
PrintEaster Basket Cookies
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes (no-bake)
- Total Time: 45 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 12 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Easter Basket Cookies are a fun and festive treat, perfect for spring celebrations. These colorful, no-bake cookies are shaped like little baskets, filled with sweet candy ‘eggs,’ and topped with a buttery, sweet coating.
Ingredients
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups mini marshmallows
- 2 cups chow mein noodles (or crispy fried noodles)
- 1/2 cup pastel-colored candy eggs (e.g., jelly beans or mini chocolate eggs)
- 1/4 cup green candy melts or white chocolate (optional, for basket handles)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded coconut, melted butter, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture is smooth.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the mini marshmallows in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until completely melted and smooth.
- Pour the melted marshmallows into the coconut mixture and stir well to combine.
- Add the chow mein noodles to the mixture, gently stirring to coat the noodles with the marshmallow-coconut mixture.
- Using your hands or a spoon, scoop out small portions of the mixture and form into little nests on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Press a small indentation in the center of each nest to create a ‘basket’ shape.
- Place the nests in the fridge for about 30 minutes to set and firm up.
- Once the nests have set, fill each basket with pastel-colored candy eggs of your choice. If desired, melt green candy melts or white chocolate and pipe a handle over the top of each basket to complete the look.
- Serve the Easter Basket Cookies immediately, or store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Notes
- Feel free to mix and match different types of candy for the ‘eggs,’ such as chocolate eggs or jelly beans, to make the baskets more colorful and festive.
- If you prefer a different shape, you can also mold the mixture into small balls or clusters.
- If you don’t have chow mein noodles, you can substitute with other crispy, crunchy noodles or even pretzel sticks for a different texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 40mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
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