The chocolate cookie nests: Easter treats are simple but very showy chocolate cookies, perfect to make during Easter.
The base is a slightly crumbly cocoa cookie with chocolate chips that holds a delicious milk chocolate ganache in the center. The final decoration with small colored eggs turns these cookies into true spring nests.
They are easy to make and do not require complicated techniques: just prepare the cookie dough and, once baked and cooled, fill them with the ganache and, using a piping bag, create an irregular border that resembles woven twigs of a nest.
In short, these treats are perfect if you’re looking for cute ideas to bring to the table at Easter when you have guests.
I explain everything in the recipe.
READ THE FAQ AND TIPS AT THE END OF THE RECIPE
OTHER INTERESTING RECIPES
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cost: Medium
- Rest time: 1 Day
- Preparation time: 30 Minutes
- Cooking time: 15 Minutes
- Portions: 8 Pieces
- Cooking methods: Oven, Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: Easter, Easter Monday
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups type 1 flour
- 4 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg (medium)
- 1/4 cup rice oil (or any neutral oil you have)
- 1.4 oz chocolate chips (about 1/4 cup)
- Half teaspoon baking powder for desserts
- milk (1 or 2 tablespoons if needed)
- orange zest
- 7 oz milk chocolate
- 3/4 + 2 cup tbsp heavy cream for whipping
- colored sugar eggs (decorative)
- colored sprinkles
Tools
- Immersion blender
- Baking mat microperforated
- Baking tray perforated
Steps
Chop the milk chocolate by hand on a cutting board and collect it in a bowl. Bring the cream to a boil and pour it over the chocolate in several additions.
Stir gently to avoid incorporating air into the cream, cover with plastic wrap directly on the surface and refrigerate overnight.
The next day, whip the cold ganache from the fridge with electric beaters for a few minutes. Return to the fridge until needed.
Combine the sifted flour and cocoa in a bowl with the baking powder, sugar and chocolate chips; mix and add the grated zest of an orange, preferably organic and well washed and dried.
Pour in the oil.
Add the egg and mix. If necessary, because the egg might be small or the flour absorbs more, add one or two tablespoons of milk (dairy or plant-based).
Divide the dough into about 8 balls; slightly flatten them on a tray lined with the mat or parchment paper and, if you want a more regular shape, use a round cutter or a glass about 3 1/8 inches in diameter. Bake in a preheated fan oven at 338°F for a maximum of 15 minutes. If using a conventional oven, bake at 356°F for 15–18 minutes. In any case, the cookies should not become too hard.
Spread a thin layer of ganache over the surface of each cookie and, with the remaining ganache, fill a piping bag fitted with a star tip and pipe around the circumference of the cookies.
Fill the cavity of the nests with the colored candy eggs and, if desired, “dirty” the ganache with a few colored sprinkles. Store in the refrigerator covered or in an appropriate container.
Useful tips
Perfect ganache: prepare it in advance and let it firm up in the fridge; it will be easier to use with a piping bag to create the nest border.
Decoration: sugar eggs are ideal to recall the Easter theme, but you can also use colored confetti or mini chocolate eggs.
Storage: the cookies keep for 2–3 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
FAQ (Questions & Answers)
Can I prepare the cookies in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the cookie bases the day before and store them in an airtight box. Fill them with the ganache on the day you serve them.
Can other types of chocolate be used for the ganache?
Certainly. You can replace the milk chocolate with dark chocolate for a more intense flavor or with white chocolate for a sweeter version.
Can they be made without a piping bag?
The appearance is nicer with a piping bag, but if desired you can make a dome and create a cavity in the center to place the eggs.
Can they be frozen?
Yes. When I made them I had 4 left already filled. I froze them and thawed them by placing them in the refrigerator the night before; at lunchtime they were perfect, like freshly made.
