Coconut Macaroon Nutella Nests

Why Coconut Macaroon Nutella Nests Are My Go-To Easter Cookie

These little nests start with a chewy coconut macaroon base that’s sturdy enough to hold a generous spoonful of Nutella and a few candy eggs. The contrast between the toasted coconut, creamy hazelnut spread, and crunchy chocolate eggs makes every bite interesting. They’re also one of the easiest Easter cookies I’ve made, no piping, no rolling, just shaping dough into nests with your thumb.

3 Reasons You’ll Love These Coconut Nutella Nests

• They come together in 30 minutes flat, the dough mixes in one bowl and bakes while you get the candy eggs ready.
• The nutty, chocolatey center pairs perfectly with the sweet coconut macaroon, so you get two classic flavors in one bite.
• Kids love helping press the nests and pop the candy eggs on top, it’s a fun project that doubles as a dessert.

Key Ingredients for Authentic Coconut Macaroon Nests

• Sweetened condensed milk, This is both the sweetener and the binder. There’s no added sugar or flour, so the macaroons rely on it for structure. Do not use evaporated milk; it lacks the sugar and thickness needed.
• Sweetened coconut, Shredded coconut that’s already sweetened gives the cookies their signature chew and sweetness. Unsweetened coconut will work but expect a less sweet, drier cookie, add an extra tablespoon of condensed milk.
• Nutella, The star of the filling. Any chocolate-hazelnut spread works. For a richer chocolate flavor, stir a tablespoon of cocoa powder into the Nutella before filling.

Kitchen Tools for Making Coconut Macaroon Nests

• Large baking sheet, one is plenty, but have a second ready if you need to bake in two batches.
• Parchment paper or a Silpat mat, keeps the macaroons from sticking and makes cleanup easy.
• Mixing bowl and spoon, a large bowl for stirring the dough, a sturdy spoon for folding the coconut.
• Cooling rack, allows air to circulate so the nests cool evenly.

Tips for Perfect Coconut Macaroon Nests Every Time

Use a spring-loaded scoop or two spoons to drop the dough onto the baking sheet, about 2 tablespoons per nest. That gives you enough dough to shape a nest about 3 inches wide. Press the center gently with your thumb after scooping, then again as soon as the cookies come out of the oven. The second press is key: the nests puff up while baking, and re-pressing while they’re hot keeps the indent deep enough to hold the Nutella later.

Let the cookies cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before moving them to a rack. If you try to transfer them too soon, they’ll fall apart. They need that short rest to firm up.

Expert Advice for Making Coconut Macaroon Nutella Nests

Sweetened condensed milk does double duty here: it sweetens the macaroon and binds the coconut together without any flour. That means these nests are naturally gluten-free, but you must use sweetened coconut, unsweetened will make the dough too dry and crumbly. If you only have unsweetened, add another tablespoon of condensed milk.

The egg white gives the macaroons structure, so don’t skip it. Whisk it into the condensed milk until it’s fully incorporated before folding in the coconut. You’ll see the mixture go from thin to thick and sticky, that’s the sign you’re on the right track.

Creative Variations on Coconut Macaroon Nutella Nests

Swap the Nutella for any chocolate-hazelnut spread you like, store brand works fine. For a different flavor, try a white chocolate spread or even peanut butter. The candy eggs are flexible too: Cadbury Mini Eggs, Robin Eggs, or Speck-tacular M&M’s all work. If you want a lemon twist, bake the plain macaroon nests and fill them with lemon curd instead of Nutella, then top with a sprinkle of powdered sugar.

How to Serve Coconut Macaroon Nutella Nests for Easter

Arrange the nests on a platter lined with pastel-colored cupcake liners or on a bed of shredded green coconut to look like grass. They work beautifully as part of an Easter brunch buffet or tucked into individual dessert cups at each place setting. If you’re serving kids, set the candy eggs in a bowl next to the nuts and let them decorate their own, it doubles as an activity.

How to Store Coconut Macaroon Nutella Nests

Keep the finished nests in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you stack them, place a sheet of wax paper between layers to keep the Nutella from smudging. You can store them with the candy eggs on top or remove the eggs and add them just before serving, both ways work fine.

Can You Freeze Coconut Macaroon Nutella Nests?

Yes, you can freeze the baked macaroon nests before adding the filling. Let them cool completely, then arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Transfer to a zip-top bag and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to serve, thaw them at room temperature for about 20 minutes, then fill with Nutella and add the candy eggs. Do not freeze the assembled nests, the Nutella can separate and the eggs may get sticky.

Coconut Macaroon Nutella Nests: Frequently Asked Questions