Springtime coconut birds’ nest cookies

Happy spring and Happy Easter, friends!

It’s officially springtime here in the U.S., and though I love winter and it’s frosty scenery, heartfelt holidays, and warm clothes, I love the happy birds and sunny skies and blooming flowers of spring.

Even if you don’t celebrate Easter, as I do, I know you must love the time of year when flowers and trees are in bloom, baby birds start chirping loudly for food, and furry boots make way for flip-flops.

“The day the Lord created hope was probably the same day he created Spring.” ~Bern Williams

Speaking of baby birds, here is a completely easy recipe for what I call “Springtime Birds’ Nest Cookies.” Celebrate spring today by making some!

They are truly simple to make. And since they’re wheat free, they’re safe for those of you who avoid gluten.

Mixing these up takes fewer than five minutes. Grab some Easter-egg-shaped candy (especially the day after Easter, when it’s 50% off) and some children, if you have any around, and make some of these anytime you like, to celebrate new life and the beauty of Spring.

Note that if you are making these with children, the cookie batter includes raw egg white, so don’t let them eat it, just in case.

Springtime Coconut bird nest cookies:

2/3 cup sweetened condensed milk
1 large egg white
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
1/8 teaspoon salt
3 1/2 cups sweetened coconut
1/2 to 1 cup Nutella or marshmallow fluff
M&M Speck-tacular Eggs, malted milk eggs (shown), jelly beans or other Easter candy

Makes about 10-15 cookie nests, depending upon size

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a Silpat mat.

2. In a large bowl, stir together the sweetened condensed milk, egg white, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir until combined. Add in the coconut and mix well.

3. With a spoon, scoop up about 2 or 3 tablespoons of the dough and place the dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Form the cookies into the shape of a bird nest. Press down the center with your thumb.

4. Bake cookies for 17 to 20 minutes, or until slightly golden brown. Remove from the oven and press your thumb down in the center of the nests again. Cool the cookies on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes or until they are firm and set. Remove with a spatula onto a cooling rack. Cool completely.

5. Place about a tablespoon of Nutella or marshmallow fluff in the center of each nest. Place 2-3 egg candies in the center of the nest.

Enjoy!

“Spring shows what God can do with a drab and dirty world.” ~ Virgil Kraft

“The message of Easter is that God’s new world has been unveiled in Jesus Christ and that you’re now invited to belong to it.”
― N.T. Wright