Delightful Easter Egg Nest Macaroons: An Easy Spring Treat for Any Occasion
Welcome to a world of charming sweetness, where tradition meets modern convenience in these delightful **easy macaroons**. Transformed into adorable little nests and crowned with vibrant M&M Easter egg candies, these treats are the epitome of springtime joy. Imagine biting into a chewy, coconut-rich cookie, perfectly balanced with a hint of almond, then encountering the satisfying crunch and chocolatey burst of an M&M. They’re not just cookies; they’re tiny edible celebrations, perfect for welcoming spring and bringing smiles to everyone’s faces. Whether you’re planning for an Easter gathering, a spring picnic, or simply craving a sweet escape, these macaroon nests offer a simple yet elegant solution.
Beyond the Kitchen: Our Pinewood Derby Adventures
Happy Friday! While baking is often my solace, this particular weekend kicked off with a whirlwind of activity, plunging our family into the exhilarating (and sometimes chaotic) world of scouting. Tonight, we have our nine-year-old’s annual Pinewood Derby race for the scouts! Why they always schedule this on a Friday night remains a mystery to me, but nonetheless, it’s a cherished tradition.
For those unfamiliar, the Pinewood Derby is an iconic scouting event where parents “help” their scout craft a small wooden car. The process involves carving, sanding, painting, decorating, and carefully attaching wheels. It’s an incredible opportunity for father-son bonding (though moms often get roped in for painting and design!), teaching basic craftsmanship, and fostering a sense of accomplishment. Once built, all the scouts gather to race their unique creations down a multi-lane track, competing for speed and design accolades.
Our local derby boasts three racetracks, thoughtfully designed for different scout age groups: Wolf, Bear, and Webelos. The cars race three at a time, with dedicated officials at the finish line meticulously determining first, second, and third place. Every scout gets multiple turns on the various tracks to ensure fairness, and slowly, the field is whittled down to a single winner from each division. These division champions then compete in a final showdown to crown the ultimate Pinewood Derby victor. It sounds incredibly competitive, but at its heart, it’s meant to be a fun, engaging, and memorable experience for the boys – and, let’s be honest, for the parents too!
Lessons from Last Year’s Derby (and Preparing for This Year)
Last year’s Pinewood Derby was, shall we say, an experience. With a large number of eager scouts participating, the entire event stretched on for a grueling two and a half hours. I distinctly remember sitting there, stomach growling, having made the rookie mistake of not eating dinner beforehand, foolishly assuming it would only last an hour. By the end, I was silently (and perhaps not so silently) questioning every life choice that led me to that moment. Mercifully, we had secured a babysitter for my two then-two-year-olds, which at least allowed for some semblance of adult relaxation, even if my digestive system was in full protest mode.
The aftermath of the races brought its own set of dramas. There were definitely tears shed, both of joy and profound disappointment, over who won and who lost. It’s a valuable opportunity to teach the boys about good sportsmanship and handling defeat graciously, but it’s hard not to feel a pang of sympathy for the kids whose cars consistently underperformed. Building those cars takes effort and hope, and seeing those hopes dashed can be tough.
Another endlessly amusing aspect of the derby is witnessing the parents, particularly the dads, get completely swept up in the competitive spirit! Given that many of them were the primary builders (or at least the chief strategists), their investment in the cars’ performance is palpable. They line the sidelines, cheering on every heat with an intensity that often surpasses their sons’. You can always spot “that dad” – the one passionately coaching his son from the sidelines, offering last-minute aerodynamic tips or encouraging words. It’s a fantastic display of fatherly pride and competitive zeal!
This year, I’m braving the event with my two spirited three-year-olds (my “Irish twins”). My primary hope is that they don’t decide to dismantle the race tracks in a burst of toddler energy! My husband, a big fan of classic television, helped our son, Chance, build a replica of “The General Lee” from *Dukes of Hazzard*. While it’s undeniably cool and nostalgic, it’s not exactly renowned for its aerodynamic efficiency. So, we’ll see how it fares on the track! I’ll be sure to post pictures of the car and the event on my Instagram, and probably share more details in Monday’s post.
Back to the Sweeter Things: Why These Macaroon Nests Are a Must-Make
But enough about fast cars and competitive dads, I’m supposed to be talking about cookies, right?! As the official cookie provider for the derby, I’ve been pondering what sweet treat to bring. And that brings me back to these charming Easter Egg Nest Macaroons. They might seem a little “girly” at first glance, but I promise you, their irresistible flavor and delightful texture are universally loved. Plus, they are absolutely perfect for springtime, adding a pop of color and cheer to any table.
My passion for macaroons runs deep. The combination of sweet coconut and crunchy almonds is one that I adore. These cookies leverage those classic flavors, creating a base that’s both satisfyingly chewy and subtly sweet. And if you haven’t yet discovered the magic of M&M Easter eggs, now is the time! Their pastel colors and chocolatey goodness are the ideal festive topping. However, feel free to get creative and use any other small egg-shaped candies or even jelly beans to adorn your nests. These cookies are more than just a recipe; they’re a fun, festive way to celebrate the season. I’m so incredibly happy that it’s finally spring, bringing with it warmer weather, blooming flowers, and the perfect excuse for colorful, delicious treats like these! Now, with a batch of these beauties ready, off to the races I go!
Tips for Crafting Perfect Easter Egg Nest Macaroons
Creating these beautiful and delicious macaroon nests is incredibly straightforward, making them accessible even for novice bakers. However, a few simple tips can elevate your results from good to absolutely spectacular:
- **Ingredient Quality Matters:** Use high-quality flaked coconut for the best texture and flavor. If you prefer a finer texture, you can pulse the coconut briefly in a food processor, but avoid over-processing it into a paste.
- **Egg Whites at Room Temperature:** While not strictly mandatory for macaroons (unlike French macarons), using egg whites at room temperature can help them incorporate more smoothly into the mixture, leading to a more consistent dough.
- **Don’t Overmix:** Once you combine the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until everything is well combined. Overmixing can toughen the macaroons.
- **Achieving the Perfect Nest Shape:** After scooping the macaroon mixture onto your baking sheet, immediately use your thumb or the back of a small, greased spoon to create a distinct indent in the center. This forms the perfect “nest” for your candies. If the mixture is sticking to your finger or spoon, lightly dampen it with water.
- **Watch Your Baking Time:** Macaroons can go from perfectly golden to overly dry very quickly. Keep a close eye on them towards the end of the baking time. The edges should be golden brown, but the centers should still be slightly soft and chewy.
- **Cooling is Key:** Remove the macaroons from the baking sheet as soon as they come out of the oven. They will continue to set as they cool. Placing them on a wire rack allows for even cooling and prevents the bottoms from becoming soggy.
- **The Glaze:** The simple powdered sugar and water glaze acts as an edible “glue” to secure your M&M Easter eggs (or other candies) in place. Make it thick enough to hold the candies but thin enough to spread easily.
- **Get Creative with Toppings:** While M&M Easter eggs are wonderfully festive, don’t limit yourself! Consider pastel-colored jelly beans, chocolate-covered sunflower seeds, mini robin’s eggs candies, or even a sprinkle of edible glitter for extra sparkle.
These macaroons are not just a treat for the taste buds; they’re a visual delight, embodying the cheer and renewal of spring. They’re a simple joy to bake and an even greater joy to share!
Easter Egg Nest Macaroons
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Ingredients
- 2 2/3 cups flaked coconut
- 5 Tbsp + 1 tsp. Truvia sweetener or 2/3 cup white sugar
- 1/4 tsp. salt
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 egg whites
- 1 tsp. almond extract
- 1 cup chopped almonds
- powdered sugar
- water
- M&M Easter Egg candies
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 325ºF (160ºC). Lightly spray a baking sheet with cooking spray, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the flaked coconut, Truvia sweetener (or white sugar), salt, and all-purpose flour. Stir these dry ingredients together until well blended. Then, add the egg whites and almond extract, mixing until just combined. Gently fold in the chopped almonds, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
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Using a tablespoon or a small cookie scoop, drop portions of the macaroon mixture onto your prepared cookie sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie. Immediately after scooping, press your finger (or the back of a greased spoon) gently into the center of each macaroon to create a small, nest-like indent.
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Bake for approximately 20 minutes, or until the edges are beautifully golden brown. It’s crucial not to overcook them, as this can make the macaroons dry. Remove the cookies from the oven and carefully transfer them from the baking sheet to a wire rack immediately to cool completely.
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While the macaroons cool, prepare a simple glaze by mixing a small amount of powdered sugar with just enough water to create a thick, yet pourable consistency. Once the cookies have cooled significantly, place a small drop of this glaze inside the indent of each macaroon. Then, carefully arrange three M&M Easter Egg candies on top of the glaze in each “nest.” Allow the glaze to harden completely so the M&M’s are securely in place. Once set, your adorable Easter Egg Nest Macaroons are ready to be served and enjoyed! They are so cute and truly perfect for celebrating spring!
Nutrition
Got a sweet tooth? Try these spring-inspired recipes:
Double Chocolate Avocado CookiesEaster Basket CupcakesSkinny Cherry Poke Cake