Ingredients
Method
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly grease a muffin tin or set out 12 small bowls.
- Melt the butter in a large pot over medium-low heat. Add the marshmallows and stir continuously until completely melted and smooth.
- Stir in the cocoa powder, corn syrup, and salt until the mixture is an even brown color throughout.
- Remove from heat and quickly fold in the Rice Krispies cereal until fully coated.
- While the mixture is still warm and pliable, scoop about 1/3 cup portions and press into the greased muffin tin cups or shape by hand into nest shapes with a well in the center. Use greased hands to avoid sticking.
- Let the nests set at room temperature for about 20 minutes until firm.
- Carefully remove the nests from the muffin tin and place on a serving platter.
- Fill each nest with a small pinch of green-tinted coconut flakes for grass, then arrange 3-4 pieces of pastel candy in each nest.
- Serve at room temperature. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Notes
Work quickly once you add the cereal — the mixture stiffens as it cools. Greasing your hands with butter or cooking spray makes shaping the nests so much easier. The cocoa powder gives them a natural twig-brown color that looks like a real nest. For an extra cute touch, use green-tinted coconut flakes as grass in the bottom of each nest before adding the candy.