Copycat Crumbl Cookies: Birds Nests

Have you stumbled across a Crumbl Cookies yet? While visiting Raleigh in April, I discovered this delectable little national chain and its lovely approach to cookie making. Its cookie bases have a soft, somewhat cake-like crumb and sport fanciful frosted tops and toppings. The menu changes weekly, and you can find out what's being baked up each each week via their app.

Crumbl Cookies in Northbrook is as close as we can get to one here, OR you could try your hand at a copycat recipe we developed to kick off our Big Chefs Spring Fling session this last go-around. With a simple sugar cookie base, a fudge frosting "birds nest" with toasted coconut, and yummy M&M candy robin's eggs, this may just be the big winner at your Easter table this Sunday!

Here is the cookie base recipe we used, along with the fudge frosting recipe we piped on top. To toast the coconut, just spread evenly on a parchment-lined pan and bake at 325°F for 5-10 minutes. Watch closely to avoid burning. Our recipe makes 1 dozen 3-inch cookies or 2 dozen smaller ones. Store at room temperature. Or not... because these will go lickety split!