Cookie Butter Nest Brownies

If you’re looking for a fun, festive treat to add a little something extra to your dessert table, these Cookie Butter Nest Brownies are a must-try! Inspired by the cozy, indulgent flavors of cookie butter and paired with the nostalgic comfort of brownies, this recipe brings a playful twist to classic favorites. Whether you’re planning for a spring celebration or just craving something sweet, these little nests packed with chocolate eggs will bring smiles to everyone who bites into them.

Baking for me is all about creating memories, and this recipe really brings that to life. From the moment the brownie mix hits the bowl, it’s all about mixing simple ingredients into something magical. I love how easy this recipe is to make yet delivers such a fun result. It’s the perfect way to spend time with my kids in the kitchen, and they always enjoy helping me pipe the cookie butter frosting into little nests. And of course, everyone gets excited when we add the chocolate eggs – they’re a hit every time!

What I love most about these Cookie Butter Nest Brownies is how versatile they are. The cookie butter frosting is incredibly smooth and creamy, perfectly complementing the rich, fudgy brownies. You can even customize the nests with different candies or toppings if you prefer. Whether you’re making these for a holiday, a family gathering, or just to surprise your loved ones, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your baking routine.

Equipment

• Electric or Stand Mixer
• Medium Size Mixing Bowl
• Spatula
• 9 X13 Baking Pan
• Piping Bags 
• Piping Tip 4B 
• Parchment Paper

Ingredients

• 1 Box of Brownie Mix
• Water
• Oil
• 2 Eggs
• 1/4 Cup Chocolate Chips
• 6 Tablespoons Room Temperature Salted Butter
• 1/3 Cup Cookie Butter
• 1 Cup Powder Sugar
• 1 Tablespoon Heavy Whipping Cream
• Chocolate Eggs

Recipe Instructions

You can find a printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

1. Start by preheating the oven on 350 degrees.

2. In mixing bowl, put the brownie mix, eggs, water and oil. Mix the ingredients until combined.

3. Next fold in the chocolate chips.

4. Line the 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper. Make sure the parchment paper hangs over the sides. If you want you can grease the sides not covered by parchment with some butter.

5. Pour the brownie batter into the baking pan, make sure its evenly disturbed and then bake it according to the instructions on the box.

6. Once the brownies are baked, set the pan to the side to cool.

7. When the brownies are cooled, use the round cookie cutter to cut small circles of out the brownies.

8. In a clean mixing bowl, place the slated butter along with the cookie butter and mix until they are  combined and fluffy. About 2-3 minutes.

9. Next add the powder sugar and heavy whipping cream. Mix them until the smooth. About 1 minute.

10. Get a piping bag a place the piping tip in it. Cut a hole large enough for the piping tip to fit half way through.

11. Put the cookie butter buttercream in a piping bag and secure the ends

12. Break some of the pretzel sticks in half.

Assembling the Brownie Bird Nest

1. Using the cookie butter buttercream, pipe circle on top of the brownie. This will be the nest.

2. Next place some of the pretzels at the bottom of the buttercream nest.

3. Place the chocolate eggs in the middle of the buttercream nest and then add more pretzels to the top of the nest, in between the chocolate eggs.

4. Serve and Enjoy!

FAQs and Top Tips

FAQs

1. Can I use homemade brownie mix instead of a box mix?
Yes! If you prefer homemade brownies, you can definitely swap out the box mix for your favorite homemade recipe. Just ensure that the consistency of the batter is similar, so it bakes properly in the 9×13-inch pan.

2. Can I use a different type of butter instead of cookie butter?
While cookie butter is what makes these brownies unique, you could substitute it with other nut butters like peanut butter or almond butter if you want a different flavor profile. However, this will change the overall taste and texture of the buttercream slightly.

3. How do I store the brownies?
You can store these brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want them to last longer, they can be refrigerated for up to a week. Make sure to let them come to room temperature before serving if they’re chilled.

4. Can I make the nests in advance?
Yes! You can prepare the cookie butter buttercream and pipe the nests onto the brownies ahead of time. Just store the finished brownies in an airtight container to keep them fresh until you’re ready to serve.

5. Can I use any other candies besides chocolate eggs?
Absolutely! You can get creative with your nest toppings. Mini marshmallows, jelly beans, or even small pieces of fruit would all work well. The key is to keep the look playful and festive.

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Top Tips

1. Don’t skip the parchment paper!
Lining your pan with parchment paper ensures that your brownies will come out easily and won’t stick. The extra paper hanging over the edges also makes it easier to lift the brownies out of the pan when they’re done cooling.

2. Use room temperature butter for the frosting.
Room temperature butter helps achieve a smoother, fluffier cookie butter buttercream. Cold butter can make the frosting clumpy and difficult to pipe, so be sure to let it soften before mixing.

3. Don’t overmix the brownie batter.
When you mix the brownie batter, be careful not to overdo it. Overmixing can result in dense, tough brownies. Just stir until the ingredients are combined and then fold in the chocolate chips.

4. Be mindful of the cooling time.
Let the brownies cool completely before cutting them into circles. This helps maintain their shape and ensures the frosting stays intact when you pipe the nests on top.

5. Break pretzels into small, even pieces.
When adding pretzels to the nests, break them into similar-sized pieces so they fit neatly around the chocolate eggs. This will help create a more uniform and visually appealing nest.

6. Get creative with toppings!
Feel free to experiment with other types of chocolate candies, small decorative eggs, or even sprinkles to give your nests a personalized touch. It’s a fun way to make these brownies unique to your taste or occasion!