Easter Egg Nest Cookies

     Happy Easter!  Last year I made my prettiest cake ever to help celebrate Easter.  This year, I went a bit more literal with these cute little nest cookies.  I turned to the internet for inspiration and nothing really hit me.  I finally settled on a recipe from a recipe called quickandsimple.com. The cookies were definitely quick and simple- and hopefully a big hit when it is finally time for dessert!

Easter Egg Nest Cookies
This recipe makes 24 cookies

Ingredients
1 1/4 cup sweetened coconut flakes
2 cups flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup sugar
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp coconut extract (optional)
60 candy coated chocolate candies (Cadbury Mini Eggs are a great choice!)

Method
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
1. Spread the coconut on a baking sheet and toast in the oven for 8-10 minutes, stirring 1-2 times.  Allow to cool completely.
2. Mix the flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl.
3. Cream the butter and sugar using an electric mixer.  Add the egg, vanilla, and coconut extract and stir everything together until smooth.
4. Stir in the flour mixture until everything is incorporated.
5. Form 1 1/4 inch balls with the dough.  Roll in the coconut flakes.
6. Place each cookie onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.  Leave about 3 inches between cookies.
7. Use your thumb to press an indent into each cookie.  Press the sides of each cookie, to form a nest.
8. Bake 10-12 minutes, or until the cookies are golden.
9. Allow the cookies to cool completely.
10. Fill each nest with chocolates just before serving.


    Our Easter was pretty low key.  After church we headed to my Grandmas and the best part was just hanging out in the grass outside.  The weather was great and the air was so fresh.  It was really nice to enjoy the sunshine and all of the blossoming flowers that come with Spring.  Jax and Ace had a lot of fun running around and playing ball with Arnauld and Mackenzie.  I think it would be nice if life could slow down every Sunday.  I noticed so many more people outside and taking walks-connecting with others.