We recently had a Bird Seed Cookie program at our Crest Hill Branch and thought it would be a good idea to share the recipe that was used. Now is the time that the birds have come back to roost, so let’s be eco-warriors and help them out!

1. Add 1/4 cup cold water to a large bowl
2. Pour 1 Tablespoon of unflavored gelatin into water (Best place to find?  Walmart in the baking aisle)
3. Add 1/4 cup boiling water and stir until gelatin is completely dissolved
4. Add 1 Tablespoon corn syrup and stir until combined
5. Add 1 and 1/4 cups of bird seed and mix well.  Mixture should be similar to the consistency of real cookie dough, not too liquidus and not too dry.  Mixture should stick together
6. Spray muffin pan or metal cookie cutters with non-stick cooking spray
7. Fill muffin cups or cookie cutters with birdseed mixture and press down firmly
8. Cut plastic straws into thirds and press the drinking straws into each of the cookies leaving at least 1/2″ of space between the hole and the edge of the cookie.  This is to make the hole for the twine to go through to hang up the cookies once they harden
9. Place the cookies in the refrigerator overnight
10. Remove cookies by gently sliding a butter knife around the outside of each cookie.  Gently pull the straws out
11. Thread a piece of twine through the hole and tie the ends in a firm knot
12. Hang the birdseed cookies from tree branches for birds to enjoy!

These cookies are best for cooler weather, such as the spring and late fall.

This post was originally written by Colleen Melone, former Adult & Teen Services Supervisor at the Crest Hill Branch.