Nutter Butter Referees
Nutter Butter Referee Cookies are whimsical, delicious treats that turn a classic cookie into a fun and festive dessert. With their charming striped appearance and googly eyes, these cookies are not just a feast for the eyes but also a delightful indulgence for the taste buds. Imagine sinking your teeth into the nutty, creamy Nutter Butter cookie, dipped in sweet white chocolate, accented by a dash of playful black stripes. Perfect for sports-themed gatherings or as a fun snack for kids and adults alike, these cookies are sure to bring a smile to anyone’s face.
Table of Contents
I first made Nutter Butter Referee Cookies during a big game night with friends, hoping to add some creativity to the usual spread of chips and dips. As we shouted at the TV, someone brought these cookies to the table, and suddenly the conversation shifted from the game to dessert! The combination of the familiar Nutter Butter flavor and the exciting presentation had everyone buzzing. They are simple to make, fun to decorate, and the best part is that they require minimal ingredients, so you can whip them up in no time. I can’t wait for you to try making these delightful cookies!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: Takes just 30 minutes from start to finish, making it easy for any level of baker.
- Irresistible Flavor: The creamy peanut butter cookie combined with sweet white chocolate is a match made in heaven.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: Their playful referee theme makes them a hit at parties and gatherings.
- Flexible Serving: Perfect for game nights, kids’ parties, or just a fun snack anytime.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for gluten-free diets by using appropriate cookie brands.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 12 Nutter Butter cookies: These iconic peanut butter cookies are the perfect base for our referee design.
- 3 ounces white almond bark or white candy melts: This sweet coating gives our cookies a smooth and creamy finish. White chocolate chips could serve as a substitute if you prefer.
- ⅓ cup black candy melts: Used for the referee stripes, they add a fun contrast to the white coating. You could use melted dark chocolate as an alternative.
- 24 candy eyeballs: These little guys provide a playful touch that brings the referee cookies to life; feel free to get creative with decorating!
How to Make Nutter Butter Referees
Melt the Coating: Start by melting the 3 ounces of white almond bark or white candy melts according to the package directions. Use a microwave or double boiler, stirring frequently until it’s silky smooth. This will be the base for creating the referee uniform on each cookie.
Dip the Cookies: Take each Nutter Butter cookie and dip it halfway into the melted white coating, letting the excess drip off gently. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet to set. This step is essential as it forms the foundation for your cookie’s personality!
Pipe the Stripes: Next, melt the ⅓ cup of black candy melts and transfer into a piping bag fitted with a small tip (I used Wilton #3). Once melted, pipe thin stripes across the white-coated section of each cookie. This adds the signature referee look that everyone will recognize.
Add the Eyes: Dab a tiny bit of melted black candy onto the back of each candy eyeball and attach them to your cookies. Use the black candy melts to pipe little mouths and hair to give your cookies even more character—because every little detail matters!
Set Cool: Allow the cookies to sit at room temperature until the coatings are firm and set, or you can speed up the process by placing them in the refrigerator for a few minutes. Once they’ve cooled completely, they’re ready to be served.
Storing & Reheating
To store Nutter Butter Referees, keep them at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days, ensuring they stay fresh and delicious. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them, ideally in a container that separates layers with parchment to prevent sticking. If you want to freeze your cookies, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Keep in mind that the texture may soften slightly, but a quick 5-minute chill in the refrigerator can help restore their delightful firmness.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Be careful not to overheat the almond bark or candy melts, as this can cause them to seize. Heat in short intervals until barely melted, then stir for a silky consistency.
- If your stripes aren’t piping out perfectly, don’t worry! Alternatively, you can use a toothpick to create stripes if the piping bag isn’t an option.
- For a softer coating, you can mix a little coconut oil with the melted white coating to achieve a smoother texture.
- Feel free to get creative! Use sprinkles or colored sugar along with the piping to enhance the referee theme.
- Make extra cookies for party favors—everyone will love taking a delicious Nutter Butter home!
Nutter Butter Referee Cookies bring a fun and funky vibe that’s impossible to resist. With a bit of patience and creativity, you can create a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any occasion. Don’t be afraid to experiment with flavors and coatings or even create your own designs with the sprinkles!
Recipe FAQs
What can I substitute for candy melts?
If candy melts are not available, you can use white chocolate chips. Just make sure to melt them carefully to avoid burning and achieve a smooth consistency.
Can I make these cookies in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the cookies a day or two in advance. Just store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh until it’s time to serve.
How do I keep the chocolate coating from seizing?
Ensure your cooking utensils are completely dry before introducing any moisture to the candy melts, as even a drop of water can cause them to seize.
Can I use these cookies for a different theme?
Definitely! While they’re designed with a referee theme, you can adapt the colors and decorations to fit any occasion, like holiday parties or birthdays. Get creative and have fun!
Nutter Butter Referees are not just cookies; they’re a way to make any occasion a little brighter and a lot more fun. Try them out and enjoy the smiles they bring to your table!
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📖 Recipe Card
Nutter Butter Referees
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Desserts & Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Nutter Butter Referees are a delightful treat with a scrumptious white and black design, perfect for gatherings or celebrations. These cookies are easy to make, combining nutter butter cookies with sweet candy melts and adorable candy eyeballs for a fun presentation. Enjoy this delightful, quick dessert that’s sure to impress!
Ingredients
- 12 nutter butter cookies
- 3 ounces white almond bark or white candy melts
- ⅓ cup black candy melts
- 24 candy eyeballs
Instructions
- Melt the white almond bark or white candy melts according to package directions until smooth.
- Dip each Nutter Butter cookie halfway into the melted white coating to create the referee uniform. Let the excess drip off, then place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Melt the black candy melts and transfer to a piping bag fitted with a small tip. Pipe thin stripes onto the white coating.
- Dab a small amount of melted candy onto the back of each candy eyeball, then apply it to the cookies. Use the black candy melts to pipe mouths and hair.
- Let the cookies sit at room temperature or refrigerate briefly until the coating is firm.
Notes
Ensure the melted candy is not too hot to prevent it from melting the cookies.
Be creative with decorating if you want to add more features to your referee cookies.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
