Nutter Butter Referee Cookies are the perfect combination of fun and flavor! These delightful treats not only satisfy your sweet tooth but also add a playful twist to your dessert table. With their whimsical appearance fashioned after referees, they’re an instant conversation starter and a hit for parties or gatherings. Each cookie is coated in smooth white chocolate, adorned with black stripes, and topped with adorable candy eyeballs that just beg to be eaten.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Nutter Butter Referees
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Nutter Butter Referees

I first came across these delightful Nutter Butter Referees during a backyard BBQ when my friend decided to showcase her creative baking skills. I was immediately intrigued by the way she transformed simple cookies into little referee characters. It’s easy to see why these cookies have become a staple in my household. Not only do they taste wonderful, but they also bring a touch of creativity to any occasion. I can’t wait for you to try making these sweet creations yourself; they’re sure to become a go-to favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Ready in just 30 minutes, these cookies are a breeze to make!
Irresistible Flavor: The creamy white chocolate perfectly complements the peanutty goodness of Nutter Butter cookies.
Eye-Catching Appeal: Their playful design makes them an adorable treat for kids and adults alike.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for game day snacks, birthday parties, or casual dessert gatherings.
Diet-Friendly Options: You can easily swap ingredients to accommodate allergies or dietary preferences.

Ingredients You’ll Need

12 Nutter Butter cookies: These peanut butter cookies are the base and provide a delightful crunch and flavor.
3 ounces white almond bark or white candy melts: This creates a smooth and sweet coating. You can substitute with white chocolate if preferred.
⅓ cup black candy melts: These are used for decorating and adding fun stripes. If unavailable, dark chocolate can also work.
24 candy eyeballs: These bring the cookies to life! You can use mini chocolate chips as a substitute if you can’t find candy eyeballs.

How to Make Nutter Butter Referees

Melt the White Coating: Begin by melting 3 ounces of white almond bark or white candy melts in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat it in 20-second intervals, stirring in between, until the mixture is completely smooth. This will help avoid scorching and ensure a nice consistency for dipping.

Dip the Cookies: Once your white coating is smooth, dip each Nutter Butter cookie halfway into the melted chocolate. Allow the excess coating to drip off, and then place the cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet. This creates the base for your referee’s uniform.

Prepare the Black Stripes: Now, let’s get to the fun part! Melt ⅓ cup of black candy melts and transfer it into a piping bag fitted with a small tip (like Wilton #3). Pipe thin stripes onto the white coating of each cookie. This step gives your cookies their referee look. Don’t worry about being perfect; a little character adds charm!

Add the Eyes and Features: Next, take your candy eyeballs and dab a tiny bit of the melted black candy onto the back of each eyeball. Attach them to the cookies where you want the eyes to be. Using the remaining black candy melts, pipe small mouths and hair details. This is where your creativity can shine!

Let Them Set: Finally, allow the cookies to sit at room temperature or put them in the fridge for a brief period until the candy coating is firm. This step is crucial because it ensures your cookies are ready to serve and stay intact.

Storing & Reheating

To keep your Nutter Butter Referees fresh, store them at room temperature in an airtight container for up to a week. If you want to prolong their shelf life, you can refrigerate them for up to two weeks. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe container. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly, as the texture may change after freezing.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Be careful not to overheat the chocolate; it should be smooth and glossy.
Ensure the cookies are completely cool before dipping to prevent the coating from melting.
If you’re new to piping, practice on parchment paper first to get used to the pressure.
Feel free to get creative with colors! You can dye the white coating or use different candy melts to match your theme.

Nutter Butter Referees are such a delightful way to enjoy a fun and creative cookie-making experience. So get ready to impress your friends and family with these charming sweets that are as fun to make as they are to eat!

Recipe FAQs

How can I make these cookies ahead of time?

You can prepare the cookies a day in advance. Simply follow the dipping and decorating instructions, then store them in an airtight container at room temperature. This way, they’ll be fresh and ready for your gathering!

Can I use regular chocolate instead of candy melts?

Yes, you can substitute the candy melts with pure chocolate. Just be aware that chocolate may require tempering to achieve a shiny finish and a snap when cooled.

What if I can’t find candy eyeballs?

If candy eyeballs aren’t available, mini chocolate chips or even small pieces of fondant can work as a substitute. They can still give your cookies a cute face!

How do I prevent the coating from cracking?

To avoid cracking, ensure that the cookies are completely set before moving them, and store them in a cool, dry place. Properly melting and cooling your candy melts will also prevent future issues with your coatings.

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Nutter Butter Referees

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Author: Peter
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 12 1x
Category: Desserts & Appetizers
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

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Description

Nutter Butter Referees are a fun treat that combines delicious cookies with colorful candy coatings. With straightforward steps and delightful flavors, these cookies are a joy for all ages, making them ideal for parties or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale

12 nutter butter cookies
3 ounces white almond bark or white candy melts
⅓ cup black candy melts
24 candy eyeballs

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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 (I used Wilton #3). 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.