Nutter Butter Referee Cookies are the perfect way to add a fun twist to your dessert table! These delightful treats not only taste amazing but also bring a smile with their creative design. Dipped in smooth white almond bark and adorned with cute candy eyes, they embody a whimsical character, reminiscent of the referees we see on game day. Each bite offers that satisfying crunch of the Nutter Butter cookie with a creamy sweetness that perfectly complements its peanut flavor. They’re sure to be the talk of your next gathering!

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 stumbled upon the idea of Nutter Butter Referee Cookies while searching for a creative dessert to impress my friends during a big game. The combination of the cookies’ classic crunch combined with the melt-in-your-mouth candy coating was an instant win! Plus, they’re incredibly easy to whip up, which makes them an ideal choice for both novice bakers and seasoned pros alike. Seriously, whether you’re hosting a party or looking for a simple yet inventive dessert, you can’t go wrong with these tasty creations. Give them a try, and I’m sure you’ll fall in love with their adorable charm just like I did!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Ready in just 30 minutes, these treats are perfect for last-minute get-togethers.
Irresistible Flavor: The creamy peanut butter of the Nutter Butter cookies pairs so well with the sweet candy coating.
Eye-Catching Appeal: These cookies are not just delicious; they’re also fun and cute, making them a hit with both kids and adults.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for game days, birthday parties, or just a fun snack at home!
Diet-Friendly Options: For a gluten-free option, check for certified gluten-free almond bark and ensure your Nutter Butter cookies are compliant.

Ingredients You’ll Need

12 Nutter Butter cookies: The star of this recipe, providing that delightful peanut butter flavor and crunchy texture.
3 ounces white almond bark or white candy melts: Used for coating, it creates a smooth, sweet layer that’s easy to work with. White chocolate can substitute, but ensure you chop it finely for even melting.
⅓ cup black candy melts: These add a touch of boldness with their striking color and are used to pipe decorations. Any dark chocolate could work if you prefer a richer taste.
24 candy eyeballs: These adorable decorations really bring the cookies to life! If you can’t find candy eyeballs, small chocolate chips can be a cute substitute.

How to Make Nutter Butter Referees

Melt the coating: Start by melting 3 ounces of white almond bark or white candy melts in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat it in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This step is crucial as it ensures your cookies have an even coating.

Dip the cookies: Next, take each Nutter Butter cookie and dip it halfway into the melted white coating, allowing the excess to drip off gently. This creates the effect of a referee’s uniform. Place the dipped cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet to avoid sticking.

Pipe the stripes: Melt ⅓ cup of black candy melts the same way, and transfer it into a piping bag fitted with a Wilton #3 tip. Once melted, pipe thin horizontal stripes across the white coating. Don’t worry about perfection—these stripes give the cookies their charming handmade look!

Attach the eyeballs: Take your candy eyeballs and dab a little melted candy onto the back of each one. Carefully place them onto your cookies, right above the center. It adds a whimsical character that’s hard to resist!

Make the finishing touches: Using the black candy melts, pipe tiny mouths and hair on the cookies. This step adds personality and brings these little referees to life! Allow your decorated cookies to sit at room temperature, or pop them in the fridge for a few minutes until the coating is firm.

Storing & Reheating

Once your Nutter Butter Referee Cookies are completely cooled and set, store them at room temperature in an airtight container for up to a week. If you want to keep them fresh longer, refrigerate them for a week. For longer storage, you can freeze them in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Just keep in mind that freezing might slightly affect the texture, so let them thaw at room temperature before enjoying. No need to reheat!

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid over-melting your candy melts; heat just until smooth to prevent seizing.
If your white coating is too thick, add a teaspoon of vegetable oil to thin it for better dipping.
Using a toothpick helps to guide the candy eyeballs into position without smudging the coating.
If you want to make these in advance, prepare the cookies and decorate them separately on the day of serving.
For an extra layer of fun, experiment with adding colored sprinkles on the wet coating before it sets!

Nutter Butter Referees are not only a delicious dessert but also a joyful activity perfect for gatherings. With their cute design and fun flavors, you’re bound to have a hit on your hands!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use other cookies instead of Nutter Butter?

Absolutely! While Nutter Butter cookies offer a unique peanut butter flavor, you can try these with other cookies like Oreos or any sandwich cookie. Just keep in mind they might have a different taste!

How can I make these cookie decorations more colorful?

Feel free to use various colors of candy melts! They come in many shades, so go wild with your creativity. Use corresponding colors for the stripes and add vibrant sprinkles for extra flair!

Can I make these Nutter Butter Referee Cookies gluten-free?

Yes, you can! Just choose gluten-free almond bark and confirm your Nutter Butter cookies are gluten-free. There are many brands available that cater to this dietary need.

How do I ensure the candy coating is smooth?

Make sure to melt your candy melts slowly and fully stir them until there are no lumps. If your coating seems too thick, adding a teaspoon of vegetable oil can help create that nice drizzle you want.

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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 cookies 1x
Category: Desserts & Appetizers
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

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Description

Nutter Butter Referees are a playful and delightful treat featuring Nutter Butter cookies dipped in a smooth white coating, topped with candy embellishments. Perfect for parties and fun gatherings, they combine simple ingredients with creative flair to make an irresistible dessert everyone will love!

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. 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 candies are fully melted before beginning for smooth coating.
Using a piping bag for the black candy melts allows for more control over the design.
These cookies can be made ahead of time and stored for later enjoyment.