Nutter Butter Referees are delightfully whimsical treats that capture the spirit of game day and turn snack time into a playful experience. Picture a delightful Nutter Butter cookie transformed into an adorable little referee, complete with candy stripes and big, googly eyes. These cookies are more than just fun; they’re delicious, combining the rich peanut butter flavor of the classic cookie with the sweetness of white and black candy melts for a perfectly balanced treat.

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
Nutter Butter Referees

I first made these Nutter Butter Referees for a family gathering, hoping to bring a touch of cheer and fun to the occasion. They were a huge hit! Everyone loved not just the taste but how cute they looked on the dessert table. What’s better than a sweet treat that also brings smiles? Whether you’re gearing up for a game, a birthday party, or simply looking for a fun baking project with the kids, these cookies are your answer. Trust me, once you take that first bite, you’ll be hooked!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: With just 15 minutes of prep and 15 minutes of cook time, you can whip these up in no time.
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of peanut butter and candy melts is as delicious as it sounds—sweet and utterly satisfying!
Eye-Catching Appeal: These cookies are not just tasty; they also look fun and festive, making them perfect for any occasion.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for game days, parties, or just an afternoon snack—they’re always a crowd-pleaser.
Diet-Friendly Options: While this recipe is primarily for those without dietary restrictions, you can explore gluten-free Nutter Butters and dairy-free candy melts for alternatives.

Ingredients You’ll Need

12 Nutter Butter cookies: These peanut butter-flavored cookies are the star of the show, bringing a delightful crunch and flavor.
3 ounces white almond bark or white candy melts: This sweet coating gives the cookies their referee uniform look and an extra touch of sweetness.
⅓ cup black candy melts: Used to pipe on those iconic stripes and add character, this chocolate-like candy is essential for decorating.
24 candy eyeballs: These cute little decorations add a whimsical touch that makes your cookies truly come to life.

How to Make Nutter Butter Referees

Melt the white coating: Begin by melting 3 ounces of white almond bark or white candy melts according to the package directions, stirring until it’s completely smooth. This smooth coating will form the base of our referee uniforms and should be velvety to the touch.

Dip the Nutter Butters: Take each Nutter Butter cookie and dip it halfway into the melted white coating. Allow the excess coating to dribble off gently, then place the dipped cookies onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. They’ll need to set for a moment, so don’t rush this step—wait for the coating to firm up a bit before moving on.

Melt the black candy: Next, melt your ⅓ cup of black candy melts. Once melted, transfer this mixture into a piping bag fitted with a small tip; I recommend using Wilton #3 for precision. This is where the magic happens, turning these cookies into adorable referees with their signature stripes!

Pipe on the stripes: Begin piping thin, even stripes onto the white-coated part of each cookie. Get creative with the design; the stripes can enhance the fun look of your Nutter Butter Referees. Be patient and take your time to make them look neat and professional.

Attach the candy eyeballs: To bring your cookies to life, dab a small amount of the melted black candy onto the back of each candy eyeball before placing them onto the cookies. This small detail makes all the difference, turning a simple cookie into a character! Use the black candy melts to pipe little mouths and maybe some hair if you’re feeling festive!

Let them set: Finally, let your cute creations sit at room temperature until the coating is firm. For a quicker set, pop them in the fridge for a few minutes. They’ll be ready to enjoy in no time!

Storing & Reheating

To keep your Nutter Butter Referees fresh, store them at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 5 days. If you want to extend their shelf life, refrigerate them, again ensuring they remain sealed. You can also freeze these cookies for up to 3 months—just make sure to separate layers with parchment paper. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight. Note that the texture may change slightly when frozen, but a quick time at room temperature can revitalize their appearance.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid Over-Dipping: Make sure you don’t dip the cookies too deep into the coating. Halfway is perfect for that referee effect.
Room Temperature Cookies: For best results, let your cookies sit at room temperature before you dip them. Cold cookies will cause the coating to firm too quickly and may not adhere well.
Piping Skills: If you’re new to piping, practice on a piece of parchment paper first. It can help you get used to the pressure you need to apply.
Taste Emphasis: If you want to enhance the peanut butter flavor even more, consider adding a sprinkle of sea salt right before the candy coating sets.
Make Ahead: You can prepare your cookies a day in advance. Simply store them in a cool, dry place until it’s time to serve!

These adorable Nutter Butter Referees are not just a fun activity but a delightful way to brighten any gathering! They encapsulate the playful spirit that we all love, plus they taste incredible. Don’t hesitate to experiment with the designs and make your version unique! Engage the little ones in decorating, or maybe even challenge friends to create the wildest referee designs.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use a different type of cookie for this recipe?

Absolutely! While Nutter Butters are ideal thanks to their peanut butter flavor, you can use other cookies like Oreos or vanilla wafers. Just keep in mind that the taste and texture will vary.

What can I use instead of candy melts?

If candy melts aren’t available, you can use white chocolate chips or chocolate bark as a substitute. Just make sure to temper them correctly to avoid clumping.

How long will my Nutter Butter Referees last?

These cookies can be stored at room temperature for up to 5 days in an airtight container, or up to 3 months in the freezer. Just be aware that the texture might change slightly after freezing.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare these cookies a day or two ahead of time. Just store them in a cool place, away from humidity, to maintain their delightful texture and appearance.

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Nutter Butter Referees

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Author: Anna
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Category: Desserts
Method: Dipping
Cuisine: American

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Description

Nutter Butter Referees are a delightful treat made with nutter butter cookies, creamy almond bark, and playful candy eyeballs. They bring a fun twist to any gathering and are incredibly simple to prepare, making them the ideal snack for parties or game days!

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. Allow excess to drip off, and place cookies 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 for the referee's look.
Dab a small amount of melted candy onto the back of each candy eyeball and attach them to the cookies. Use the black candy melts to pipe mouths and hair on the cookies.
Let the cookies cool at room temperature or refrigerate briefly until the coating is firm.

Notes

Make sure to let the almond bark cool slightly before dipping the cookies for easier handling.
For a different look, try using different colored candy melts for the stripes.