Nutter Butter Referee Cookies are a fun twist on the classic Nutter Butter cookie. These sweet treats are not just delicious but also celebrate the spirit of sports with a bit of whimsy. Each cookie’s smooth white coating mimics a referee’s uniform, complete with playful candy eyeballs and black stripes for that signature look. It’s hard not to feel a surge of joy—and perhaps a bit of competitive spirit—while enjoying these adorable creations.

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 this idea while planning snacks for a game-day gathering, wanting something that would capture the excitement of the event. These cookies immediately stole the show with their charming look and sweet taste. Plus, they are quick and easy to whip up, making them perfect for last-minute get-togethers or to brighten any occasion. I guarantee that these Nutter Butter Referee Cookies will be a hit with both kids and adults alike!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: With only 15 minutes of prep and 15 minutes of cooking, you can have these ready in no time!
Irresistible Flavor: The creamy peanut butter of the Nutter Buddy cookie paired with a smooth white coating creates a delightful taste experience.
Eye-Catching Appeal: These cookies not only taste great but also look fun and festive!
Flexible Serving: Enjoy as a game-day snack, party treat, or even for a themed birthday!
Diet-Friendly Options: Consider gluten-free cookies if you’re catering to specific dietary needs; simply check the labels.

Ingredients You’ll Need

12 Nutter Butter cookies: These iconic peanut butter sandwich cookies serve as the perfect base for our referee treats.
3 ounces white almond bark or white candy melts: This sweet coating not only helps create the referee uniform but also adds a delicious taste. If you can’t find almond bark, the candy melts work just as well!
⅓ cup black candy melts: Used for piping on the referee stripes, these candy melts are crucial for achieving that stylish look.
24 candy eyeballs: These cute little accents give your cookies a personality and charm that can’t be beaten.

How to Make Nutter Butter Referees

Melt the white coating: Start by melting 3 ounces of white almond bark or white candy melts according to the package directions. This process typically involves heating in short bursts in the microwave. Stir it until you achieve a smooth and glossy texture.

Dip the cookies: Next, take each of the 12 Nutter Butter cookies and dip them halfway into the melted white coating. Allow the excess to drip off, creating a nice, even coating that resembles a referee uniform. Place the dipped cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet—this makes for easy cleanup later!

Melt the black candy melts: While the white coating sets, melt ⅓ cup of black candy melts. Transfer the melted candy into a piping bag fitted with a small tip (Wilton #3 is a great choice for this task).

Pipe the stripes: It’s time to get creative! Pipe thin black stripes onto the white coating of each cookie. Aim for straight lines to really emphasize that referee look; this is where the cookie’s personality shines through!

Add the eyeballs: For a fun touch, dab a small amount of the melted candy onto the back of each candy eyeball and press them onto the cookies. Their playful gaze will bring a smile to anyone who sees them!

Finish with details: With the black candy melts still in your bag, pipe tiny mouths and whimsical hair onto your referee cookies. This is where you can get as creative as you like, making each cookie unique!

Set to firm: Let your cookies sit at room temperature or pop them into the refrigerator for a few minutes until the candy coating is firm. This small step ensures that your decorations stay put.

Storing & Reheating

Store your Nutter Butter Referee Cookies at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 5 days. If you want to keep them fresh longer, you can refrigerate them for about a week. For longer storage, consider freezing them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw the cookies in the refrigerator. Keep in mind that freezing may slightly alter the texture, but you’ll still savor their delightful flavors!

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Make sure the white coating is completely melted and smooth to avoid clumping.
Be cautious not to overheat the candy melts as it can make them grainy; work in short intervals.
For the black candy stripes, practice on a piece of parchment if you’re unsure about your piping skills.
If your melted candy isn’t sticking as it should, a light dab of the melted coating can help the candy eyeballs adhere better.
These cookies can be made ahead of time for parties; place them in the freezer until you’re ready to serve!

Do you ever find yourself needing an adorable treat that will garner smiles and spark joy? Whip up these Nutter Butter Referee Cookies for your next game night, birthday party, or any occasion that calls for a bit of whimsy. They are not only simple to prepare but also make a fantastic activity for kids and grown-ups to do together.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use chocolate cookies instead of Nutter Butter?

Absolutely! Chocolate cookies could create a delightful chocolate-peanut butter flavor combination, enhancing the overall taste.

How can I make these cookies decorate-able for a specific team?

You can easily customize the colors of your candy melts and even add team logos on the cookies with edible prints. This is a fun way to support your favorite teams!

What can I substitute if I can’t find candy eyeballs?

If candy eyeballs are hard to come by, you can use mini M&Ms or even draw eyes with black icing—creativity knows no bounds!

How do I ensure the candy melts stay shiny?

To maintain that glossy finish, avoid overheating the candy melts. Give them a quick stir right before dipping to bring them to a perfect drippy consistency!

Dive into the fun of creating your very own Nutter Butter Referee Cookies. Their delightful appearance and delicious taste will surely hit the mark with everyone who tries them! Enjoy your baking adventure!

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

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Description

Nutter Butter Referees are a delightful treat with a fun twist! These cookies mix crispy Nutter Butter cookies with smooth almond bark and candy eyes. Perfect for parties, they are easy to make and filled with charm.

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 as per package instructions until smooth.
Dip each Nutter Butter cookie halfway into the melted white coating to form the referee uniform. Allow excess coating to drip off and then place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Melt the black candy melts and transfer them into a piping bag fitted with a small tip (such as Wilton #3). Pipe thin stripes onto the white coating.
Attach each candy eyeball using a small dab of melted candy, then pipe mouths and hair with the black candy melts.
Let cookies sit at room temperature or refrigerate briefly until the coating is firm.

Notes

Make sure to let the melted coating cool slightly for better adherence on the cookies.
You can customize the designs and colors to match your favorite team colors.
Keep the cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness.