Nutter Butter Referee Cookies are an adorable and whimsical take on a classic cookie that’s a perfect fit for game day or any fun occasion. Shaped like little referees in their black and white stripes, these treats are not just cute; they’re incredibly easy to whip up, making them a go-to sweet when you need a quick dessert that will wow your guests. The combination of buttery Nutter Butter cookies and creamy white chocolate coating hits all the right notes, from crunch to sweetness.

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 stumbled upon these delightful cookies at a friend’s Super Bowl party, and it was love at first bite. The fun design, combined with a rich flavor, made them the highlight of the snack table. Every time I make these Nutter Butter Referees, I am reminded of those cheerful gatherings filled with laughter, friends, and delicious snacks. They are such a crowd-pleaser, and I can’t wait for you to try them!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Ready in just 30 minutes, these cookies are a snap to make.
Irresistible Flavor: Their sweet, buttery base pairs perfectly with the creamy white chocolate.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The striking black and white design makes them a hit at any event.
Flexible Serving: Ideal for parties, game days, or simply as a fun treat after school.
Diet-Friendly Options: Gluten-free versions are easily made by choosing the right cookies.

Ingredients You’ll Need

12 Nutter Butter cookies: These provide the perfect crunchy base with a rich peanut butter flavor.
3 ounces white almond bark or white candy melts: Creates a smooth coating that mimics a referee’s uniform. Almond bark is easy to melt and sets nicely.
⅓ cup black candy melts: These are essential for piping those characteristic stripes. If you can’t find black melts, dark chocolate is a suitable alternative.
24 candy eyeballs: A fun addition that brings personality to your little referees. They can be found in craft stores or online and add a playful touch to your cookies.

How to Make Nutter Butter Referees

Melt White Coating: Start by melting 3 ounces of white almond bark or white candy melts according to the package directions. You want the coating to be smooth and shiny, so keep an eye on it while melting to avoid any burning.

Dip Cookies: Once melted, dip each Nutter Butter cookie halfway into the creamy coating. Allow the excess coating to drip off before placing the cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet. This creates a nice, even layer that resembles a referee’s uniform.

Melt Black Candy: Next, melt ⅓ cup of black candy melts as you did with the white. After it’s melted, transfer it to a piping bag fitted with a small tip, like Wilton #3, to create fine lines that give the cookies their official stripes.

Pipe Stripes: With the black candy melts ready, pipe thin stripes onto the white coating of each cookie. Don’t worry if they’re not perfect; the charm of these cookies lies in their fun, homemade appearance!

Add Eyes and Features: Dab a tiny amount of the melted candy onto the back of each candy eyeball to secure them to the cookies. For added personality, use the black candy melts to pipe on little mouths and hair for your cookie referees.

Set the Cookies: Allow the cookies to set at room temperature or pop them in the refrigerator for a few minutes until the coating firms up completely. This will give your cookies a beautiful finish and keep those cute details in place.

Storing & Reheating

Store your Nutter Butter Referees at room temperature in an airtight container for up to a week. If you prefer, you can refrigerate them, keeping them fresh for about two weeks. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a ziploc bag for up to three months. To enjoy, simply let them thaw at room temperature. Note that while the flavors remain delicious, the texture could be slightly different, but a quick chill in the fridge can refresh them nicely.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Always ensure your almond bark and candy melts are completely melted and smooth for an even coating.
If your dips aren’t smooth, give them a gentle stir to create a glossy finish.
For a more unique flavor, consider drizzling melted chocolate over thick white candy coats for extra flair.
If you make these ahead, store the cookies in the fridge briefly just before serving to retain that perfect bite.
Make these festive with colored candy melts for different occasions!

These Nutter Butter Referees are not just fun to make; they’re also delightful to devour. There’s something special about creating treats that bring smiles and laughter to any gathering. Whether it’s for a party or a quiet afternoon snack, they’re bound to be a hit.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use regular chocolate instead of candy melts?

Absolutely! If you’re not keen on candy melts, use high-quality chocolate. Just be sure to temper it for a nice finish and to prevent it from becoming too soft at room temperature.

How should I store the leftover cookies?

Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for about a week. If the weather is humid, consider refrigerating or freezing them to preserve their quality.

What can I use instead of Nutter Butter cookies?

If you’re looking for a substitute, any similar sandwich cookie could work, but keep in mind that it will alter the flavor. Gluten-free options are also available if you need to accommodate dietary restrictions.

Can I prepare these cookies ahead of time?

Certainly! You can make these cookies up to a few days in advance. Just store them as instructed, and they will be ready to enjoy whenever you are.

I hope you’re excited to create these delightful Nutter Butter Referees! They’re such a quick and easy way to bring a little fun into your kitchen, all while satisfying that sweet tooth. With their charming appearance and irresistible flavor, these cookies are destined to steal the spotlight at your next gathering. Enjoy every crunchy, sweet bite!

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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 stand out for their fun, delicious flavor and easy preparation. Using nutter butter cookies, white coating, and playful decorations, these treats are perfect for parties and gatherings.

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 directed on the package until smooth.
Dip each Nutter Butter cookie halfway into the melted white coating to resemble a referee uniform. Allow excess to 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 (use Wilton #3). Pipe thin stripes onto the white coating to create the referee's stripes.
Apply a small amount of melted candy onto the back of each candy eyeball, then stick them onto the cookies. Use black candy melts to pipe on mouths and hair details.
Allow the cookies to sit at room temperature or refrigerate for a short time until the coating is firm.

Notes

For best results, ensure the white candy coating is smooth before dipping the cookies.
You can experiment with different colors for the candy melts to match your favorite team colors.