Wattle You Waiting For? Make Nutter Butter Turkey Cookies!
Gobble up fun with Nutter Butter Turkey Cookies! *Wattle* on over to the kitchen and get this party started my pals. They are so easy to make and simply perfect for Thanksgiving festivities. This post may contain affiliate links.
Why You'll Love It
Nutter Butter Turkey Cookies are not just a treat for the taste buds; they're a feast for the eyes and a joy to make. These delightful cookies are perfect for those looking to add a whimsical touch to their Thanksgiving celebration or any festive gathering.
- Fun and Easy to Make
- Perfect for All Ages
- Great for Sharing
Ingredients Needed
- Peanut Shaped Nutter Butter Cookies
- Large Round Nutter Butter Cookies
- White Candy Melts
- Candy Corn
- Candy Eyeballs
- Orange Reese’s Pieces
- Red Cookie Icing
How to Make Nutter Butter Turkey Cookies
Warm the white candy wafers on a low setting, using 30-second bursts until smooth. Stir each time to heat evenly, then let them cool a bit.
Lay parchment paper on a baking sheet. Split the round nutter butter cookies and place them on the sheet. You can choose to remove or keep the peanut butter filling.
Spread a bit of the white chocolate on the round cookie, then place a peanut-shaped Nutter Butter on the lower part. Do this quickly so the chocolate doesn’t harden.
Arrange 5 candy corn pieces on top for feathers, placing them close together. Press them gently into the chocolate to help them stick. The back cookie supports the candy corn and keeps it flat.
Use a skewer or chopstick to dip into the white chocolate, then add a bit on top of the Nutter Butters for eyes. Quickly place two candy eyes on each spot and press lightly to hold them.
Dip the skewer in chocolate again and put a bit under the eyes. Place half a Reese’s Pieces for the beak, pressing gently to secure it.
Pipe red icing on one side of the beak to make the wattle or snood.
Let everything set fully before serving—about 15-20 minutes at room temp, or chill in the fridge for 5-10 minutes to speed it up. Enjoy!
Tips and Tricks
Creating Nutter Butter Turkey Cookies can be a fun and rewarding experience. But if you're looking to keep them fresh or want to get a head start on the preparation, there are some helpful tips you should consider. Let's explore how to store your cookies properly and how to make parts of them ahead of time.
Storing Your Cookies
Keeping your Nutter Butter Turkey Cookies fresh is essential to enjoy them at their best. How do you make sure they stay delicious for longer? It's simpler than you might think:
- Airtight Containers: Place your cookies in an airtight container to keep them from getting stale. This helps lock in the flavor and freshness.
- Room Temperature: These cookies are best stored at room temperature. They'll be good for about 2-3 weeks this way. Just keep them away from direct sunlight and heat.
- Refrigeration Option: If you're not planning to devour them right away, store them in the fridge. This can extend their life up to a month. Remember, let them sit out for a few minutes before serving to regain some of their chewiness.
Making Ahead of Time
Sometimes, getting a head start can make the whole cookie-making process smoother. If you're wondering how to manage your time better, preparing some elements in advance can be a lifesaver:
- Candy Corn and Candy Eyes: These can be organized ahead of time. Pre-count and sort them into small batches for each cookie. This makes the assembly much quicker.
- Melted Chocolate Preparation: You can melt the chocolate ahead of time and store it in a covered container. Just reheat gently when you're ready to assemble the cookies.
- Cookie Base Preparation: Lay out your round cookies and peanut-shaped Nutter Butters the night before. You can even spread a bit of melted chocolate in advance if you're sure of your timeline.
Variations and Substitutions
Creating Nutter Butter Turkey Cookies is super fun, but there’s no limit to how you can make them your own. Whether you need to adjust for ingredients you have at home or want to add a personal twist, let's explore some cool variations and substitutions.
Using Different Cookies
Sometimes, Nutter Butter cookies might not be on hand or maybe you just want a change. Don't worry, there are plenty of alternatives that can work just as well. Here are a few ideas:
- OREO Cookies: These classic cookies are a great alternative. You can use either the original or golden versions. The cookie's round shape and creamy filling provide a solid base and taste amazing with the candy toppings.
- Graham Crackers: For a sweeter and crunchier option, try graham crackers. They give a different texture and can easily be shaped to a turkey body with a bit of cutting.
- Digestive Biscuits: Popular in many countries, these can add a slightly different taste, giving your turkeys a unique flavor profile.
Alternative Decorations
Decorating your turkey cookies is where you can really get creative. If you're missing some of the suggested candies or just want to switch things up, consider these alternatives:
- Mini M&M’s: These colorful candies can replace the candy corn for feathers or even be used as eyes. Their bright colors add visual pop.
- Chocolate Chips: Use them for eyes or line them up for feathers. They're a simple switch that adds a rich, chocolatey touch.
- Colored Sprinkles: Sprinkles make for an easy and fun topping. Sprinkle them over the melted chocolate for a festive look.
- Sugar Icing: You can make your own icing in a variety of colors. This is an excellent option if you want to pipe on details or add more customization to your cookies.
FAQs
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! If you or your guests need a gluten-free option, you're in luck. You can substitute the Nutter Butter cookies with a gluten-free peanut butter cookie. Here are some ideas to help guide you:
- Gluten-Free Peanut Butter Cookies: Use your favorite gluten-free peanut butter cookie mix or make a simple homemade version. Just ensure they are shaped similarly so you can replicate the turkey design.
- Check Candy Ingredients: Ensure the candy corn, candy melts, and other decorations are labeled gluten-free. Brands often vary, so a quick peek at the label is always a smart move.
How long do these cookies last?
Nobody wants their cookies going stale! Proper storage is key to keeping them fresh for munching.
- On the Counter: When stored in an airtight container, these cookies will last about 2 to 3 weeks. That's plenty of time for a few turkey-themed celebrations.
- In the Fridge: If you prefer them chilled, they can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a month.
Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes, you can freeze these delightful creations to enjoy later. Here's how to do it right:
- Freeze Individually: Place the decorated cookies on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. This step helps keep your decorations intact during storage.
- Transfer to Container: Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or a freezer bag to protect them from freezer burn.
- Thawing: When you’re ready to enjoy them, let the cookies thaw at room temperature for a few hours. Avoid the microwave, as it might melt those cute candy eyes or feathers!
Freezing is a great way to get ahead of holiday prep or to save some for a rainy day snack.
More Thanksgiving Ideas
- The Best Turkey Charcuterie Board to Make For Thanksgiving
- 5 Thanksgiving Activities for Kids
- Add Nutter Butter Acorns To Your Autumn Agenda
Nutter Butter Turkey Cookies
Gobble up fun with Nutter Butter Turkey Cookies! Easy to make and perfect for Thanksgiving.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Melt the white candy wafers on a low or defrost setting, heating them in 30-second intervals until they are smooth. Stir after each interval to ensure even heating, then set aside and let cool slightly.
- Place a sheet of parchment paper on a baking tray. Separate the round nutter butter cookies and put them on the tray. You can either remove the peanut butter filling or leave it intact.
- Spread a small amount of white chocolate melts onto the round cookie, then position a peanut-shaped Nutter Butter on the lower half. Work in small batches quickly before the white chocolate sets.
- Place 5 pieces of candy corn on top for the feathers, positioning them close together. Gently press them into the white melts to help them adhere. The round peanut butter cookie at the back will support the candy corn pieces and keep them level.
- Use the back of a skewer or the tip of a chopstick to dip into the white chocolate, then dab a small amount onto the tops of the Nutter Butters for the turkey's eyes. Quickly place two candy eyeballs on each spot and gently press down to secure them.
- Dip the skewer into the white melts again and dab a small amount underneath the eyes. Place a half of a Reese’s Pieces for the beak, pressing gently to secure it in place.
- Pipe red cookie icing onto one side of the beak to create the wattle or snood.
- Let the decorations set completely before serving—about 15-20 minutes at room temperature, or 5-10 minutes in the refrigerator to speed up the process. Enjoy!
Notes
If you can't find round Nutter Butter cookies, you can use another round sandwich cookie like OREO Cookies, Golden OREO Cookies, or a different brand of round peanut butter cookie sandwiches. Walmart also offers a Great Value alternative.
You can substitute white candy melts with white chocolate chips, or use any color of candy melts or type of chocolate you prefer.
Instead of using red cookie icing for the wattle or snood, you can use melted red candy wafers or red frosting in a piping bag. Cut a small piece off the tip of the bag and pipe as needed. If using candy melts, let them cool slightly before piping to prevent them from flowing out too quickly.
STORING
Store leftovers in an airtight container on the counter for up to 2-3 weeks. You can also store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for one month.
Nutrition Information
Yield 24 Serving Size 1Amount Per Serving Calories 220Total Fat 6gSaturated Fat 3gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 2gCholesterol 28mgSodium 87mgCarbohydrates 41gFiber 0gSugar 22gProtein 2g
This nutritional information is for reference only. We are not responsible for these calculations.
