Nutter Butter Owl Cookies
If you’re looking for a sweet treat that’s fun to make and even more fun to eat, these Nutter Butter Owl Cookies are it. They’re whimsical, kid-friendly, and simple enough that you don’t need any special baking skills. Just dip, decorate, and you’ll have adorable little owls ready to impress.
When I first made these, I had so much fun putting the eyes and wings on each cookie – it felt like giving each owl its own little personality. These are the kinds of treats that always make people smile, whether you serve them at a party or give them as gifts.
If you like creative fall desserts, check out my Acorn Donut Holes, Nutter Butter Ghosts, Nutter Butter Turkeys, and Chocolate Acorns for more fun ideas.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s a simple no-bake recipe that kids can help with.
- Just a handful of easy-to-find ingredients.
- Completely customizable with different candy melt colors.
- Perfect for parties, holidays, or edible gifts.
Ingredients
- Nutter Butters: The peanut-shaped cookies are the perfect base for owl bodies. They’re sturdy, sweet, and have that creamy peanut butter filling inside.
- Chocolate Candy Melts: These coat the cookies in a smooth chocolate layer that looks like soft owl feathers once set.
- Yellow Candy Melts: Used to pipe the owl’s little beaks, adding a cheerful pop of color.
- White Candy Melts: Essential for creating the big, wide eyes that make these owls so cute.
- Mini Vanilla Cookie Sandwiches: Separated and used as the base for the owl eyes – they give a nice background for the white and brown centers.
- Sliced Almonds: Light and delicate, they’re the perfect choice for the owl’s wings, adding both texture and crunch.
Substitutions and Additions
- Nutter Butters: If unavailable, use any oval or peanut-shaped cookie.
- Candy Melts: Substitute with chocolate chips plus a teaspoon of coconut oil for easier melting.
- Mini Cookies: Use mini Oreos for darker owl eyes instead of vanilla cookies.
- Almonds: Replace with pretzels, candy-coated chocolates, or sunflower seeds if you want nut-free wings.
- Colors: Try pastel candy melts for spring owls or darker tones for Halloween.
Step by Step Instructions
Melt the Chocolate Candy Melts
Place the chocolate candy melts in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 15–30 second bursts, stirring in between, until melted and smooth.
Coat the Nutter Butters
Dip each Nutter Butter into the melted chocolate until fully coated. Use a fork to lift it out and tap gently on the edge of the bowl to remove excess. Place on parchment paper to set. Repeat for all cookies, then chill in the freezer for about 5 minutes.
Make the Eyes
While the cookies set, separate the mini vanilla cookie sandwiches and scrape away the cream. Melt the white candy melts and transfer to a piping bag. Pipe small white circles onto the flat side of the cookie halves to create eye bases.
Let dry for 3 minutes. Then, pipe a smaller dot of chocolate candy melt in the center for pupils.
Attach the Eyes
Reheat the chocolate candy melts if needed and transfer to a piping bag. Pipe a small dot onto the Nutter Butters and press the eyes gently onto the coated cookies.
Add Beaks and Wings
Melt the yellow candy melts and transfer to a piping bag. Pipe a small triangle below the eyes to create each owl’s beak. For the wings, pipe a small dot of chocolate on each side of the cookie and press sliced almonds into place.
Let Dry and Serve
Allow the owls to sit for a few minutes at room temperature until firm. Then serve and enjoy your delightful little owl cookies!
Tips and Notes
- Use Piping Bags: Having separate bags for each color makes decorating easier.
- Freeze for Setting: A quick chill in the freezer helps the coating firm up fast.
- Reheat if Needed: If candy melts start to thicken, microwave for 20–30 seconds to loosen.
- Have Fun: Try mixing colors for the eyes or even giving each owl its own quirky look.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with Milk: A cold glass of milk pairs perfectly with the peanut butter and chocolate flavor.
- Party Treats: Display on a tray for themed parties or school gatherings.
- Holiday Gift Bags: Wrap in clear treat bags with ribbons for homemade gifts.
- Snack Time Fun: Kids love getting these chocolately cookies as an after-school surprise.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Keep refrigerated for up to 4 days for maximum freshness.
- Place parchment between cookie layers to avoid sticking.
- Serve chilled or allow to sit at room temperature before eating.
Nutter Butter Owl Cookies
Ingredients
- 10 Nutter Butter Cookies
- 6 ounces chocolate candy melts
- 1 ounce yellow candy melts
- 1 ounce white candy melts
- Mini vanilla cookie sandwiches
- Sliced almonds
Instructions
- Place the chocolate candy melts in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 15–30 second bursts, stirring in between, until melted and smooth.
- Dip each Nutter Butter into the melted chocolate until fully coated. Use a fork to lift it out and tap gently on the edge of the bowl to remove excess. Place on parchment paper to set. Repeat for all cookies, then chill in the freezer for about 5 minutes.
- While the cookies set, separate the mini vanilla cookie sandwiches and scrape away the cream. Melt the white candy melts and transfer to a piping bag. Pipe small white circles onto the flat side of the cookie halves to create eye bases.
- Let dry for 3 minutes. Then, pipe a smaller dot of chocolate candy melt in the center for pupils.
- Reheat the chocolate candy melts if needed and transfer to a piping bag. Pipe a small dot onto the Nutter Butters and press the eyes gently onto the coated cookies.
- Melt the yellow candy melts and transfer to a piping bag. Pipe a small triangle below the eyes to create each owl’s beak. For the wings, pipe a small dot of chocolate on each side of the cookie and press sliced almonds into place.
- Allow the owls to sit for a few minutes at room temperature until firm. Then serve and enjoy your delightful little owl cookies!
