No-Bake Nutter Butter Cookie Balls: A Simple & Delicious Treat
Nutter Butter cookies, with their iconic peanut shape and creamy filling, are a beloved treat for many. But what if you could transform these already delicious cookies into even more decadent, no-bake cookie balls? This recipe is incredibly easy, requiring minimal ingredients and effort, making it perfect for a quick dessert, a party snack, or a fun baking project with kids. Get ready to indulge in these irresistible Nutter Butter Cookie Balls that are guaranteed to disappear in minutes!
Why You’ll Love These Nutter Butter Cookie Balls
* **No-Bake:** No oven required! This is a lifesaver during hot summer months or when you’re short on time.
* **Easy to Make:** The recipe involves simple steps that even novice bakers can master.
* **Minimal Ingredients:** You only need a handful of ingredients, most of which you probably already have in your pantry.
* **Customizable:** Easily adapt the recipe to your liking by adding different coatings, toppings, or mix-ins.
* **Delicious:** The combination of Nutter Butter cookies and chocolate creates a truly irresistible flavor profile.
* **Perfect for Any Occasion:** These cookie balls are great for parties, holidays, or a simple sweet treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
* **1 (16 ounce) package Nutter Butter cookies:** The star of the show! You’ll need about 36 cookies. You can use regular or double-stuffed Nutter Butters, but the filling in the double-stuffed will make them even richer. If you are not a fan of Nutter Butter, you can substitute for another similar peanut butter sandwich cookie such as Peanut Butter Oreos.
* **4 ounces cream cheese, softened:** This helps bind the crushed cookies together and adds a creamy texture. Make sure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature for the best results; this makes it easier to mix with the cookie crumbs.
* **12 ounces chocolate chips:** Choose your favorite type of chocolate! Milk chocolate, semi-sweet chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate all work well. Consider using chocolate melts for a smooth and shiny finish, particularly if you’re making these for a special occasion. You can even use peanut butter chips for a different twist.
* **1 tablespoon shortening or coconut oil (optional):** Adding a little bit of shortening or coconut oil to the melted chocolate will help it melt smoothly and create a shiny, less brittle coating. If you skip this, the chocolate will still melt, but it might be a little thicker and more prone to cracking.
* **Optional toppings:** Sprinkles, chopped nuts, mini chocolate chips, sea salt, or crushed Nutter Butter cookies for decoration.
Equipment You’ll Need
* **Food processor or resealable bag and rolling pin:** To crush the Nutter Butter cookies.
* **Large mixing bowl:** For combining the crushed cookies and cream cheese.
* **Cookie scoop or spoon:** For portioning the cookie balls.
* **Baking sheet:** To place the cookie balls on while they chill and to let the chocolate set.
* **Parchment paper or wax paper:** To line the baking sheet for easy removal.
* **Microwave-safe bowl or double boiler:** To melt the chocolate.
* **Fork or dipping tools:** For dipping the cookie balls in melted chocolate.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these easy steps to create your own batch of delicious Nutter Butter Cookie Balls:
**Step 1: Crush the Nutter Butter Cookies**
* **Using a Food Processor:** Place the Nutter Butter cookies into a food processor and pulse until they are finely crushed. Be careful not to over-process them into a paste.
* **Using a Resealable Bag:** Place the Nutter Butter cookies into a large resealable bag. Seal the bag tightly and use a rolling pin to crush the cookies into fine crumbs. This method takes a little more effort, but it’s a great option if you don’t have a food processor.
**Step 2: Combine with Cream Cheese**
* In a large mixing bowl, combine the crushed Nutter Butter cookies and the softened cream cheese. Use a spoon or your hands to mix until well combined. The mixture should be moist and hold together when pressed.
**Step 3: Form the Cookie Balls**
* Use a cookie scoop or spoon to scoop out approximately 1-inch portions of the mixture. Roll each portion into a smooth ball.
* Place the cookie balls onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or wax paper.
**Step 4: Chill the Cookie Balls**
* Place the baking sheet with the cookie balls into the refrigerator and chill for at least 30 minutes. This will help them firm up and make them easier to dip in chocolate. Chilling is crucial; it prevents the balls from falling apart during dipping.
**Step 5: Melt the Chocolate**
* **Microwave Method:** Place the chocolate chips and shortening (or coconut oil, if using) in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval, until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth. Be careful not to overheat the chocolate, as it can burn. Stirring frequently is key to preventing burning.
* **Double Boiler Method:** Fill a saucepan with a couple of inches of water and bring to a simmer. Place a heat-safe bowl on top of the saucepan, ensuring the bottom of the bowl doesn’t touch the water. Add the chocolate chips and shortening (or coconut oil) to the bowl. Stir occasionally until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth. The double boiler method provides gentler heat and reduces the risk of burning the chocolate.
**Step 6: Dip the Cookie Balls**
* Remove the cookie balls from the refrigerator.
* Using a fork or dipping tools, carefully dip each cookie ball into the melted chocolate, ensuring it is fully coated.
* Place the chocolate-covered cookie balls back onto the lined baking sheet.
**Step 7: Add Toppings (Optional)**
* While the chocolate is still wet, sprinkle your desired toppings over the cookie balls. Sprinkles, chopped nuts, mini chocolate chips, or a sprinkle of sea salt are all great options. Crushed Nutter Butter cookies are also a fun and thematic choice. Don’t hesitate to get creative!
**Step 8: Let the Chocolate Set**
* Place the baking sheet with the chocolate-covered cookie balls back into the refrigerator and chill for another 15-20 minutes, or until the chocolate is completely set. This will ensure the chocolate coating is firm and doesn’t melt when you handle the cookie balls.
**Step 9: Enjoy!**
* Once the chocolate is set, remove the cookie balls from the refrigerator and enjoy! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Tips for Success
* **Soften the Cream Cheese:** Make sure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature before mixing it with the crushed cookies. This will make it easier to combine and prevent lumps.
* **Don’t Overheat the Chocolate:** When melting the chocolate, microwave in short intervals and stir frequently to prevent burning. Burnt chocolate will become grainy and unusable.
* **Chill the Cookie Balls:** Chilling the cookie balls before dipping them in chocolate is crucial. It helps them hold their shape and makes them easier to handle.
* **Use High-Quality Chocolate:** The quality of the chocolate you use will affect the taste of the cookie balls. Choose a chocolate that you enjoy eating on its own.
* **Get Creative with Toppings:** Don’t be afraid to experiment with different toppings to create unique flavor combinations. Peanut butter chips, pretzels, or even a drizzle of caramel are all delicious options.
* **Make Ahead:** These cookie balls can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for several days. This makes them a great option for parties or gatherings.
* **Freezing:** Nutter Butter Cookie Balls can be frozen for up to 2 months. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag for longer storage. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Variations and Add-Ins
The possibilities are endless when it comes to customizing these Nutter Butter Cookie Balls. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
* **Peanut Butter Coating:** Instead of chocolate, melt peanut butter chips for a double dose of peanut butter flavor. Add a little shortening or coconut oil to the peanut butter chips to help them melt smoothly.
* **White Chocolate Coating:** Use white chocolate for a sweeter and more visually appealing treat. You can add a few drops of food coloring to the melted white chocolate to create colorful cookie balls.
* **Mint Chocolate Coating:** Add a few drops of peppermint extract to the melted chocolate for a refreshing minty flavor.
* **Add Chopped Nuts:** Mix chopped peanuts, walnuts, or pecans into the crushed cookie mixture for added texture and flavor. You can also sprinkle chopped nuts on top of the chocolate-covered cookie balls.
* **Add Mini Chocolate Chips:** Stir mini chocolate chips into the crushed cookie mixture for extra chocolatey goodness.
* **Add Sprinkles:** Sprinkles are a fun and festive way to decorate the cookie balls. Use different colors and shapes to match the occasion.
* **Sea Salt:** A sprinkle of sea salt on top of the chocolate-covered cookie balls adds a salty-sweet contrast that is simply irresistible.
* **Crushed Pretzels:** Add crushed pretzels to the cookie mixture or sprinkle them on top of the chocolate-covered cookie balls for a salty and crunchy twist.
* **Espresso Powder:** Add a teaspoon of espresso powder to the crushed cookie mixture for a coffee-flavored kick.
* **Different Cookie Base:** While this recipe highlights Nutter Butter cookies, consider other peanut butter sandwich cookies. The slight flavor variations can create a unique experience.
Serving Suggestions
These Nutter Butter Cookie Balls are delicious on their own, but here are a few ideas for how to serve them:
* **Party Platter:** Arrange the cookie balls on a platter with other desserts for a festive party spread.
* **Gift Giving:** Package the cookie balls in a decorative box or tin to give as a homemade gift.
* **Dessert Table:** Add the cookie balls to a dessert table at a wedding or other special event.
* **After-School Snack:** These cookie balls are a perfect after-school snack for kids (and adults!).
* **Movie Night:** Enjoy these cookie balls while watching your favorite movie.
* **Ice Cream Topping:** Crumble these cookie balls over ice cream for a delicious and crunchy topping.
Nutritional Information (Approximate)
* (Per Cookie Ball): Calories: 120, Fat: 8g, Saturated Fat: 5g, Cholesterol: 10mg, Sodium: 60mg, Carbohydrates: 12g, Sugar: 8g, Protein: 1g
*Note: Nutritional information may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.*
Conclusion
These No-Bake Nutter Butter Cookie Balls are a simple, delicious, and customizable treat that is perfect for any occasion. With just a few ingredients and easy steps, you can create a batch of these irresistible cookie balls in no time. So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to indulge in these peanut butter and chocolatey delights! They are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser and will disappear quickly. Enjoy!