Nutter Butter Turkeys: A Sweet and Savory Fall Treat

The first time I saw one of these adorable Nutter Butter Turkeys, I was at a school bake sale. My daughter, barely tall enough to see over the table, pointed with wide, excited eyes. The sheer joy on her face as she devoured that cookie – peanut butter smudged on her cheek and candy corn plumage sticking every which way – is a memory I treasure. It was more than just a cookie; it was a moment of pure, unadulterated childhood glee, a little bite of Thanksgiving fun. Since then, making these little turkeys has become a tradition, a way to recreate that magic and share it with everyone.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 45 minutes
• Ingredients: 8
• Yields: 8 turkeys
• Serves: 8

Ingredients

• 8 Nutter Butter sandwich cookies
• 8 Oreo Double Stuff cookies
• 4 ounces candy corn
• 16 M&M’s
• 8 small red jelly beans
• 1/2 cup white frosting
• Black decorating gel (in a tube)
• White decorating icing (in a tube)

Equipment Needed

• Plastic bag or piping bag
• Scissors
• Toothpick

Instructions

1. Prepare the Tail Feathers: Gently but firmly push 7 candy corns into the cream filling along the curved edge of each Oreo Double Stuff cookie. These will form the turkey’s tail feathers, so arrange them evenly and with the pointed ends facing outward.

2. Attach the Body: This is where the Nutter Butter comes into play! To adhere the “body” to the feathers, you will need the white frosting. Place the frosting into a plastic bag and snip off a tiny piece from one corner. Alternatively, you can use a piping bag fitted with a small round tip. Pipe or spoon a small dab of white frosting onto the center of the Oreo cookie, covering the cream filling slightly.

3. Secure the Body: Carefully press a Nutter Butter cookie on top of the frosted Oreo cookie. Apply gentle pressure to ensure a firm attachment. If you happen to have leftover melted peanut butter chips (a great alternative, in my opinion!), you can use that instead of frosting in this step. The peanut butter flavor will complement the Nutter Butter perfectly.

4. Create the Face: Now for the fun part – giving your turkey its personality! Cut the 8 candy corns in half to create 16 triangles for the turkey’s noses (beaks).

5. Attach the Eyes: Pipe or dab a fat “T” of white frosting onto the upper area of the Nutter Butter cookie where the eyes and beak will go. This acts as the adhesive for the facial features. Immediately press two M&M eyes into the frosting. Position them near the top of the cookie, leaving space for the beak.

6. Add the Nose and Wattle: Add the candy corn nose (cut candy corn half) below the eyes, using the frosting to secure it in place. Then, add a small red jelly bean lengthwise below the nose. This will serve as the turkey’s wattle, that fleshy appendage that hangs from its neck.

7. Eye Detail (Option 1): Using the black decorating gel, carefully pipe a tiny dot on each M&M eye. This adds a pupil and brings the turkey to life! You can then follow up with a tiny dot of white icing on the black dot if you want extra detail, using a toothpick to place the icing precisely.

8. Eye Detail (Option 2): For a different look, you can switch the colors and pipe a dot of white frosting onto the brown M&M eyes, then add a tiny dot of black gel with a toothpick. This gives the turkey a wide-eyed, surprised expression.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Candy Corn Prep: If your candy corn is a little hard, microwave it for a few seconds (seriously, just 2-3 seconds!) to soften it slightly before pushing it into the Oreo. This will prevent the Oreo from cracking.
• Frosting Consistency: Ensure the frosting is not too runny or too stiff. If it’s too runny, it will slide off the cookies. If it’s too stiff, it will be difficult to pipe. A medium consistency is ideal.
• Peanut Butter Alternative: As mentioned, melted peanut butter chips make a fantastic alternative to frosting for attaching the Nutter Butter to the Oreo. The flavor combination is unbeatable!
• Piping Bag Hack: If you don’t have a piping bag, a Ziploc bag with a tiny corner snipped off works just as well.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

These Nutter Butter Turkeys are best served fresh, allowing the frosting to remain soft and the candy elements to stay securely attached. They make a delightful addition to a Thanksgiving dessert platter, a fun classroom treat, or a whimsical addition to any fall-themed gathering.

Store any leftover turkeys in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. While refrigeration isn’t necessary, it can help prolong their freshness if you live in a warm climate. However, keep in mind that the Oreo filling may become slightly harder in the fridge. Freezing is not recommended, as it can affect the texture of the cookies and frosting.

Nutritional Information

(Note: This is an estimate, as nutritional information can vary based on specific brands and ingredients.)

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	250 kcal	13%
Total Fat	12g	18%
Saturated Fat	5g	25%
Cholesterol	0mg	0%
Sodium	150mg	7%
Total Carbohydrate	35g	12%
Dietary Fiber	1g	4%
Sugars	25g	N/A
Protein	3g	6%

Variations & Substitutions

• Gluten-Free Turkey: While Nutter Butters and Oreos aren’t gluten-free, you can adapt this recipe by using gluten-free peanut butter cookies and gluten-free chocolate sandwich cookies.
• Different Candies: Get creative with the tail feathers! Use different colors of candy corn, chocolate sprinkles, or even small pretzel sticks for a more rustic look.
• Nut-Free Option: Substitute the Nutter Butter cookies with a different type of sandwich cookie (ensure it is peanut/nut free if needed) and use SunButter (sunflower seed butter) to create a similar treat for those with peanut allergies.
• Vegan Turkey: Use vegan sandwich cookies and ensure all candies and icings used are vegan.
• “Healthier” Alternative: Use cookies made with less sugar and natural food coloring for a better option.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make them a day or two in advance, but the frosting might dry out slightly. Store them in an airtight container to keep them as fresh as possible.

Q: What if I don’t have candy corn?
A: You can use other candies like colored chocolate chips or small pieces of fruit leather cut into feather shapes.

Q: My frosting is too thin. What should I do?
A: Add a little powdered sugar, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.

Q: Can I use a different type of cookie instead of Oreo Double Stuf?
A: Yes, any chocolate sandwich cookie will work, but the Double Stuf Oreos provide a larger base for the tail feathers.

Q: How do I get the M&M’s to stick to the frosting?
A: Press them gently into the frosting immediately after piping it onto the cookie. If the frosting dries, the M&M’s won’t adhere as well.

Final Thoughts

These Nutter Butter Turkeys are more than just a cute and delicious treat; they’re a fun and engaging activity to share with family and friends during the fall season. Their simplicity makes them perfect for involving children in the kitchen, fostering creativity, and creating lasting memories. So gather your ingredients, embrace the whimsical spirit of Thanksgiving, and get ready to create some adorable, edible turkeys that are sure to bring smiles to everyone’s faces! Don’t hesitate to put your own spin on them and remember to share your wonderful creations and feedback, it is always welcome!