Name: Nutter Butter Turkey Cookies
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 20 medium candy eyeballs; 10 orange M&M’s; 6 oz chocolate candy melts; ⅓ cup red candy melts; 10 Nutter Butter cookies

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These cookies require minimal effort but deliver maximum cuteness. They’re a creative way to transform store-bought cookies into festive holiday treats, making them ideal for busy hosts or family baking projects with kids. With their whimsical turkey design and sweet peanut butter flavor, they’re guaranteed to be a crowd favorite.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

20 medium candy eyeballs
10 orange M&M’s
6 oz chocolate candy melts
⅓ cup red candy melts
10 Nutter Butter cookies

Directions

Melt the chocolate candy melts in a microwave-safe bowl in 20-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
Dip one side of each Nutter Butter into the melted chocolate to create the “turkey body.” Place on parchment paper to set.
Attach candy eyeballs near the top of the cookie using a dab of melted chocolate as glue.
Add one orange M&M beneath the eyes to make the beak.
Melt the red candy melts and use a piping bag or small spoon to add a wattle next to the beak.
Allow cookies to set completely before serving or packaging.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 10 turkey cookies.
Prep time: 20 minutes
Setting time: 15 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes

Variations

Feather Fun: Attach candy corn or colorful chocolate candies to the back for “feathers.”
White Chocolate Base: Use white candy melts instead of chocolate for a lighter turkey body.
Extra Crunch: Sprinkle crushed pretzels or nuts over the melted chocolate for texture.
Holiday Mix: Swap M&M colors to match other holidays for different themed cookies.
Kid-Friendly Kits: Set up a decorating station so kids can make their own turkeys.

Storage/Reheating

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week. These cookies do not require reheating.

FAQs

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes, they can be made a day or two in advance and stored in an airtight container.

Do I need to refrigerate them?

No, but refrigeration can help the candy melts stay firm in warmer kitchens.

Can I use peanut-free cookies?

Absolutely use a sandwich cookie like Oreos if you need a nut-free option.

What if I don’t have candy eyeballs?

You can pipe eyes with melted white and dark chocolate instead.

Can kids help make these?

Yes! They’re perfect for children to decorate with minimal supervision.

How do I stop the candy melts from hardening too quickly?

Work in small batches and keep the bowl of melted candy over warm water if needed.

Can I freeze these cookies?

It’s not recommended, as freezing can affect the texture of the candy melts.

Do I need special tools to decorate?

No, a spoon or toothpick works fine for adding details if you don’t have piping bags.

Can I change the turkey colors?

Yes, feel free to use colorful candy melts or sprinkles for a more playful design.

How long does it take for the candy melts to set?

Usually about 15 minutes at room temperature, or 5 minutes in the refrigerator.

Conclusion

Nutter Butter turkey cookies are a delightful and easy way to add festive fun to your Thanksgiving table. With just a few ingredients and no baking required, they’re perfect for quick holiday prep, kid-friendly kitchen activities, or a whimsical dessert spread. Cute, tasty, and simple these cookies are sure to gobble up lots of compliments!