If you have a soft spot for the nostalgia of childhood treats and the rich, comforting flavor of peanut butter, then this Homemade Nutter Butter Cookies Recipe is going to become your new obsession. Imagine golden, tender peanut butter cookies with the perfect balance of sweet and salty, sandwiching a creamy, dreamy peanut butter filling that melts in your mouth. These cookies are so deliciously addictive, they’re not just a snack but a little celebration of peanut butter goodness with every bite. Whether you’re making them for a holiday gathering, a cozy afternoon tea, or just because you deserve a treat, this recipe brings the iconic taste right into your kitchen with ease and joy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Creating these delightful Homemade Nutter Butter Cookies is all about quality and balance. Each ingredient plays a crucial role—from the softness of the butter to the punch of peanut butter flavor that makes these cookies truly special.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and helps achieve a soft, tender texture in the cookie dough.
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter: Brings in that unmistakable nutty flavor and creamy moisture to the dough.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Provides sweetness and a slight crunch to the exterior of the cookies.
- 1 cup brown sugar: Contributes moisture and a hint of caramel undertone for depth.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients and create structure for the cookies.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with warm, sweet aroma.
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The base that holds everything together with just the right amount of chew.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise perfectly and become airy.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Offers additional lift for a lighter texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies the peanut butter flavor.
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter (for filling): Creates a luscious center that’s peanut buttery and smooth.
- 2 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the filling to just the right consistency.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (for filling): Adds creaminess and richness to the filling.
- 3-4 tablespoons heavy cream: Makes the filling light and spreadable without being too dense.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for filling): Lifts the peanut butter flavor in the creamy filling.
How to Make Homemade Nutter Butter Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace and Oven
Always start with a clean space and preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until you’re greeted with a light, fluffy mixture. This step creates the perfect base for tender cookies with a wonderful peanut buttery kick.
Step 3: Add in Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. This moisture and flavor make each bite rich and satisfying.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. These dry ingredients will give your cookies structure and a slight lift, creating that classic texture you love.
Step 5: Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Resist overmixing to keep your cookies tender.
Step 6: Shape and Bake the Cookies
Using a tablespoon, scoop portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place them on your prepared baking sheets, then gently flatten each ball using a fork to create the iconic peanut butter cookie crisscross pattern. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until the edges turn a beautiful golden brown. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 7: Prepare the Peanut Butter Filling
In a mixing bowl, beat together the additional peanut butter, powdered sugar, softened butter, heavy cream, and vanilla extract until you have a smooth spreadable filling. This luscious center is what completes the magic of your Homemade Nutter Butter Cookies Recipe.
Step 8: Assemble the Cookies
Once the cookies are cool, generously spread the peanut butter filling onto the flat side of one cookie and gently sandwich with another. Press lightly to ensure they stick together without squishing out the filling.
How to Serve Homemade Nutter Butter Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Add a sprinkle of crushed peanuts or a drizzle of melted chocolate on top of the sandwich cookies for an extra touch of elegance and texture. This adds a nice crunch and makes them look as amazing as they taste.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk or a hot cup of coffee or tea. The creamy beverages complement the peanut butter flavor perfectly, creating a harmonious treat that satisfies any craving.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Homemade Nutter Butter Cookies Recipe on a rustic wooden platter with small bowls of peanut butter and chocolate sauce for dipping. You could also stack them in a pretty mason jar tied with a ribbon for a charming gift idea that friends and family will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, and they will stay fresh for up to 5 days. Keep the peanut butter filling sandwiched inside the cookies to retain moisture and flavor.
Freezing
If you want to make these up in advance, freeze the baked cookies without filling first. Freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag once solid. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature and assemble with fresh filling for best results.
Reheating
For an extra indulgent treat, warm your assembled sandwiches slightly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. This softens the filling and enhances the peanut butter aroma, making every bite feel like a warm hug.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Using crunchy peanut butter will add delightful texture to both the cookie dough and filling, giving you that extra nutty bite while maintaining the delicious flavor.
Is it necessary to use both baking soda and baking powder?
Yes, using both helps your cookies achieve the perfect rise and texture. Baking soda helps with browning and spreading, while baking powder gives a gentle lift for softness.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend, but make sure the blend contains xanthan gum or a similar binder for the best results.
How long do these cookies last once assembled?
When stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, these sandwich cookies last about 5 days. Beyond that, the texture of the filling and cookie might change.
Can I double the recipe for a larger batch?
Definitely, this recipe scales well. Just be sure to mix dough in batches if needed and bake cookies on separate sheets for even baking.
Final Thoughts
Making these Homemade Nutter Butter Cookies Recipe is honestly such a joy, from mixing the dough to enjoying that first creamy, nutty bite. It’s a classic comfort treat that never goes out of style and brings smiles no matter the occasion. So grab your mixing bowl, invite a friend or keep them all to yourself, and dive in—these cookies are pure peanut butter magic that you absolutely deserve.
Print
Homemade Nutter Butter Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Homemade Nutter Butter Cookies are classic peanut butter sandwich cookies featuring a soft peanut butter cookie base filled with a creamy, sweet peanut butter frosting. Perfectly balanced with sweet and salty flavors, they are a nostalgic treat that’s easy to make from scratch, ideal for peanut butter lovers.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Filling
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3–4 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Make Dough Base: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Then, beat in the eggs one at a time followed by the vanilla extract to incorporate evenly.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined to avoid overworking the dough and maintain tenderness.
- Shape and Bake Cookies: Scoop the dough by tablespoonfuls, roll each into balls, and flatten slightly with a fork to create the classic ridged pattern of nutter butter cookies. Bake on prepared sheets for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges turn golden brown. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare Filling: For the filling, beat together peanut butter, powdered sugar, softened butter, heavy cream, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy, adjusting the heavy cream as needed for consistency.
- Assemble Cookies: Once the cookies are fully cooled, spread a generous amount of the peanut butter filling on the flat side of one cookie, then sandwich it with another cookie to complete the nutter butter sandwich.
Notes
- Make sure the cookies are completely cooled before adding the filling to prevent the frosting from melting.
- You can adjust the thickness of the filling by varying the heavy cream amount.
- Store the assembled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- For a crunchy variation, chill the dough before baking.
- If you prefer a stronger peanut butter flavor, use a natural or chunky peanut butter variant.
