If you’ve ever craved that perfect balance of soft, peanut buttery goodness with a little nostalgic crunch, then you’re in for a treat. This Homemade Nutter Butter Cookies Recipe captures everything that makes this classic cookie so irresistible, from its tender texture to the luscious peanut butter filling. Whether you’re baking for family game night or just indulging a sweet tooth, these cookies bring both comfort and joy in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity — all ingredients are pantry staples that come together to create something truly special. Each component adds its own magic, whether it’s the creamy peanut butter for richness or the brown sugar for that irresistible chewiness.
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter: Provides that signature peanut flavor and creamy texture.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds moisture and helps the cookie stay tender.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: For sweetness and a slightly crisp edge.
- 1 cup packed brown sugar: Imparts a chewy texture and deep caramel notes.
- 2 large eggs: Bind everything together and add richness.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor profile with warm, sweet undertones.
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of the cookie, offering structure.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and become fluffy.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and elevates flavors.
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for filling): Sweetens and smooths the peanut butter filling.
- 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter (for filling): Makes the filling irresistibly creamy and flavorful.
How to Make Homemade Nutter Butter Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your oven reaches the perfect temperature for baking these cookies to golden perfection.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter, softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and packed brown sugar. Beat until you get a smooth, fluffy mixture. This step creates a luscious base that makes the cookies tender with just the right amount of chew.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Next, mix in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. This addition enriches the dough’s flavor and helps it bind together seamlessly.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures the leavening agent and seasoning are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. Overmixing at this stage can make the cookies tough, so gentle folding is key.
Step 6: Shape the Cookies
Drop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them comfortably so they have room to spread.
Step 7: Create the Signature Pattern
Using a fork, gently press down on each dough ball to flatten slightly and create the classic crisscross pattern. This step not only adds visual appeal but helps the cookies bake evenly.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Bake your cookies for 10-12 minutes until the edges start turning a beautiful golden brown. Once baked, allow them to cool completely before moving to the next step.
Step 9: Prepare the Peanut Butter Filling
While cookies cool, mix the powdered sugar and 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter until smooth. This filling is sweet, creamy, and the perfect complement to the slightly textured cookies.
Step 10: Assemble the Sandwiches
Spread a generous layer of the peanut butter filling on the bottom of one cookie, then gently press another cookie on top to form a charming sandwich cookie. Repeat until all cookies are paired.
How to Serve Homemade Nutter Butter Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For an occasional festive touch, dust your cookies lightly with powdered sugar or drizzle melted chocolate over the tops. These simple garnishes highlight the peanut butter flavor while making the presentation pop for any occasion.
Side Dishes
Serve these cookies with a cold glass of milk, a cup of rich coffee, or even creamy hot chocolate to enhance the peanut buttery indulgence. These pairings provide a comforting contrast that complements the cookie’s texture and flavor.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your sandwiches on a rustic wooden board or a colorful serving platter surrounded by fresh fruit or nuts. You can even stack them in a jar or gift box for a thoughtful homemade present that’s sure to delight friends and family.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, where they’ll stay fresh for about 4-5 days. Keeping them sealed helps maintain that perfect chewy softness and prevents them from drying out.
Freezing
You can freeze both unfilled cookies and assembled sandwich cookies. Lay them flat on a baking sheet first to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag or container. Frozen, they’ll last up to 3 months without losing flavor or texture.
Reheating
To revive the warm, fresh-baked feeling, pop the cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or warm them gently in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes. This quick step makes the peanut butter melty and heavenly.
FAQs
Can I use chunky peanut butter for the cookies?
Absolutely! Chunky peanut butter will give the cookies a bit more texture and a delightful nutty crunch. Just be aware the dough may be slightly less smooth.
What can I substitute for unsalted butter?
If you only have salted butter, you can use that but consider reducing added salt slightly to keep the flavors balanced. Otherwise, unsalted butter is best for controlling saltiness.
How do I store these cookies to keep the filling from drying out?
An airtight container is key. Storing cookies with filling separately is trickier, so if you plan to keep them longer, freeze assembled sandwiches to maintain freshness.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking mix in a 1:1 ratio and make sure your baking soda is gluten-free. The cookies should still turn out deliciously similar.
Is there a way to make the filling fluffier?
For an extra light filling, you can whip the peanut butter and powdered sugar with a little softened cream cheese or butter. This adds creaminess and a slight tang that’s a lovely twist.
Final Thoughts
Now that you have the full scoop on making this beloved Homemade Nutter Butter Cookies Recipe, it’s time to get your hands in the dough and create some sweet memories. These cookies are perfect for every occasion, from casual snack times to special celebrations. Warm, tender, and bursting with peanut buttery goodness, they truly are a homemade treasure worth sharing. Happy baking!
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 a delightful treat featuring rich peanut butter cookies sandwiched with a creamy, sweet peanut butter filling. With a perfect balance of sweetness and a signature crisscross fork pattern, these cookies are crispy on the edges and soft inside, making them irresistible for peanut butter lovers.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Filling
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the cookies.
- Cream Ingredients: In a large bowl, cream together the peanut butter, unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and well blended to create a fluffy base.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture and mix until fully combined for moisture and flavor.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt, ensuring even distribution of leavening and seasoning.
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined to avoid overmixing and tough cookies.
- Form Dough Balls: Drop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them to allow for spreading during baking.
- Create Crisscross Pattern: Flatten each ball slightly with a fork to create the classic crisscross pattern characteristic of Nutter Butter cookies.
- Bake Cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown, ensuring a perfect texture.
- Prepare Filling: While the cookies bake, mix the powdered sugar and peanut butter until smooth to create a creamy filling for sandwiching.
- Assemble Sandwiches: Once the cookies have cooled, spread a layer of the peanut butter filling on the bottom of one cookie and top it with another to form a sandwich.
Notes
- Ensure butter is softened to room temperature for easy creaming.
- Do not overmix the dough to keep cookies tender.
- Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Let cookies cool completely before assembling to prevent filling from melting.
- Store cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness for up to 5 days.
