If you have a soft spot for peanut butter cookies with a nostalgic twist, you are going to fall head over heels for this Homemade Nutter Butter Cookies Recipe. These delightful treats capture the irresistible peanut-buttery crunch and tender texture of the classic store-bought cookie—but with a homemade charm that will wow your friends and family. Perfectly balanced sweetness, a touch of vanilla, and that signature peanut butter flavor make these cookies a comforting snack that you’ll want to bake again and again. Trust me, once you try this recipe, the store-bought versions will feel like yesterday’s news!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting these cookies just right means starting with simple, everyday ingredients that come together in perfect harmony. Each item plays a critical role in creating the cookie’s texture, flavor, and that luscious filling everyone loves.
- 1 1/2 cups flour: The base that gives the cookie structure without overpowering the peanut butter taste.
- 1 tsp baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just enough for that soft yet slightly crispy texture.
- 1/4 tsp kosher salt: Enhances all the sweet and nutty flavors for perfect balance.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened): Adds richness and tenderness to the cookie dough.
- 1 cup light brown sugar: Provides a gentle caramel undertone and moisture for chewiness.
- 1 cup smooth peanut butter: The star ingredient delivering creamy, nutty goodness throughout.
- 1 large egg: Binds the dough together while contributing to a soft crumb.
- 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract: A subtle sweetness that highlights the peanut butter’s natural flavor.
- 1/2 cup sugar (for rolling): Creates a beautiful sugary crust on the outside of the cookies.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened for filling): Ensures the filling is luxuriously smooth and creamy.
- 1/2 cup smooth peanut butter (for filling): Keeps the center delightfully nutty and moist.
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the filling perfectly.
- 2 tbsp whole milk: Adds creaminess to the filling while keeping the texture light.
- 1/4 tsp pure vanilla extract (for filling): Enhances the flavor depth of the frosting-like filling.
How to Make Homemade Nutter Butter Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Mix Dry Ingredients
Start by whisking together the flour, baking soda, and kosher salt in a medium bowl. This ensures your leavening and seasoning are evenly distributed so every cookie bakes with the perfect rise and savory balance.
Step 2: Cream Butter, Sugar, and Peanut Butter
In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy. Then, add the peanut butter and continue beating until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This step is key to achieving a moist, tender cookie with that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until everything is fully combined. The egg helps with binding while the vanilla adds a warm aroma that hints at the nostalgia tied to these cookies.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into your wet ingredients. Stir just until everything is incorporated—be careful not to overmix, or your cookies may turn dense instead of tender.
Step 5: Shape and Roll in Sugar
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls, then gently roll each one in the 1/2 cup of sugar. This sugar coating adds a delightful crunch and a sparkly finish once baked. Place the balls about 2 inches apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Step 6: Bake the Cookies
Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes or until the edges are golden but centers remain soft. Avoid overbaking to keep them perfectly chewy.
Step 7: Prepare the Peanut Butter Filling
While the cookies bake, combine the softened butter, peanut butter, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a bowl. Beat until smooth and fluffy. This luscious filling is what truly transforms these cookies into the ultimate Homemade Nutter Butter Cookies Recipe experience.
Step 8: Assemble the Cookies
Once the cookies are fully cooled, spread or pipe a generous dollop of peanut butter filling on the flat side of one cookie, then sandwich it with another. Repeat until you’ve paired all your cookies, delivering that iconic creamy center with every bite.
How to Serve Homemade Nutter Butter Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
These cookies are stunning on their own, but if you want to add flair, consider a light dusting of cocoa powder or a drizzle of melted dark chocolate. A sprinkle of chopped peanuts on the filling before sandwiching adds an extra crunchy texture that enhances the peanut butter punch.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a cold glass of milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat. They also make a fantastic companion for your afternoon coffee or a buttery hot tea, complementing the warm notes of the cookie’s flavor.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, arrange your Homemade Nutter Butter Cookies Recipe on a rustic wooden board alongside fresh fruit like sliced apples or bananas, which pair beautifully with peanut butter. You can also wrap individual sandwiches in parchment paper tied with a twine ribbon for adorable, gift-ready snacks.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. The filling stays creamy, and the cookies maintain their perfect chewy texture without drying out.
Freezing
You can freeze the assembled cookies by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freezing until firm, and then transferring to a freezer-safe bag. They keep well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to indulge, just thaw them at room temperature for a few hours.
Reheating
If you want to enjoy your cookies warm, pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. This will soften the filling and revive that fresh-baked feeling without melting the cookies too much.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of smooth?
Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter will add a lively texture to both the cookie dough and the filling, giving your Homemade Nutter Butter Cookies Recipe a delightful nutty crunch with every bite.
Is it necessary to roll the cookies in sugar before baking?
Rolling the dough balls in sugar is an essential step because it creates a thin, crispy shell on the outside that contrasts beautifully with the soft inside, adding both texture and a touch of sparkle.
Can I substitute butter with margarine or oil?
Butter is preferred for its rich flavor and texture, but if needed, margarine can be used in a pinch. However, using oil is not recommended as it will change the cookie’s structure and richness.
How do I know when the cookies are done?
Look for lightly golden edges with centers that still look soft and slightly underbaked—this ensures they stay chewy instead of becoming hard or crumbly.
Can I make the filling dairy-free?
Yes! Simply swap the unsalted butter for a plant-based margarine and use a non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk. The flavor will still be fantastic and suitable for dairy-free diets.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly magical about making your own version of a childhood favorite, and this Homemade Nutter Butter Cookies Recipe is the perfect way to do just that. From the first bite to the last crumb, these cookies are bursting with peanut buttery goodness that only homemade baking can deliver. Give the recipe a try—you might just find your new go-to cookie that brightens your day and your snack time!
Print
Homemade Nutter Butter Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These homemade Nutter Butter cookies are a delightful treat featuring a perfectly soft peanut butter cookie filled with a creamy, sweet peanut butter center. Easy to make and irresistibly delicious, these cookies replicate the classic sandwich cookie flavor loved by many.
Ingredients
Cookies
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 1 cup smooth peanut butter
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for rolling)
Peanut Butter Filling
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup smooth peanut butter
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons whole milk
- 1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and kosher salt until evenly combined. Set this aside as you prepare the wet ingredients.
- Make Cookie Dough: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter, light brown sugar, and smooth peanut butter until creamy and smooth. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing well to combine. Gradually add the dry flour mixture, blending until a soft dough forms.
- Shape and Roll Dough Balls: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, form the dough into balls about one inch in diameter. Roll each dough ball in granulated sugar to coat evenly, then place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake the Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers remain soft. Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the Peanut Butter Filling: While the cookies cool, beat the softened butter and smooth peanut butter together in a mixing bowl until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing until combined. Add whole milk and vanilla extract, and beat until fluffy and spreadable. If the filling is too thick, add a bit more milk; if too thin, add more powdered sugar.
- Assemble the Cookies: Once the cookies are fully cooled, spread about a tablespoon of peanut butter filling on the bottom side of one cookie. Sandwich with another cookie, gently pressing to spread the filling evenly to the edges. Repeat with remaining cookies and filling.
Notes
- For extra flavor, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to help cookies maintain shape.
- You can substitute natural peanut butter, but note it may affect texture and sweetness.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or refrigerate for up to 10 days.
- For a festive touch, sprinkle some sea salt on the peanut butter filling before sandwiching.
