If you’ve ever dreamed of biting into a peanut buttery cookie that’s both soft and satisfyingly rich, this Homemade Nutter Butter Cookies Recipe is going to become your new favorite treat. Imagine the perfect balance of a tender peanut butter cookie hugging a luscious, creamy filling that melts in your mouth. Whether you’re baking for a cozy night in or sharing with friends, these cookies bring all the nostalgia and flavor of that classic candy, made fresh and from scratch with love and simple ingredients.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with this recipe is a breeze since each ingredient plays a vital role in nailing the flavor and texture you expect. From the creamy peanut butter that gives the cookies their signature taste, to the brown sugar that adds depth and moisture, every item contributes to that melt-in-your-mouth magic.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides a rich, creamy base and keeps the cookies tender.
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter: The star ingredient that delivers authentic peanut flavor throughout.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness and a slight crunch in texture.
- 1 cup brown sugar: Brings moisture and a mild caramel undertone that enhances the depth of flavor.
- 2 large eggs: Acts as a binding agent and gives the cookies structure.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Boosts the overall flavor profile and adds warmth.
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: Essential for the cookie’s body and perfect chewiness.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and become fluffy with a soft crumb.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Works alongside baking soda for just the right amount of lift.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the peanut flavor.
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter (for filling): Adds extra richness to the sandwich filling.
- 2 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the creamy filling beautifully.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (for filling): Makes the filling smooth and luscious.
- 3-4 tablespoons heavy cream: Adjusts the filling’s consistency for a perfect spreadable texture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for filling): Ties all the filling flavors together with a subtle hint of warmth.
How to Make Homemade Nutter Butter Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
First things first: preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure the cookies bake evenly and don’t stick. This simple step saves cleanup time and helps the cookies keep their perfect shape.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, use a mixer to cream together the softened butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture looks light and fluffy. This step is crucial because it incorporates air, resulting in softer cookies. Then add in the eggs and vanilla extract, beating well so everything blends seamlessly.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
Whisk together your flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl. This ensures that the rising agents and salt are evenly distributed through the flour, giving uniform texture to your cookies. Gradually add these dry ingredients to your wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined — be careful not to overmix or your cookies might become tough.
Step 4: Shape and Bake the Cookies
Scoop out tablespoon-sized dough balls, roll them in your hands into smooth spheres, and then flatten each with a fork to make that classic criss-cross pattern we all recognize and love. Arrange the cookies spaced apart on your baking sheet and pop them into the preheated oven for about 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges turn a gorgeous golden brown. Let them cool on the sheets for 5 minutes first so they firm up and then transfer to a wire rack.
Step 5: Make the Filling and Assemble
While your cookies cool, whip up the filling by beating together creamy peanut butter, powdered sugar, softened butter, heavy cream, and vanilla until smooth and spreadable. Once your cookies are cool to the touch, spread a generous dollop of the filling onto one cookie and sandwich it with another. Press gently so the filling reaches the edges.
How to Serve Homemade Nutter Butter Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Serving these cookies doesn’t have to be plain. Consider sprinkling a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on top of the filling to enhance the nutty flavors and give that subtle salty-sweet wow factor with every bite. You could also dust the cookies with a bit of cocoa powder or crushed roasted peanuts for added texture and visual appeal.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk or a creamy cup of coffee or tea, balancing the sweet peanut flavor with a satisfying beverage. For something indulgent, serve alongside a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream, turning this cookie sandwich into a dreamy dessert delight.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party or gift, stack these cookie sandwiches and tie them with a rustic ribbon or place them in a pretty tin lined with parchment paper. You can even customize the filling by adding chocolate chips or a hint of cinnamon for a fun twist. Serving them with mini peanut butter jars and honey dipper sticks creates an interactive experience your guests will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your homemade Nutter Butter cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and fresh for up to 4 days, which means you can enjoy them just as much a few days after baking without any loss in taste or texture.
Freezing
If you want to keep these cookies longer, freeze the cookie dough balls before baking or freeze the fully assembled sandwiches after they are completely cooled. Wrap each cookie or sandwich tightly in plastic wrap and place in an airtight freezer bag. They’ll last up to three months without any significant compromise in flavor.
Reheating
To refresh the cookies after storage or freezing, allow them to come to room temperature or warm them gently in the oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 minutes. This will revive the cookie’s soft texture and make the filling even more irresistible.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Using crunchy peanut butter will give you some extra texture in both the cookie and filling, offering a delightful crunch. Just be mindful it may change the smoothness of the filling slightly.
What if I’m allergic to peanuts?
You can swap peanut butter for almond butter or sunflower seed butter if you need to avoid peanuts, though the flavor will be different. The sandwich concept stays the same and still tastes delicious.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that’s suitable for baking. The texture may vary slightly, but it will still be scrumptious!
Is it necessary to beat the butter and sugars until fluffy?
Yes, this step is key to incorporating air into the cookie dough, which helps produce a tender, light texture. Skipping it may lead to denser cookies.
How do I avoid the filling from being too runny?
Adding the heavy cream gradually allows you to control the consistency. If the filling gets too soft, add a bit more powdered sugar to thicken it up. It should be spreadable but not sloppy.
Final Thoughts
There’s truly something magical about making this Homemade Nutter Butter Cookies Recipe from scratch — the warm peanut butter aroma filling your kitchen, the delight of that creamy filling sandwiched inside each cookie. It’s a timeless treat that brings smiles and nostalgia with every bite. So, gather your ingredients, have fun with the process, and treat yourself to a batch of these unforgettable cookies. Your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Homemade Nutter Butter Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings 1x
Description
These Homemade Nutter Butter Cookies are a delightful twist on the classic peanut butter sandwich cookie. Soft, chewy peanut butter cookies are filled with a creamy, sweet peanut butter frosting, creating the perfect balance of flavor and texture. Easy to make and irresistible, these cookies are perfect for sharing with family and friends or enjoying as a special treat.
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 Cookie Dough: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Then, beat in the eggs one at a time along with the vanilla extract to blend all flavors well.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing gently until just combined to avoid overworking the dough.
- Form and Bake: Scoop the dough by tablespoonfuls, roll each portion into balls, and flatten them slightly with a fork to create the classic peanut butter cookie texture. Place them spaced out on the prepared baking sheets and bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges turn golden brown. Remove from oven and let cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare Filling: While the cookies cool, prepare the filling by beating together peanut butter, powdered sugar, softened butter, heavy cream, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble Cookies: Once the cookies have cooled, spread a generous amount of the filling on the bottom side of one cookie, then sandwich it with another cookie. Press gently to adhere the filling evenly. Repeat with remaining cookies and filling.
Notes
- Make sure the butter and peanut butter for the dough and filling are softened to room temperature for easier mixing.
- Don’t overbake the cookies; removing them when edges are lightly golden ensures they stay soft and chewy inside.
- You can store assembled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
- For a crunchier texture, substitute creamy peanut butter with crunchy peanut butter in the dough or filling.
- If the filling is too thick, add an extra tablespoon of heavy cream to reach desired spreadability.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American