There is something incredibly comforting about the classic nutty sweetness wrapped in a cookie, and that’s exactly what you get with this Homemade Nutter Butter Cookies Recipe. These delightful sandwich cookies strike the perfect balance between a tender peanut butter cookie and a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth filling that will have you reaching for one after another. Whether it’s for a cozy afternoon snack or a crowd-pleasing treat at your next gathering, this recipe brings that nostalgic flavor to your kitchen with a simple, foolproof process that delivers irresistible results every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe comes from a handful of simple, everyday ingredients, each playing a key role in building the rich flavor and perfect texture of these cookies. From the creamy peanut butter that gives the star peanut flavor to the blend of sugars delivering sweetness and moisture, every component contributes something essential to the final treat.
- Creamy peanut butter: This provides the unmistakable peanut flavor and adds moisture to the dough.
- Unsalted butter, softened: Brings richness and helps create a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Granulated sugar: Delivers a crisp edge and balanced sweetness.
- Brown sugar, packed: Adds a deeper, caramel undertone and keeps the cookies moist.
- Large eggs: Bind the dough together while contributing to the cookie’s structure.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors, making each bite more complex and inviting.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation for the cookie’s body and structure.
- Baking soda: Helps the cookies rise slightly and develop a light crumb.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and boosts all the flavors.
- Powdered sugar (for filling): Creates a smooth, sweet filling that holds the cookies together.
- Creamy peanut butter (for filling): Adds that luscious peanut taste inside each sandwich.
How to Make Homemade Nutter Butter Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Workspace
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures it’s hot and ready so your cookies bake evenly. At the same time, line your baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Cream Together the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, vigorously cream together the creamy peanut butter, softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. This step is crucial – it blends all the rich flavors and incorporates air to create the perfect cookie texture.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Next, add the eggs one at a time along with the vanilla extract, mixing until everything is beautifully combined and silky. These ingredients add moisture, help the dough bind, and layer in flavor complexity.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
Separately, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Whisking well helps distribute the raising agent and salt evenly, contributing to even baking and flavor balance.
Step 5: Bring Wet and Dry Ingredients Together
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix here, or your cookies may turn out dense instead of tender.
Step 6: Shape the Cookie Dough
Use a tablespoon to drop rounded balls of dough onto your prepared baking sheet. Make sure to space them out so they can spread slightly during baking, forming that signature cookie shape.
Step 7: Create the Iconic Crisscross Pattern
Gently flatten each dough ball with a fork and press in a crisscross pattern. This isn’t just decoration – it helps the cookies bake evenly and gives them that classic visual we all love.
Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake your cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges turn a lovely golden brown. The smell at this point is pure heaven and signals your cookies are nearly ready to enjoy.
Step 9: Prepare the Creamy Filling
While the cookies are cooling, whip together the powdered sugar and creamy peanut butter until smooth and spreadable. This filling takes the cookie from delightful to irresistibly delicious.
Step 10: Assemble the Cookie Sandwiches
Once cookies are completely cool, spread a generous layer of filling on the flat side of one cookie and sandwich it with another. These delightful little sandwiches are now ready to be savored!
How to Serve Homemade Nutter Butter Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For an elevated presentation, sprinkle a light dusting of powdered sugar or crushed peanuts over the top. A drizzle of melted chocolate adds a decadent touch, perfect for special occasions or when you want to impress guests.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk, a cup of hot coffee, or even a creamy vanilla or chocolate ice cream. Their rich peanut butter flavor complements these drinks and sides, creating an indulgent treat experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking your sandwiches in a jar or arranging them on a decorative plate lined with parchment. Wrapping them individually in parchment paper tied with twine can turn them into charming homemade gifts that anyone will appreciate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. This storage method preserves their softness and creamy filling so they taste just as fresh every time.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy your Homemade Nutter Butter Cookies Recipe later, freeze the sandwiches in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They can be kept frozen for up to two months without losing their flavor or texture.
Reheating
To bring these cookies back to life, simply thaw frozen cookies at room temperature and warm them for 5-10 seconds in the microwave if desired. This softens the peanut butter filling and refreshes the cookie’s tender texture.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
You certainly can, but crunchy peanut butter will add texture that changes the smooth creaminess of these cookies. If you enjoy a little crunch, go for it; otherwise, creamy peanut butter keeps the classic soft, tender bite.
Is there a gluten-free version of this recipe?
Definitely! Just substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. You may need to adjust the moisture slightly, but the cookies will still be deliciously satisfying.
How long do Homemade Nutter Butter Cookies last?
Stored properly, these cookies stay fresh for about a week at room temperature. They’re best enjoyed within that window to savor their perfect texture and flavor.
Can I make the filling ahead of time?
Yes, the peanut butter filling can be made a day or two in advance and kept refrigerated. Bring it to room temperature and stir before spreading to maintain the smooth texture.
What’s the best way to get the perfect crisscross pattern?
Use a fork dipped lightly in flour or water to prevent sticking, and gently press down without smashing the dough. This technique creates the iconic pattern while keeping the cookies tender and consistent.
Final Thoughts
Making this Homemade Nutter Butter Cookies Recipe brings such joy – it’s like baking up a little nostalgia that fills your kitchen with warm, peanut buttery smells that promise a delicious treat. Once you taste that perfect combination of soft cookies and creamy filling, you’ll want to keep these in your baking repertoire forever. So don’t wait — gather your ingredients and get ready for a rewarding, fun baking session that ends with some seriously amazing cookies.
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
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Homemade Nutter Butter Cookies are a delicious peanut butter treat featuring soft, chewy cookies with a creamy peanut butter filling sandwiched in between. Perfectly balanced in sweetness and peanut flavor, these cookies make a delightful snack or dessert that’s easy to prepare at home.
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 ensure it reaches the correct temperature for even baking.
- Cream Ingredients: In a large bowl, use a mixer to cream together the peanut butter, softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and fluffy.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Incorporate the eggs and vanilla extract into the creamed mixture. Mix well until fully combined and smooth.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to distribute the leavening and seasoning evenly.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring carefully until just combined to avoid overmixing, which can toughen the cookies.
- Form Dough Balls: Drop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them adequately to allow for spreading.
- Make Crisscross Pattern: Slightly flatten each dough ball with a fork, pressing down to create a traditional crisscross pattern characteristic of peanut butter cookies.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown, ensuring a chewy center.
- Prepare Filling: While the cookies are baking, blend the powdered sugar and 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter until smooth and creamy to create the sandwich filling.
- Assemble Cookies: Once the cookies have cooled completely, spread a layer of the peanut butter filling on the bottom of one cookie and sandwich it with another cookie. Repeat until all cookies are paired.
Notes
- Ensure the butter is softened but not melted for proper creaming with sugars.
- Do not overmix the dough after adding flour to keep cookies tender.
- Cookies should be cooled completely before assembling to prevent filling from melting.
- For extra texture, consider adding chopped peanuts to the dough.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
