I still remember the very first time I bit into a classic Nutter Butter cookie – that perfect combination of sweet, salty, crunchy, and creamy peanut butter flavor made it unforgettable. As a baker, I often find myself inspired by nostalgic treats, and that’s what led me to create my own homemade copycat version of Nutter Butters. These cookies have all the charm of the store-bought favorite but with the added joy of being made from scratch in your own kitchen. For me, that little detail makes them taste even better.
What I love most about this recipe is how it brings together two simple peanut butter cookies with a rich, creamy filling in between. The result is a cookie sandwich that’s crunchy, chewy, and perfectly nutty. Making these cookies at home allows me to control the flavors, the sweetness, and even the size, so each batch feels unique and special. There’s something incredibly satisfying about baking a cookie that not only tastes like a childhood favorite but also feels homemade and heartfelt.
Why you will love this recipe
This homemade copycat Nutter Butter recipe is a treat for anyone who loves peanut butter desserts. You’ll love the balanced sweetness, the buttery texture, and the nostalgic flavor that reminds you of childhood lunchboxes or after-school snacks. The cookies are sturdy yet soft enough to bite through easily, while the creamy filling makes them irresistible. They’re also fun to bake, especially if you enjoy shaping and sandwiching cookies.
Versatile
One of the best parts of this recipe is how versatile it can be. You can adjust the level of sweetness, use crunchy or creamy peanut butter depending on your preference, or even make smaller bite-sized versions for a party tray. These cookies can also be stored for days, making them a wonderful make-ahead treat. Whether you want them for a lunchbox snack, an afternoon tea, or even as part of a dessert platter, they fit in beautifully.
Affordable
Another reason I love this recipe is how affordable it is. With just a few pantry staples like flour, sugar, butter, and peanut butter, you can whip up a batch of cookies that tastes just like the original. Unlike store-bought cookies, you can make a large quantity at a fraction of the cost, and you don’t have to worry about preservatives or unnecessary additives.
Ingredients for the recipe
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All-purpose flour
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Baking soda
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Baking powder
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Salt
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Unsalted butter
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Peanut butter (creamy or crunchy)
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Granulated sugar
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Brown sugar
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Egg
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Vanilla extract
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Powdered sugar (for the filling)
How to prepare this recipe
Making homemade copycat Nutter Butters is simpler than it might seem, and the process is incredibly rewarding. By following a few straightforward steps, you can have a batch of peanut butter sandwich cookies that look and taste just like the classic store-bought version, but with all the freshness and flavor of being homemade.
The recipe begins by preparing the peanut butter cookie dough, shaping it into the familiar peanut-like form, and then baking until golden brown. Once cooled, the cookies are filled with a smooth, creamy peanut butter filling that ties everything together. These steps ensure a result that is quick to achieve, easy to follow, and enjoyable for bakers of all levels.
Step-by-step instructions for preparation
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Mix the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. This creates the base of the dough and ensures the cookies bake evenly.
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Cream the butter and sugars: In a larger mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together unsalted butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This step is important because it builds air into the dough, giving the cookies their soft yet crunchy texture.
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Add the egg and vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until combined. These two ingredients help bind the dough while also adding flavor depth.
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Combine the dry and wet mixtures: Slowly add the dry ingredients to the peanut butter mixture, mixing until just combined. Overmixing at this stage can make the cookies dense, so stop as soon as the dough comes together.
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Shape the cookies: Roll small portions of dough into oval shapes and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Use a fork to create the classic crisscross pattern on top, then gently press in the middle to mimic the peanut shell shape.
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Bake the cookies: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 8–10 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown. Keep in mind that the cookies will continue to firm up slightly as they cool.
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Prepare the filling: While the cookies are cooling, make the filling by combining peanut butter, unsalted butter, powdered sugar, and a little vanilla extract. Beat until smooth and creamy. If the filling feels too stiff, add a teaspoon of milk to loosen it.
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Assemble the cookie sandwiches: Once the cookies have cooled completely, spread a generous layer of the filling on the flat side of one cookie and press another cookie on top to form a sandwich. Repeat until all the cookies are filled.
Quick and easy
Even though these cookies look like they take a lot of effort, they are surprisingly quick and easy to prepare. Most of the ingredients are likely already in your pantry, and the steps are straightforward. The dough comes together in minutes, the baking is short, and the filling requires no cooking. In less than an hour, you can have a tray of cookies ready to enjoy.
Customizable
This recipe is also very customizable. You can swap creamy peanut butter for crunchy if you like a little more texture, or even drizzle melted chocolate over the top for an added layer of flavor. If you prefer smaller cookies, simply make the dough balls smaller before shaping them. For a more indulgent twist, try mixing a handful of mini chocolate chips into the filling. These adjustments make it easy to tailor the recipe to your personal taste.
Popular with many people
Homemade copycat Nutter Butters are popular because they appeal to both children and adults. Kids love the fun shape and sweet filling, while adults appreciate the nostalgia of enjoying a cookie that tastes like the one from their childhood. They also make great treats for holidays, bake sales, or family gatherings. Their peanut butter richness makes them a standout addition to any cookie platter, and once people try them, they often come back asking for more.
PrintCopycat Nutter Butters from Scratch
These homemade copycat Nutter Butters capture all the nostalgia and flavor of the classic peanut butter sandwich cookies. Crunchy on the outside, soft inside, and filled with a creamy peanut butter filling, they are perfect for snacks, parties, or a sweet treat anytime. Making them from scratch is simple, affordable, and customizable to suit your taste.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 10
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 20 1x
Ingredients
For the cookies:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup peanut butter (creamy or crunchy)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the filling:
- ½ cup peanut butter
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1–2 teaspoons milk (optional, to adjust consistency)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
- Roll portions of dough into oval shapes and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Use a fork to press a crisscross pattern on each cookie and gently press in the center to create the peanut shell shape.
- Bake for 8–10 minutes or until edges are golden brown. Allow cookies to cool completely on a wire rack.
- While the cookies cool, prepare the filling: beat peanut butter, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add milk if needed for a spreadable consistency.
- Spread the filling on the flat side of one cookie and top with another cookie to create a sandwich. Repeat until all cookies are assembled.
Notes
Dough can be chilled for 15–30 minutes before baking to prevent spreading.
Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or refrigerated for longer freshness.
Optional: drizzle melted chocolate over the assembled cookies for extra indulgence.
FAQs
Q: Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
A: Yes, you can use crunchy peanut butter if you prefer a bit of texture in both the cookies and the filling. It will slightly alter the smoothness of the filling but adds a nice crunch.
Q: How should I store these cookies?
A: Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to two weeks or freeze the assembled cookies for up to a month.
Q: Can I make the cookies smaller or larger?
A: Absolutely. Simply adjust the dough portions before shaping. Smaller cookies will bake faster, so reduce the baking time by a minute or two. Larger cookies may require an extra minute in the oven.
Q: Can I substitute peanut butter with another nut or seed butter?
A: Yes, almond butter or sunflower seed butter can work as alternatives. Keep in mind that flavor and texture will vary slightly, and the cookies may be a bit softer depending on the butter used.
Q: How can I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
A: Make sure the dough is chilled for 15–30 minutes before shaping and baking. Also, avoid overmixing the dough once the dry ingredients are added, as this can cause the cookies to spread excessively.
Q: Can I make the filling ahead of time?
A: Yes, the peanut butter filling can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Bring it to room temperature before spreading to ensure it’s easy to work with.
Q: Are these cookies suitable for children?
A: Yes, they are perfect for kids. They contain no alcohol or adult-only ingredients and are made with wholesome pantry staples, making them a safe and delicious treat.