Homemade Nutter Butter Cookies – A Nostalgic Peanut Butter Classic

There’s something deeply comforting about the smell of peanut butter cookies baking in the oven. It’s warm, familiar, and instantly transports you back to childhood afternoons when store-bought treats felt like the height of luxury. Homemade Nutter Butter cookies capture that same nostalgic magic—but with an upgrade. These cookies are richer, softer in the center, crisp around the edges, and filled with a creamy peanut butter filling that tastes unmistakably homemade. Once you try them from scratch, it’s hard to go back to the packaged version.

What makes these cookies so special is their balance. The cookie itself isn’t overly sweet, allowing the roasted peanut flavor to shine, while the filling adds just the right amount of creamy indulgence. They’re playful enough to delight kids and nostalgic enough to win over adults. Whether you’re baking for a weekend treat, a holiday cookie tray, or just because the craving strikes, these homemade Nutter Butter cookies always feel like the right choice.

Unlike the store-bought kind, homemade versions let you control everything—from sweetness to texture. You can make them thicker, softer, crunchier, or extra filled. And shaping them into that iconic peanut shape with a simple fork press is surprisingly satisfying. Baking these cookies becomes less about rushing to the finish line and more about enjoying the process.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt

For the Filling:

• ¾ cup creamy peanut butter
• ¾ cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1–2 tablespoons milk, as needed

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This step helps create a tender cookie texture.
3. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined.
5. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into logs or oval shapes to mimic the classic Nutter Butter look.
6. Place dough pieces on the prepared baking sheets, leaving space between each. Use a fork to gently press a crisscross pattern on top.
7. Bake for 10–12 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden but the centers are still soft.
8. Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. To make the filling, beat together peanut butter, powdered sugar, butter, and vanilla until smooth. Add milk a little at a time until the filling reaches a spreadable consistency.
10. Spread filling onto the flat side of one cookie and sandwich with another. Press gently to secure.

Tips & Tricks:

• Chill the dough for 20 minutes if it feels too soft to shape.
• Use natural peanut butter only if it’s well stirred; otherwise, the texture may change.
• For extra crunch, bake an additional minute or two.

Variations:

• Add a tablespoon of honey to the filling for a sweeter, smoother finish.
• Use chunky peanut butter for added texture.
• Dip half of each sandwich cookie in melted chocolate for a decadent twist.

Serving Suggestions:
Serve these cookies with a cold glass of milk, a hot cup of coffee, or tucked into a dessert platter for parties. They’re also perfect for lunchbox treats or gifting during the holidays.

Storage Information:
Store assembled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 1 week. Unfilled cookies can be frozen for up to 2 months.

FAQ:
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Bake the cookies in advance and fill them the day you plan to serve.

Why are my cookies too crumbly?
This usually means too much flour—measure carefully using the spoon-and-level method.

History / Fun Facts:
The original Nutter Butter cookies debuted in the late 1960s and quickly became one of the most recognizable peanut butter snacks in America. Their peanut shape and sandwich filling set them apart, inspiring generations of home bakers to recreate them from scratch.