Homemade Nutter Butters

The first time I popped a Nutter Butter in my mouth, it felt like a cozy childhood hug—sweet, creamy peanut butter wrapped in crunchy cookie goodness. It’s a flavor that resonates deeply, bringing back memories of lunchboxes and after-school snacks. As an experienced home chef, I’ve tinkered with this classic and created my very own homemade version that is simply irresistible. Imagine baking a batch fresh from your oven and filling your home with that nutty aroma—who could resist?

What makes this recipe special

So, why should you dive into this cookie-making adventure tonight? Well, for starters, the magic lies in the balance of flavors: the crunchy exterior with that soft, indulgent peanut butter filling—it’s like a textural dance on your palate. Each bite brings an unexpected burst of nostalgia, transporting you right back to carefree childhood days. Plus, there is something incredibly rewarding about making a beloved treat from scratch—flour on your apron and all! And let me tell you, sharing these cookies brings smiles that last. They’re perfect for gatherings, lunchbox surprises, or simply rewarding yourself after a long day. You’ll proudly claim that you baked these treasures yourself!

Gather these ingredients

Let’s talk about what you’ll need to whip up these delightful cookies:

• All-Purpose Flour (1 1/2 cups): This is the backbone of your cookie structure. You could swap a portion with whole wheat flour for a nutty flavor, or use a gluten-free blend if that’s your jam.
• Baking Soda (1 teaspoon): The leavening agent that helps our cookies rise to perfection.
• Kosher Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Don’t underestimate the power of salt; it enhances all the sweet flavors beautifully.
• Unsalted Butter (1/2 cup, softened): Choose unsalted so you can control the salt levels. Trust me, it makes a difference in baked goods!
• Light Brown Sugar (1 cup): This adds a delightful caramel undertone to your cookies. Dark brown sugar can also be used if you prefer a richer flavor.
• Creamy Peanut Butter (1 cup): Make sure it’s creamy for that luscious filling. Natural peanut butter can work, but you may need to adjust your sugar.
• Large Egg (1): Egg acts as a binder, giving your cookies that chewy texture.
• Pure Vanilla Extract (1/2 teaspoon): A splash of vanilla brings warmth and complements the peanut butter perfectly.
• Sugar (1/2 cup, for rolling): This adds that charming, sugary crunch to the outside of the cookies.
• Unsalted Butter (1/4 cup, softened, for filling): This helps achieve a creamy texture for the filling—don’t skimp!
• Creamy Peanut Butter (1/2 cup, for filling): Just like the cookie, the filling should be creamy and dreamy.
• Powdered Sugar (1 1/2 cups): This gives your filling that sweet, melt-in-your-mouth quality.
• Milk (2 tablespoons): A splash to loosen the filling and make it spreadable. Use plant-based milk for a vegan option!
• Vanilla Extract (1/4 teaspoon): A hint of vanilla again? Yes, please!

Preparing Homemade Nutter Butters

Let’s roll up those sleeves and get started—here’s how you’ll conjure up these magical cookies:

1. First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This will ensure easy cookie removal later on—thank me later!
2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and kosher salt. Set this dry mix aside for a moment—it’s like prepping the stage for a grand performance!
3. Now, in another bowl, cream the softened butter and brown sugar together until it’s light and fluffy—about 3-4 minutes works wonders. Feel free to use a hand mixer for this; it’s worth the effort.
4. Next, mix in the creamy peanut butter, egg, and vanilla extract until fully combined. You’ll want to embrace that silky, nutty goodness!
5. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, folding gently until just incorporated. You want a cohesive dough, but we’re not looking for over-mixing here!
6. Form the dough into 1-inch balls and roll them in sugar. Then, place them on the prepared baking sheet, flattening them slightly with a fork to create those iconic Nutter Butter marks.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes, just until the edges begin to turn golden. Allow them to cool for a bit before transferring them to a wire rack so they can finish their cooling dance.
8. Now, for the pièce de résistance—let’s make that heavenly peanut butter filling! In a clean bowl, combine the softened butter, peanut butter, and powdered sugar, mixing thoroughly. Gradually add the milk and vanilla until you have a creamy filling that doesn’t resist spreading.
9. Once your cookies are cool, spread that luscious filling generously between two cookie halves, creating sandwiches that will transport you to peanut butter paradise!

Best way to enjoy it

These cookie wonders are delicious on their own but can shine even brighter in certain pairings. Picture this: a tall glass of icy cold milk or a smooth cup of coffee to dive into that delightful crunchy-chewy action. You could also take it up a notch by serving them alongside fresh fruit like strawberries or grapes, providing a refreshing contrast to the richness of the cookies. And hey, why not put a few on a plate, sprinkle some extra sugar around, and make your dessert table pop? You deserve the best!

How to store and freeze

Worried about leftover cookies (if they even last that long)? No problem! Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you want to keep the magic alive longer, pop them in the freezer—layer them between parchment paper in a sealed container or freezer bag. They’ll be good for about a month. When you’re ready to indulge, let them thaw at room temperature. Just remember: the longer they sit out, the softer they’ll become. So, let’s be real—best done in one sitting, right?

Tips for a successful recipe

• Soften your butter before starting. Nothing is worse than hard butter refusing to mix properly!
• Don’t be shy about letting the cookies cool completely before adding the filling; this prevents melty disasters.
• If your dough seems too sticky, don’t hesitate to chill it for about 30 minutes—this can make handling much easier.
• Experimenting with different nuts or add-ins (like chocolate chips!) can give a new twist to your creation.

Recipe variations

• Chocolate Peanut Butter Swirl: Incorporate swirls of chocolate into the filling for a decadent flavor.
• Nut-Free Version: You can certainly substitute peanut butter with sunflower seed butter or cashew butter—still scrumptious!
• Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of cinnamon or a splash of cayenne to the cookie dough for a sweet heat that surprises!

Ingredients

• 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 Creamy peanut butter
• 1 Large egg
• 1/2 teaspoon Pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup Sugar (for rolling)
• 1/4 cup Unsalted butter (softened for filling)
• 1/2 cup Creamy peanut butter (for filling)
• 1 1/2 cups Powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons Milk
• 1/4 teaspoon Vanilla extract

Directions to follow

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream butter and brown sugar until fluffy, then add peanut butter, egg, and vanilla; mix well.
4. Gradually incorporate dry ingredients, folding gently to combine.
5. Roll dough into 1-inch balls, coat with sugar, then flatten slightly on baking sheets.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until edges are golden. Let cool before transferring to a wire rack.
7. For filling, mix together butter, peanut butter, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until creamy.
8. Spread filling between paired cookies and enjoy!

Your questions answered

• Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead? Absolutely, if you love that extra crunch! Just keep in mind it will alter the texture slightly.
• How long do these cookies last? In an airtight container, they will stay fresh for about a week. But honestly, they rarely last that long!
• Can I freeze them? Yes, they freeze beautifully! Just layer them with parchment paper and store them in a freezer bag.
• What’s the best way to serve them? With a glass of milk, of course! You could also warm them slightly in the microwave before enjoying them.
• Any tips for a successful filling? Make sure your filling is creamy and smooth; add a bit more milk if it’s too thick to spread easily.

Cooking is more than just a task; it’s a way to express love and creativity. Making these Homemade Nutter Butters is an invitation to slow down, enjoy the process, and savor the fruits of your labor. I hope you take a leap of faith into this deliciousness! Don’t forget to share your experiences and tweaks in the comments. We’re all in this tasty adventure together!

Print