There’s something utterly irresistible about Homemade Nutter Butter Cookies — those deeply peanutty, soft-yet-chewy treats sandwiched with a fluffy peanut butter cream. Perfect for nostalgic snack cravings or impressing friends at a bake sale, this recipe lets you capture everything you love about the famous store-bought favorite, but with a from-scratch flair that’s even more delicious. Every bite is bursting with rich peanut butter flavor and that classic hint of sweetness, sure to win over both kids and grownups with a single, crumbly crunch.

Homemade Nutter Butter Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need a handful of kitchen staples to whip up these cookies, but each ingredient plays a starring role in achieving that signature taste and texture. Let’s break down exactly what makes every bite so special!

Creamy peanut butter: The peanutty heart and soul of Homemade Nutter Butter Cookies; use a natural variety for a more authentic flavor.
Unsalted butter (softened): Adds richness and helps the cookie melt away in your mouth; make sure it’s room temperature for smooth blending.
Brown sugar: Brings a subtle caramel note and chewy texture that storebought cookies can only dream of.
Granulated sugar: Lends just the right touch of sweetness and helps those signature crisp edges form.
Large egg: Acts as a binder to hold everything together and keeps things tender.
Vanilla extract: A splash for warmth and roundness that deepens the peanut flavor.
All-purpose flour: Provides structure without weighing down your cookie; sift for the softest crumb.
Baking soda: Gives the cookies a gentle lift so they don’t turn dense.
Baking powder: Works with the baking soda for extra softness and that perfect, light sandwich texture.
Salt: Just a pinch brightens everything up and balances the sweetness.

For the filling:
Creamy peanut butter: Essential for that smooth, nutty crème center.
Unsalted butter (softened): Ensures your filling is impossibly fluffy and easy to spread.
Powdered sugar: Adds sweetness without grittiness and creates that melt-in-your-mouth finish.
Milk: Just enough to pull the filling together and create that classic, spreadable consistency.

How to Make Homemade Nutter Butter Cookies

Step 1: Gather and Prep Your Ingredients

Start by making sure all your ingredients are at room temperature, especially the butter and peanut butter. This gives your cookies an ultra-smooth texture and makes mixing a breeze. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. These small steps set you up for Nutter Butter success!

Step 2: Cream the Butters and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, beat together the creamy peanut butter, softened unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is where the magic begins: beating plenty of air into the mixture guarantees a tender cookie with just the right amount of chewiness.

Step 3: Add the Egg and Vanilla

Beat in the egg and vanilla extract, whisking just until everything is smooth and homogenous. The vanilla enhances the nutty aroma, while the egg helps bind your dough as it bakes. You’ll see the dough get creamier and slightly lighter in color — that’s your cue it’s perfect.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Slowly add the dry ingredients to your wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Don’t overwork it; stirring just until no flour pockets remain keeps your cookies soft and tender.

Step 5: Shape Your Cookies

Roll tablespoon-sized portions of dough into 1-inch balls and place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. For that iconic Homemade Nutter Butter Cookies look, shape them into small ovals, then use a fork to gently press a criss-cross pattern (or mimic the original’s peanut shell design). This isn’t just for style — it helps the cookies bake evenly, too!

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake for 9–11 minutes, until the edges turn lightly golden and the centers are just set. Don’t worry if they look slightly underbaked; they’ll firm up as they cool. Leave them on the pan for five minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. The wait is tough, but it’s worth it for that soft center!

Step 7: Make the Peanut Butter Filling

While the cookies cool, whip up your creamy filling by beating together peanut butter, softened butter, and powdered sugar. Add just enough milk to reach a silky-smooth, spreadable consistency. This dreamy filling is what truly sets these Homemade Nutter Butter Cookies apart!

Step 8: Assemble the Sandwiches

Spread (or pipe) about a tablespoon of filling onto the flat underside of one cookie, then top with another to form that classic sandwich. Gently press together, wiping away any filling that squishes out the sides. Repeat until every cookie has found its mate — and try not to snack on too many in the process!

How to Serve Homemade Nutter Butter Cookies

Garnishes

If you want to dress up your Homemade Nutter Butter Cookies, consider drizzling them with a little melted chocolate, dusting with a whisper of powdered sugar, or adding a tiny sprinkle of sea salt on top before serving. These extra touches accent the peanut flavor and make your cookies look ready for a bakery window!

Side Dishes

These cookies are crowd-pleasers all on their own, but they’re absolutely delightful alongside a tall glass of cold milk, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or even paired with some sliced strawberries for a playful peanut butter and jelly vibe. For an adult twist, try them with coffee or a mug of hot cocoa for a truly cozy treat.

Creative Ways to Present

Take your presentation up a notch by packaging Homemade Nutter Butter Cookies in wax-paper-lined boxes for gifting, stacking them in a glass jar for a nostalgic cookie bar setup, or arranging them like mini sandwiches on a cheerful serving platter. If you’re feeling ambitious, dip half of each sandwich in melted chocolate and let them set for a fancy finish that looks straight off a bakery shelf.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Homemade Nutter Butter Cookies store beautifully at room temperature in an airtight container for up to five days, making them perfect for lunchboxes, snacks, or anytime cravings. To keep them at their best, separate layers with parchment paper to avoid any sticking.

Freezing

You can easily freeze both the unfilled cookies or the assembled sandwiches. For best results, freeze the cookies individually (unfilled) for up to two months, then thaw and fill when ready to serve. If freezing fully assembled cookies, wrap each one tightly and use within four weeks for freshest flavor.

Reheating

If you like your cookies warm, simply pop an unfilled cookie in the microwave for about 8 seconds — just enough to make it extra soft. Assembled sandwiches are best enjoyed at room temperature, since heating might melt the creamy filling a bit too much. For a slight warm boost, let frozen cookies sit on the counter for an hour before serving.

FAQs

Do I have to use creamy peanut butter?

Creamy peanut butter is classic for Homemade Nutter Butter Cookies, but if you love a little crunch, feel free to use crunchy peanut butter for a fun twist! Just keep in mind the texture will be a bit more rustic.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Absolutely! Swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free flour blend (with xanthan gum, if possible) and you’ll have delicious, gluten-free Homemade Nutter Butter Cookies that everyone can enjoy.

How do I keep the filling from running out the sides?

Let the cookies cool completely before assembling, and make sure your filling is just thick enough to hold its shape. If it feels too soft, add a bit more powdered sugar for a firmer consistency.

What’s the best way to get the classic Nutter Butter shape?

Shape your dough into small ovals and gently press a fork in a criss-cross or shell pattern before baking. This gives Homemade Nutter Butter Cookies their recognizable look, but they’ll taste amazing even as classic rounds!

Can I double this recipe for a bigger batch?

Yes! This recipe doubles perfectly, making it ideal for parties or gifting. Just bake in batches to avoid crowding your baking sheets, so every cookie bakes up golden and gorgeous.

Final Thoughts

These Homemade Nutter Butter Cookies are guaranteed to become a much-loved staple in your kitchen — nostalgic, peanut buttery, and way better than store-bought. Once you’ve tried making them yourself, you’ll never look back. Get creative with fillings, shapes, and presentations, and most importantly, enjoy baking and sharing these cookies with your favorite people!