Homemade Copycat Nutter Butters Recipe

There’s something astonishingly nostalgic about biting into Homemade Copycat Nutter Butters: two perfectly crisp-yet-chewy peanut butter cookies held together by a luscious peanut butter cream, just like the classic treat we all know and crave! Each bite delivers that signature sweet-salty peanut flavor and a melt-in-your-mouth texture, but made fresh in your own kitchen. Whether you’re reliving after-school snack memories or whipping up something extra special for a cookie platter, this recipe will bring peanut-buttery joy to any occasion.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Homemade Copycat Nutter Butters is how straightforward yet purposeful the ingredients are. Every addition balances texture or deepens that familiar, irresistible peanut butter flavor—no surprises, but every item really matters for the magic.

• Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened): Delivers richness and helps create that soft, tender crumb we love in these cookies.
• Creamy peanut butter (1/2 cup for cookies + 1/2 cup for filling): The star of the show; use a classic creamy style for smooth dough and a luscious filling.
• Granulated sugar (1/2 cup, plus extra): Gives the cookies their delicate sweetness and that light sparkling crunch when sprinkled on top.
• Brown sugar (1/2 cup): Adds a hint of caramel flavor and adds chewiness to the cookie base.
• Large egg (1): Binds the dough and contributes to a rich, soft cookie.
• Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon for cookies + 1 teaspoon for filling): Enhances all the nutty flavors and rounds out the sweetness.
• All-purpose flour (1 1/4 cups): The backbone of your cookie, providing just the right amount of structure.
• Baking soda (3/4 teaspoon): Ensures your cookies puff just a touch for the perfect sandwich texture.
• Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances the peanut butter’s richness and brings out the sweetness.
• Powdered sugar (1 cup, for filling): Creates that ultra-creamy, fluffy filling you can’t resist.
• Additional unsalted butter (1/4 cup for filling): Whipped with peanut butter for an ultra-smooth, spreadable center.
• Milk (1–2 tablespoons, as needed for filling): Loosens the filling to the perfect creamy consistency—just adjust as you go!

How to Make Homemade Copycat Nutter Butters

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Sheet and Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This not only prevents sticking but also helps the cookies bake evenly and develop that signature golden color on the bottoms!

Step 2: Cream the Butters and Sugars

In a large bowl, beat together your softened butter, creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Mix until light and fluffy—the more air you whip in now, the more tender your cookies will be. This step sets the stage for that classic Nutter Butter bite.

Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla

Crack in the egg and add a splash of vanilla extract. Beat until everything is fully combined. This gives the dough a rich, flavorful backbone, ensuring our Homemade Copycat Nutter Butters taste just as delicious as you remember.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients, Then Mix

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt—this prevents any clumps and guarantees your leavening is evenly distributed. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until a soft dough comes together.

Step 5: Shape the Cookies

Roll the dough into small balls, about 1 inch each. Next, gently shape each ball into an oval to mimic the classic Nutter Butter silhouette. Arrange them on your prepared baking sheet, then use a fork to press a crisscross pattern on top. Give each cookie a perfect finish by sprinkling a pinch of granulated sugar on top.

Step 6: Bake and Cool

Slide your tray into the oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes, until the cookies are lightly golden around the edges but still soft in the middle. Remove and let them cool completely right on the tray, so they finish setting without drying out.

Step 7: Make the Peanut Butter Filling

While your cookies cool, beat together the additional peanut butter and butter until silky smooth. Gradually add in powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing until creamy. Drizzle in milk, just a bit at a time, until your filling is thick but spreadable. This luscious mixture is what brings the Homemade Copycat Nutter Butters to life!

Step 8: Assemble Your Sandwich Cookies

Once the cookies are entirely cool, spread or pipe a generous layer of filling onto the bottom of one cookie. Top it with another, pressing gently to create a sandwich. Continue until all cookies are paired up and ready for snacking—or sharing, if you can bear it!

How to Serve Homemade Copycat Nutter Butters

Garnishes

If you want to dress up your Homemade Copycat Nutter Butters, try drizzling them with a bit of melted chocolate or a dusting of extra powdered sugar. You can even dip half in chocolate and let them set for an elegant cookie tray addition. For a playful twist, add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top just before the final set!

Side Dishes

These peanut butter sandwiches shine all on their own but pair beautifully with a tall glass of cold milk or hot coffee for dunking. They’re a lovely match alongside a fruit salad at brunch, or next to a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack the cookies in a mason jar and tie with a ribbon for an adorable homemade gift, or arrange them in a rustic basket lined with parchment for a casual bake sale. Add them as a playful surprise on a dessert charcuterie board, or nestle smaller versions into lunch boxes for a peanut-buttery treat kids will love to discover.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Homemade Copycat Nutter Butters fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If your kitchen runs warm, a quick chill in the fridge keeps the filling perfectly creamy and prevents sticking.

Freezing

For longer storage, these cookies freeze beautifully! Place assembled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a zip-top bag or airtight container. Don’t forget to separate layers with parchment to keep them from sticking.

Reheating

If you love that just-baked softness, microwave a few cookies on a plate for 10–15 seconds. The filling will get just slightly melty and the cookie will soften, mimicking that fresh-from-the-oven texture that makes Homemade Copycat Nutter Butters magical.

FAQs

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap in crunchy peanut butter for extra texture and nutty crunch. Your cookies will have delightful bits of peanut in both the cookie and filling.

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

After rolling your dough balls, gently elongate them into ovals with your hands, then use a fork to press across the tops for that iconic pattern. This helps them look just like the store-bought kind—only better!

Can I make the dough in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the cookie dough up to two days ahead. Wrap tightly and refrigerate, then bring to room temperature before shaping and baking. This makes Homemade Copycat Nutter Butters easy to build into any baking schedule.

Can I double this recipe?

Certainly! This recipe doubles beautifully. Just be sure to bake in batches, or use multiple sheets to keep the sizes and bake times consistent.

What’s the best method to assemble the cookies neatly?

For clean edges and a bakery-style look, transfer your filling to a piping bag (or a zip-top bag with the corner snipped), then pipe onto the flat side of one cookie before topping with another. It looks professional and keeps each cookie perfectly filled!

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a treat that’s cheerful, wildly nostalgic, and guaranteed to win over every peanut butter fan, these Homemade Copycat Nutter Butters are the bake to try. They’re surprisingly simple, yet every bite feels like something extra special. I hope you’ll whip up a batch soon and make them your new go-to cookie—happy baking!

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