Homemade Nutter Butter Cookies

Classic Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies Made From Scratch

There are few cookies as instantly recognizable and nostalgically comforting as Nutter Butter cookies. With their iconic peanut shape, deep fork marks, and rich peanut butter filling sandwiched between two tender cookies, they have been a staple in American pantries for decades. But as beloved as the store-bought version may be, nothing compares to the flavor, texture, and satisfaction of homemade Nutter Butter cookies.

This from-scratch recipe captures everything people love about the original while elevating it with real ingredients, richer peanut butter flavor, and a softer, more bakery-style bite. The cookies are lightly crisp on the edges, tender in the center, and generously filled with a smooth, sweet peanut butter cream that melts on your tongue. If you have ever wanted to recreate that classic childhood treat at home, this recipe delivers in every way.

Homemade Nutter Butter cookies are perfect for holidays, lunchboxes, bake sales, or anytime you crave a nostalgic dessert with a gourmet twist. They are surprisingly approachable, even for beginner bakers, and require only simple pantry staples. Once you make them yourself, it becomes nearly impossible to go back to the packaged version.

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Why You’ll Love These Homemade Nutter Butter Cookies

There is a reason this recipe quickly becomes a favorite for peanut butter lovers. These cookies strike the perfect balance between sweet and salty, soft and structured, nostalgic and indulgent.

First, the peanut butter flavor is bold and authentic. Unlike mass-produced cookies that rely on flavorings, these use real creamy peanut butter in both the cookie dough and the filling. The result is a deep, roasted peanut taste that feels rich without being overpowering.

Second, the texture is exactly what a sandwich cookie should be. The cookies hold their shape beautifully, making them easy to fill, while still remaining tender enough to bite through effortlessly. The creamy filling ties everything together, adding smoothness and sweetness in every bite.

Finally, these cookies are endlessly customizable. You can shape them traditionally, roll them in sugar, add chocolate, or even make them gluten-free with the right substitutions. They are a timeless classic that fits effortlessly into modern home baking.

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The History Behind Nutter Butter Cookies

Nutter Butter cookies were first introduced in the late 1960s and quickly became one of the most popular peanut butter cookies in the United States. Their unique peanut shape and crisscross fork marks set them apart visually, while the sandwich-style filling made them feel more indulgent than standard peanut butter cookies.

Over time, they became synonymous with childhood snacks, road trips, and after-school treats. Today, they remain one of the best-selling peanut butter cookies in America. Making them at home is a way to honor that tradition while upgrading the flavor and freshness in a way packaged cookies simply cannot match.

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Ingredients

Cookie Dough

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 0.5 tsp baking soda
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 0.5 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 0.75 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 0.75 cup creamy peanut butter

Peanut Butter Filling

• 0.5 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1.5 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2–3 tbsp milk or cream
• 0.5 cup creamy peanut butter

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a separate large bowl, cream the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.
5. Mix in the creamy peanut butter until smooth and uniform.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until a soft dough forms.
7. Scoop small portions of dough and roll into logs or oval shapes to resemble peanuts.
8. Place dough onto prepared baking sheets and gently flatten. Use a fork to create classic crisscross marks.
9. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden.
10. Remove from oven and allow cookies to cool completely on a wire rack.
11. To make the filling, beat butter and peanut butter until creamy.
12. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract.
13. Add milk one tablespoon at a time until a smooth, spreadable filling forms.
14. Spread or pipe filling onto the flat side of one cookie and sandwich with another.
15. Store in an airtight container or serve immediately.

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Tips for Perfect Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies

Using room-temperature butter is essential for achieving a smooth dough and creamy filling. Cold butter will not incorporate properly and may result in dense cookies.

Do not overbake. Peanut butter cookies continue to set as they cool. Removing them when the edges are just golden ensures a tender center.

If the dough feels too soft, chilling it for 20 minutes will make shaping easier without drying out the cookies.

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Variations and Flavor Twists

Chocolate-Dipped Nutter Butter Cookies: Dip half of each assembled cookie in melted chocolate and let set.

Crunchy Peanut Butter Version: Substitute crunchy peanut butter for added texture.

Honey Peanut Butter Filling: Replace half the powdered sugar with honey for a richer, deeper sweetness.

Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour substitute.

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Serving Suggestions

Serve homemade Nutter Butter cookies with cold milk, hot coffee, or as part of a dessert platter. They also make excellent gifts when packaged in bakery boxes or cellophane bags.

These cookies freeze well, making them ideal for advance baking. Simply thaw at room temperature before serving.

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Storage and Shelf Life

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. Refrigeration extends freshness up to one week. Cookies may also be frozen for up to 2 months.

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Why Homemade Is Better

Making Nutter Butter cookies at home gives you full control over sweetness, texture, and ingredient quality. No preservatives, no artificial flavors, and no compromise on taste.

The result is a cookie that feels familiar yet elevated, nostalgic yet undeniably better.

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Final Thoughts

Homemade Nutter Butter cookies are proof that classic recipes never go out of style. With their rich peanut butter flavor, soft texture, and creamy filling, they capture the essence of a beloved snack while transforming it into a bakery-worthy dessert.

Once you try this recipe, it will become a permanent part of your baking rotation.