Copy Cat Nutter Butter

Copycat Nutter Butter cookies bring all the nostalgic flavor and iconic peanut butter goodness of the store-bought classic right into your home kitchen—only better. These homemade sandwich cookies feature crisp, golden peanut butter cookies with a soft crunch, filled with a rich, creamy peanut butter filling that’s perfectly sweet and salty. Whether you loved Nutter Butters as a kid or want to introduce a new generation to their irresistible flavor, this homemade version offers the same delicious experience with fresher ingredients and a homemade touch.

These cookies aren’t just a treat—they’re a fun, satisfying baking project that results in a dessert everyone will rave about. The cookies themselves have a buttery, slightly crumbly texture with a deep roasted peanut flavor, and the filling is luxuriously smooth, binding the sandwich together in perfect harmony. Whether you shape them into the signature peanut silhouette or keep them simple and round, every bite delivers that iconic taste in a fresh, elevated way.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Homemade Nutter Butter cookies offer everything you love about the original with more flavor, better texture, and ingredients you can feel good about. You’ll love the rich, roasted peanut flavor in both the cookie and the filling, with just the right balance of crunch and creaminess. These cookies are sturdy enough to hold their shape yet tender enough to melt in your mouth.

This recipe is also wonderfully customizable. You can control the sweetness, adjust the saltiness, or add extra peanut flavor depending on your preference. They store beautifully and even freeze well, making them great for make-ahead treats or edible gifts. Plus, you get to skip the additives and preservatives often found in packaged cookies, enjoying a cleaner, fresher version made entirely from scratch. Whether for snacking, baking gifts, or reliving childhood memories, this recipe is a winner.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Prep time: 25 minutes

• Chill time: 30 minutes

• Cook time: 12 minutes

• Total time: 1 hour 7 minutes

• Yield: 18 sandwich cookies

• Serving Size: 1 sandwich cookie

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 310

• Carbohydrates: 30g

• Protein: 6g

• Fat: 18g

• Fiber: 2g

• Sugar: 16g

Ingredients

For the Peanut Butter Cookies

• 1½ cups all-purpose flour

• ½ teaspoon baking powder

• ½ teaspoon baking soda

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened

• ½ cup creamy peanut butter (natural or conventional)

• ¾ cup light brown sugar, packed

• ¼ cup granulated sugar

• 1 large egg

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Filling

• ½ cup creamy peanut butter

• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1 cup powdered sugar

• 1–2 tablespoons milk or cream (as needed for consistency)

• Pinch of salt (optional, for balance)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare dry ingredients

• In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt

• Set aside

Step 2: Cream the butter and sugars

• In a large mixing bowl, beat softened butter, peanut butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes)

• Use a hand or stand mixer on medium speed

Step 3: Add egg and vanilla

• Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated

• Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed

Step 4: Mix in dry ingredients

• Add the flour mixture gradually to the wet ingredients

• Mix just until combined without overworking the dough

Step 5: Chill the dough

• Cover and refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes to firm it up

• This prevents spreading and helps shape retention during baking

Step 6: Shape the cookies

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper

• Scoop 1 tablespoon of dough and roll into a ball, then shape into a slight oval

• Use the tines of a fork to create the signature crisscross or peanut shell pattern on top

Step 7: Bake the cookies

• Place cookies 2 inches apart on the baking sheet

• Bake for 10–12 minutes or until golden brown around the edges

• Let cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely

Step 8: Make the filling

• In a medium bowl, beat peanut butter and butter until creamy

• Gradually mix in powdered sugar

• Add milk a little at a time until the filling is smooth and spreadable

• Add a pinch of salt if your peanut butter is unsalted

Step 9: Assemble the cookies

• Once cookies are fully cooled, spread a spoonful of filling on the flat side of one cookie

• Press another cookie on top to form a sandwich

• Repeat with remaining cookies

Ingredient Background

The cookies get their deep nutty flavor from creamy peanut butter, which not only adds taste but also contributes to a soft yet slightly crumbly texture. Brown sugar provides richness and moisture, while granulated sugar offers structure and a slight crispness on the edges. Vanilla adds a warm, aromatic note, balancing the nuttiness perfectly.

The filling is a creamy, whipped blend of peanut butter, butter, and powdered sugar, creating a smooth contrast to the cookie’s texture. A touch of milk helps it spread easily, and a pinch of salt enhances flavor while cutting the sweetness. Together, the cookie and filling create a sandwich that’s indulgent, balanced, and unmistakably peanut butter-forward.

Technique Tips

To keep cookies uniform, use a small cookie scoop and weigh the dough if needed. Chilling the dough is essential for neat, round shapes and prevents the cookies from over-spreading. If your dough gets sticky during shaping, lightly flour your hands or chill again briefly.

Make sure the cookies are fully cooled before assembling; warm cookies will melt the filling and make the sandwiches soggy. If you want clean, defined sandwich cookies, use a piping bag for the filling. You can also refrigerate assembled cookies briefly to help them set before storing or serving.

Alternative Presentation Ideas

For a more whimsical presentation, shape the cookies into a peanut silhouette using your fingers or a small cutter. Drizzle melted chocolate over assembled cookies for extra flair or dip half the sandwich in chocolate for a gourmet touch.

Cut smaller cookies and assemble mini sandwich cookies for party platters or lunchbox treats. For holidays or special occasions, add colorful sprinkles around the filling edges or use cookie stamps for fun imprints on the top layer.

Additional Tips for Success

Always use softened butter to ensure smooth blending with the sugar and peanut butter. Don’t skip the chilling step—it helps retain the cookie shape and improves texture. Taste the filling before assembling to adjust sweetness or salt level as needed.

Store cookies in a single layer if possible to prevent sticking. For softer cookies, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature. For crispier texture, store without filling and assemble closer to serving time.

Recipe Variations

Add chopped roasted peanuts to the cookie dough for a crunchy twist. Swap creamy peanut butter with crunchy for added texture. Mix cocoa powder into the filling for a chocolate-peanut butter version. You can also experiment with flavored nut butters like almond or cashew.

Try a honey-peanut filling by replacing part of the powdered sugar with honey. For a healthier variation, use whole wheat flour and natural peanut butter with no added sugar. Add a pinch of cinnamon to the dough or filling for an extra layer of warmth and spice.

Freezing and Storage

Store assembled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, refrigerate and bring to room temperature before serving.
To freeze, wrap unfilled cookies in plastic and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw and assemble with fresh filling as needed. Assembled cookies can also be frozen, but texture is best when filled fresh.

Healthier Twist Ideas

Use natural peanut butter with no added sugar or palm oil for a cleaner version. Reduce the sugar in both dough and filling slightly without compromising flavor. Replace a portion of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat pastry flour for added fiber.

Use plant-based butter and milk alternatives for a dairy-free version. You can also make a lower-sugar filling by substituting a portion of powdered sugar with mashed banana or dates blended into a paste.

Serving Suggestions for Events

These copycat Nutter Butter cookies are a hit at bake sales, holiday parties, birthdays, or as edible gifts. Package them in small treat bags tied with ribbon or display them in cookie jars for a nostalgic touch. Add them to dessert platters alongside brownies, bars, and other cookies for variety.

Serve with coffee, milk, or a peanut butter milkshake for a fun dessert pairing. You can also crumble the cookies over ice cream or use them as layers in peanut butter parfaits. Mini versions work beautifully for tea parties or kids’ snack tables.

Special Equipment

• Mixing bowls

• Hand or stand mixer

• Cookie scoop or spoon

• Baking sheets

• Parchment paper

• Cooling rack

• Spatula or piping bag for filling

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use crunchy peanut butter?

• Yes, but it will change the texture slightly

• It adds a nice crunch and extra peanut flavor

2. How do I make the cookies shaped like peanuts?

• Shape each dough ball into a slight oval and pinch the middle gently

• Use a fork or toothpick to create ridges for a peanut-shell effect

3. Can I make the cookies gluten-free?

• Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend

• Make sure your other ingredients are certified gluten-free

4. What’s the best peanut butter for this recipe?

• Conventional creamy peanut butter works best for smooth texture

• Natural peanut butter can be used, but mix thoroughly before measuring

5. Can I reduce the sugar in the filling?

• Yes, start with less powdered sugar and adjust to taste

• Add a touch more peanut butter or a natural sweetener like honey

6. Can I freeze the filled cookies?

• Yes, but the filling texture may change slightly after thawing

• Best to freeze cookies unfilled and assemble fresh

7. Can I make these dairy-free?

• Use plant-based butter and dairy-free milk

• Choose a vegan-friendly sugar substitute if needed

8. Can I make these ahead of time?

• Yes, make and store the cookies separately

• Fill and assemble before serving for best texture

Conclusion

Copycat Nutter Butter cookies deliver everything you love about the classic treat—crunchy, chewy, peanut buttery goodness—in a fresher, homemade form that’s easy to make and even easier to enjoy. With crisp cookies and a smooth, creamy filling, these sandwich cookies offer the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and nostalgia in every bite.
Whether you’re baking for yourself, sharing with others, or reliving your favorite snack-time memories, this recipe is sure to satisfy. With endless ways to customize, decorate, and serve, these cookies are a delightful addition to your baking collection—full of comfort, flavor, and homemade charm.

Print