Homemade Copycat Nutter Butters Recipe

If you crave the nostalgia of those classic peanut-shaped cookies filled with pillowy peanut butter frosting, you’ve come to the right place! Homemade Copycat Nutter Butters perfectly capture all the buttery, peanutty charm of the childhood favorite, but with even more melt-in-your-mouth richness thanks to fresh ingredients and a quick, easy prep. With tender, snappy cookies and a creamy middle—these treats are guaranteed to become a staple in your baking rotation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need simple pantry staples to whip up Homemade Copycat Nutter Butters, but each ingredient truly shines. The magic happens when real butter and heaps of creamy peanut butter meet a classic cookie base, making every bite layered with flavor and texture. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:

• Unsalted butter (softened): Gives the cookies and filling their irresistible richness and tender crumb.
• Creamy peanut butter: The star of both cookie and filling; smooth peanut butter packs every bite with nutty flavor.
• Granulated sugar (plus extra for topping): Adds sweetness and, sprinkled on top, gives a subtle crunch.
• Brown sugar: Lends a gentle caramel depth and keeps cookies soft.
• Large egg: Binds the dough for sturdy yet soft cookies perfect for sandwiching.
• Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors with classic warmth in both the cookie and filling.
• All-purpose flour: The backbone for sturdy, tender cookies that hold their shape.
• Baking soda: Gives a bit of lift for that perfect cookie consistency.
• Salt: Brightens the flavor and keeps the sweetness in check.
• Creamy peanut butter (for filling): Ensures the filling is luscious, smooth, and rich in peanut flavor.
• Unsalted butter, softened (for filling): Makes the filling creamy, soft, and spreadable.
• Powdered sugar: Adds sweetness and bulk to the filling, making it fluffy and pipeable.
• Vanilla extract (for filling): Enhances the peanut butter and brings all the flavors together.
• Milk (as needed for texture): Softens the filling just enough for the perfect consistency.

How to Make Homemade Copycat Nutter Butters

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Tools

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This step ensures that your Homemade Copycat Nutter Butters bake evenly and lift effortlessly from the sheet without sticking.

Step 2: Cream the Butters and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Let your mixer run for several minutes, until the mixture turns light and fluffy—this step builds that signature cookie texture and evenly disperses the sugars.

Step 3: Add the Egg and Vanilla

Crack in the large egg and drizzle in the vanilla extract. Mix until you’re left with a dreamy, cohesive batter that smells so inviting, you’ll find it hard to wait.

Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this flour mixture to your wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. The dough should be soft and thick, just right for forming into classic Nutter Butter shapes.

Step 5: Shape the Dough

Scoop about a tablespoon of dough, roll it into a ball, then gently pinch and roll each end to shape it into an oval—just like the originals. Place them on the prepared baking sheet and use a fork to press a light crosshatch pattern onto the tops. Don’t forget to sprinkle a little extra sugar—this adds that signature sparkle and a hint of crunch.

Step 6: Bake and Cool

Slide the sheet into your oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes, until the cookies are set but still soft in the center. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Complete cooling is essential so your filling won’t melt when sandwiched.

Step 7: Make the Filling

While your cookies cool, beat together the creamy peanut butter and softened butter for the filling until smooth. Add in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until creamy. If the mixture is too thick, add milk just a splash at a time—you want a spreadable, fluffy consistency that feels as plush as it looks.

Step 8: Assemble Homemade Copycat Nutter Butters

Once the cookies are cool, it’s time for the fun part: sandwich assembly! Spread or pipe a generous spoonful of filling on the flat side of one cookie, then top with another. Gently press the halves together so the filling peeks out just so. Enjoy the proud moment of seeing your Homemade Copycat Nutter Butters come to life!

How to Serve Homemade Copycat Nutter Butters

Garnishes

The beauty of Homemade Copycat Nutter Butters is that little touches go a long way. Consider drizzling the tops with melted chocolate, or dipping one end in chopped peanuts for extra texture. A pinch of flaky sea salt over the filling will bring out even more peanut butter richness.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with a tall glass of cold milk—seriously, it’s a must! They’re also delightful alongside fresh fruit or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. If you’re feeling indulgent, a mug of hot cocoa on a chilly afternoon makes for an ultra-cozy snack plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Go beyond the cookie jar! Stack your Homemade Copycat Nutter Butters in mason jars for sweet gifts, or arrange them on a platter with other homemade treats for bake sale tables. For parties, serve mini versions with fun toothpick flags, or add them to lunchboxes as a special made-with-love surprise.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Homemade Copycat Nutter Butters stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The filling stays soft and creamy, and the cookies retain just the right amount of chewiness.

Freezing

Want to stock up? Homemade Copycat Nutter Butters freeze beautifully. Store assembled cookies tightly wrapped in layers or in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Lay parchment between layers to keep them from sticking together.

Reheating

Most of the time, these cookies are perfect right from the container. If you prefer them warm, place a cookie on a microwave-safe plate and zap for 5 to 10 seconds—just enough to soften the filling and bring out the aroma, but not so much that they lose their shape.

FAQs

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter adds a pleasant texture to the cookies, giving you a little nutty surprise in every bite. Just know that the filling will have a bit more bite, which some peanut butter fans love.

How do I make these gluten-free?

Swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. The cookies will still bake up beautifully, and the classic flavor and texture of Homemade Copycat Nutter Butters will be yours to enjoy.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes! This recipe scales up like a dream. If you want to fill your cookie jar or make enough for a party, just double (or even triple) the ingredients and bake in batches. Make a big batch of filling—you’ll want to sandwich every last cookie.

Is there a way to make these vegan?

You can try using vegan butter and a plant-based egg substitute to keep everything dairy and egg free. Make sure your chosen peanut butter is also vegan-friendly, and you’ll be set!

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

After rolling the dough balls, gently pinch each end and roll a little more to create an elongated oval. Pressing with a fork in a crisscross motion gives them the classic look. It’s a fun step to do with kids or when you want a little extra nostalgia!

Final Thoughts

There’s something extra satisfying about making your own Homemade Copycat Nutter Butters from scratch—each bite is filled with nostalgia and the kind of rich peanut butter flavor you can only get with homemade treats. I hope you have as much fun baking (and sharing) these as I do! Give this recipe a try, and experience just how simple and rewarding homemade classics can be.

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