Name: Homemade Nutter Butter Cookies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 1 cup creamy peanut butter; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 egg (room temperature); ½ teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour; ¾ cup creamy peanut butter; ⅓ cup powdered sugar; 2 tablespoons maple syrup; ½ teaspoon vanilla extract; 3 ounces Ghirardelli chocolate melting wafers (dark or milk chocolate or use semi-sweet chocolate chips); flaky sea salt (optional)

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

There’s something incredibly nostalgic about making Homemade Nutter Butter Cookies. Growing up, I would watch my grandmother whip up these delightful treats, and the smell of peanut butter wafting through the kitchen was enough to bring a smile to anyone’s face. As a child, I loved helping her roll the cookie dough into little balls and then flattening them with a fork, making those signature criss-cross patterns that are just so iconic! And, of course, the best part was always the filling—a creamy peanut butter mix that, as far as I was concerned, could be eaten straight from the bowl. Now, as an adult, I find joy in recreating this cherished family recipe in my own kitchen. It’s not just about the cookies; it’s about the memories and the sweetness of time spent with loved ones.

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
35 mins

Prep Time:
20 mins

Cook Time:
15 mins

Difficulty:
Medium

Calories:
150 kcal

Protein:
4 g

Diet:
Gluten-Free, Low FODMAP

Fat:
8 g

Tools Used:
Mixing Bowl, Baking Sheet, Food Processor, Oven

What Sets This Homemade Nutter Butter Cookies Apart

A Joyful Tradition

There’s something special about Homemade Nutter Butter Cookies that makes them a favorite in our household. They carry the tradition of sharing sweet treats with family and friends. Every batch reminds me of gatherings where we’d all sit around the table, enjoying cookies and sharing laughter.

Easy to Make

One of the reasons I adore this recipe is how simple it is. You don’t need to be a pro baker to pull these off. With just a handful of ingredients and a dash of love, anyone can create these nutty delights. It’s perfect for a fun baking day with kids or just as a calming weekend project.

Customizable Goodness

Another standout feature is how customizable these cookies are. You can easily adjust the filling to your taste. Whether you prefer a richer peanut butter cream or a sweeter touch with a hint of maple syrup, the options are endless. It’s your chance to get creative!

Perfect for Any Occasion

These cookies aren’t just for special occasions; they make the perfect snack for any day of the week. I often pack them for school lunches, serve them at parties, or enjoy them with a cup of coffee in the afternoon. They fit right in, no matter the setting.

Memorable Flavors

When you bite into a Homemade Nutter Butter Cookie, the combination of peanut butter and the sweet filling creates a flavor that’s unforgettable. The contrast of textures, from the slightly crispy edges to the soft center, is pure bliss. It’s a flavor that lingers, making you crave more.

Shared with Love

Finally, sharing these cookies with others is what truly makes them special. There’s nothing quite like gifting a batch of homemade cookies to friends or family, watching their faces light up as they take that first bite. It’s about connection and creating sweet memories.

What You Need for Homemade Nutter Butter Cookies

To create the perfect Homemade Nutter Butter Cookies, you’ll need a blend of simple yet delightful ingredients that harmonize beautifully. The key players here are the creamy peanut butter, which gives these cookies their rich flavor, and the granulated sugar, which adds sweetness and helps achieve that lovely texture. Together, they create a cookie that’s both comforting and indulgent.

1 cup creamy peanut butter: The star of the show, providing that rich, nutty flavor.
1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and helps achieve a delightful texture.
1 egg: Acts as a binder to hold the ingredients together.
½ teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a warm, aromatic flavor.
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour: A small amount helps with the texture of the cookies.
¾ cup creamy peanut butter: Used for the filling, enhancing that peanut flavor.
⅓ cup powdered sugar: For sweetness in the filling.
2 tablespoons maple syrup: Adds a unique sweetness to the filling.
½ teaspoon vanilla extract: A touch more for the filling.
3 ounces Ghirardelli chocolate melting wafers: Ideal for dipping the cookies.
Flaky sea salt (optional): Adds a delightful crunch and enhances the sweetness.

Recipe Steps for Homemade Nutter Butter Cookies

Making Homemade Nutter Butter Cookies is a delightful experience that fills the kitchen with warmth and sweetness. Follow these steps for a delicious outcome that will have everyone coming back for more. Let’s dive in!

Preheat your oven to 350°F and prepare a large baking sheet by lining it with a silicone baking mat or parchment paper. This is important as it prevents the cookies from sticking and ensures even baking.
In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of creamy peanut butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar. Using a hand mixer or a whisk, beat the two together until creamy and well combined. You should look for a smooth, pale mixture that’s slightly fluffy.
Add in 1 egg and ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract. Beat until thoroughly combined, ensuring the egg is fully incorporated. The mixture should become a cohesive dough.
Now, it’s time to roll the dough. Take small portions, about ½ teaspoon to 1 teaspoon each, and roll them into balls. You should aim for uniform sizes so that they bake evenly.
Place two balls next to each other on the prepared baking sheet. Using the bottom of a cup or measuring cup, flatten the cookies to a thickness of about ⅛ to ¼ inch. This is where the iconic shape starts to form!
Dip a fork’s tines into 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour to prevent sticking, and press it into the cookie to create criss-cross markings. This gives the cookies their signature look!
Now, bake the cookies in your preheated oven for 9 to 11 minutes. Keep an eye on them; they should be lightly golden at the edges but still soft in the center.
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. This resting phase helps them firm up a bit before transferring them to a cooling rack.
To speed up the cooling process, you can carefully transfer the cookies to the freezer for about 10 minutes. This step ensures they’re perfectly set and ready for filling.
While the cookies are cooling, prepare the filling. In a separate bowl, beat together ¾ cup of creamy peanut butter, ⅓ cup of powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of maple syrup, and another ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract. Adjust the consistency by adding more syrup or powdered sugar as needed.
Spread about 1 teaspoon of the filling onto the bottom of one cookie. Top it with another cookie to form a sandwich. Repeat this process until all cookies are filled and sandwiched together.
Transfer the filled cookies back to the lined baking sheet and place them in the freezer for another 10 minutes to help set the filling.
While the cookies chill, melt the 3 ounces of chocolate melting wafers according to the package directions. The chocolate should be completely melted and smooth.
Dip each cookie sandwich into the melted chocolate, ensuring they’re well coated. Place them back on the lined baking sheet and sprinkle with flaky sea salt if desired. This will add an extra layer of flavor!
Finally, let the chocolate set completely before serving your delicious Homemade Nutter Butter Cookies. Enjoy them fresh or store for later!

Things Worth Knowing

Cooling Time: Letting cookies rest on the baking sheet is crucial for setting their structure.
Dough Consistency: If your dough feels too sticky, chilling it in the refrigerator for a bit can help.
Melting Chocolate: Use a double boiler or microwave in short bursts to avoid burning the chocolate.
Filling Texture: Adjust the filling’s thickness by adding more syrup for a creamier texture or more powdered sugar for a thicker consistency.

Change It Up

There’s always room for creativity in the kitchen! Here are some tips to customize your Homemade Nutter Butter Cookies:

Experiment with Fillings: You can try different fillings like Nutella or cream cheese frosting for a unique twist.
Add Chocolate Chips: Mix in some chocolate chips into the cookie dough for added sweetness and texture.
Make It a Sandwich: Instead of filling them with just peanut butter, sandwich them with chocolate ganache for a richer flavor.
Decorate: Use colored chocolate melts to decorate the tops of the cookies for special occasions.
Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
Freezing: You can freeze the cookies in a single layer before transferring them to a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
Pairing: Enjoy these cookies with a glass of cold milk or a cup of coffee for the ultimate snack experience.

Serving This Homemade Nutter Butter Cookies

When it comes to serving Homemade Nutter Butter Cookies, the possibilities are endless! Here are some delightful ideas:

Perfect for Lunchboxes: Pack a couple of cookies in school lunches for a sweet surprise.
After-School Snack: Serve them alongside a glass of milk after a long day at school.
Party Treats: These cookies make an excellent addition to any party platter; they’re sure to be a hit.
Special Occasions: Make them for birthdays or holidays; they are great gifts when wrapped up nicely.
Seasonal Pairings: Serve them as a sweet treat during colder months, or enjoy them on warm summer days.

FAQ

The Homemade Nutter Butter Cookies can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 4 days. If you want to extend their shelf life, you can freeze them. Just lay the cookies out in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet and flash freeze for about 30 minutes. Once they’re frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe ziplock bag, and they can be kept in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, let them defrost at room temperature for about 3 to 4 hours.

Absolutely! If you prefer a bit of crunch in your cookies, feel free to use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy. It will add a delightful texture to the cookies, making each bite even more enjoyable. Just keep in mind that the consistency of the dough may vary slightly, so adjust your ingredients if necessary to achieve the right texture.

If you’re looking to switch things up, there are several alternatives you can use for the filling of these cookies. Consider using Nutella for a chocolate-hazelnut twist, or try cream cheese frosting for a richer flavor. You could also mix in some crushed cookies or nuts into the filling for added texture. The best part is that you can get creative and customize the flavors to suit your taste!

Yes, you can make gluten-free Homemade Nutter Butter Cookies by substituting all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. There are many excellent gluten-free options available that can be used as a one-to-one replacement for regular flour. Just make sure to check that all other ingredients, like the chocolate, are also gluten-free. With these small changes, you can enjoy these cookies without any gluten worries!

Conclusion

What truly makes Homemade Nutter Butter Cookies special is the perfect combination of creamy peanut butter and sweet filling, creating a nostalgic treat that’s hard to resist. Whether for a family gathering, a special occasion, or just a cozy night in, these cookies are sure to bring joy. I encourage you to try making them tonight; you won’t be disappointed!