Homemade Nutter Butters

Delicious, Comforting Nutty Delights

As a Florida girl, my culinary heart finds its rhythm in the vibrant spices of Mexico. The happiest moments of my childhood were filled with laughter in my kitchen, where I pressed tortillas beside my mama and soaked up the culinary wisdom of my abuela. Each meal we crafted was a love letter, sharing stories and laughter between every bite. Even now, I still feel her warmth when I whip up a batch of homemade treats. Join me as we immerse ourselves in the delightful world of Nutter Butters—those comforting, nutty delights that make every gathering and snack time feel special.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 32 minutes
Servings: About 24 cookies
Difficulty: Easy
Cuisine: American
Best Season: Year-round

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Irresistibly Nutty Flavor: The combination of creamy peanut butter and sugar creates a cookie that’s perfectly sweet and nutty, ensuring every bite is satisfying.
Simple Ingredients: With common pantry staples like flour, butter, and peanut butter, whipping these up at home is as easy as pie—well, cookies!
Perfect for All Occasions: Whether you’re hosting a gathering, packing lunch for little ones, or just indulging in a snack, these cookies fit any occasion beautifully.
Customizable Fillings: While the classic peanut butter filling is delectable, you can easily switch it up to include other flavors, making each batch an adventure.
Nostalgic Comfort: These homemade Nutter Butters bring a comforting nostalgia that transcends generations, making them a delightful treat for family and friends alike.

Ingredients List

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
1 cup light brown sugar
1 cup creamy peanut butter
1 large egg
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/2 cup sugar to roll the cookie dough in
1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter (for filling)
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
2 tablespoons milk
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Ingredient Tips

All-purpose flour: Consider using whole wheat flour for added nutrition and flavor.
Unsalted butter: Always use softened butter for easy mixing. If in a pinch, you can microwave it briefly, but don’t melt it.
Peanut butter: Opt for natural peanut butter for a more wholesome taste, but any creamy variety works well.
Brown sugar: Ensure it’s packed tightly in the cup to get the right sweetness and texture.
Egg: Room temperature eggs mix better; simply let them sit out before baking.

Step-by-Step Instructions

To Make the Cookies:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and kosher salt. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
Add the creamy peanut butter, egg, and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.
Gradually incorporate the flour mixture until just combined. Don’t overmix!
Roll tablespoon-sized balls of dough in sugar, placing them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Gently flatten each ball with a fork, creating a criss-cross pattern.
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until slightly golden. Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

To Make the Peanut Butter Filling:

In a separate bowl, beat the softened butter with the creamy peanut butter until smooth.
Gradually add the powder sugar, mixing well after each addition.
Pour in the milk and vanilla extract, blending until creamy and spreadable.
Once your cookies are completely cooled, spread a generous dollop of filling on the flat side of one cookie and sandwich it with another.

Pro Secrets for Success

Cookie consistency: Don’t be afraid to adjust the dough’s consistency with a sprinkle of flour or a bit more peanut butter; it should be soft but not sticky.
Cooling time: Allow the cookies to cool completely before filling; this ensures that the filling doesn’t melt or ooze out.
Don’t rush the chill: If your dough feels too warm to handle, stick it in the fridge for 10-15 minutes to firm it up.
Oven accuracy: Always check your oven temperature with an oven thermometer for the best baking results.

Creative Variations

Nut Butter Twist: Swap out peanut butter for almond or cashew butter for a unique flavor profile that still comes with that nutty goodness.
Choco-Coconut Fusion: Add shredded coconut to the filling and drizzle melted chocolate on top for a tropical touch.
Crunchy Peanut Surprise: Fold in some crushed peanuts into both the cookie dough and the peanut butter filling for added texture.
Seasonal Spice: Incorporate a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg into the cookie dough for a cozy, spiced version perfect for the holidays.

Perfect Pairings

Enjoy your homemade Nutter Butters with a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of hot chocolate for that classic comfort feel. They also pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delectable dessert experience. For a snack that feels a bit gourmet, serve with a lightly brewed chai tea or coffee.

Make Ahead & Freezer Tips

You can make the cookie dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the shaped cookie dough balls, then bake directly from the freezer, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time. Fully assembled cookies can also be frozen, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil.

Serving Ideas

Presentation is key. Place your Nutter Butters on a decorative platter, and consider garnishing with crushed peanuts or a light dusting of powdered sugar for a touch of elegance. Pair with seasonal fruits like strawberries or bananas for a fresh contrast.

Kitchen Wisdom

Use a cookie scoop for uniform cookie sizes, ensuring they bake evenly.
Line your baking sheets with parchment to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Rotate your baking sheets halfway through to achieve an evenly baked batch.
Taste-test the filling before assembling—if it’s not sweet enough, adjust with more powdered sugar until it’s just right.

Storage & Reheating Tips

Store your Nutter Butters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week for optimal freshness. If you want to refresh your cookies, simply microwave them for 10-15 seconds to bring back that delightful softness without losing their flavor.

FAQs

Are Nutter Butters gluten-free?
Unfortunately, this recipe contains all-purpose flour, which isn’t gluten-free. However, you can substitute a gluten-free flour blend for a suitable alternative.

Can I make these cookies vegan?
Yes! Substitute the egg with a flaxseed meal (1 tablespoon of flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water) and use vegan butter for the cookie and filling.

How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
Ensure your butter is softened, not melted, and if it seems too soft, chill the dough before baking to maintain shape.

What can I use instead of peanut butter?
Almond butter or sunflower seed butter work wonderfully as substitutes, giving you a nutty flavor without using peanut products.

Can these cookies be decorated?
Absolutely! Drizzle chocolate over the tops or sprinkle them with sea salt for a gourmet touch that elevates the cookie experience.

How do I store leftover filling?
The leftover peanut butter filling can be stored in the fridge for a week. Just make sure to tightly seal it to maintain freshness.

Can I freeze these cookies after baking?
Yes! Once fully cooled, freeze them in an airtight container. Just remember they might lose some of their crispness upon thawing.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 1 cookie
Calories: 180
Protein: 4g
Carbs: 26g
Fat: 8g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 10g
Nutrition facts are estimates and may vary. Consult a nutritionist for precise info.

Personal Note

Cooking and baking are more than just preparing food; they’re about sharing love, laughter, and memories. Each bite of these homemade Nutter Butters carries a piece of warmth and connections made in laughter-filled kitchens. I hope you find joy in creating and sharing them with those you love; that’s what truly makes a recipe meaningful.

From My Kitchen to Yours

I invite you to try making these homemade Nutter Butters and share your version! Whether enjoyed with family, friends, or as an afternoon indulgence, these cookies are sure to bring comfort and joy. Don’t forget to pin this recipe so you can easily return to it whenever you crave that perfect nutty delight!