Homemade Copycat Nutter Butters Recipe
If you adore the nostalgic, peanut buttery goodness of the classic cookie sandwich, you are in for an absolute treat with these Homemade Copycat Nutter Butters. This recipe captures everything you love about the original—crispy, lightly sweet peanut cookies cuddling a creamy, dreamy peanut butter filling. Each bite offers a perfect balance of texture and flavor that makes these cookies impossible to resist. I’ve personally found making these at home more rewarding and fun than you might expect, plus you can tailor the sweetness and peanut punch exactly to your liking. These homemade treats are destined to become one of your go-to comfort snacks or crowd-pleasers at any gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need
To whip up these crowd-favorite Homemade Copycat Nutter Butters, you don’t need a pantry full of fancy items. The magic lies in a handful of everyday ingredients that combine to create irresistible flavor and texture. From the richness of butter and peanut butter to the lightness provided by baking soda and flour, each component plays a vital role in shaping this cookie’s character.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Gives the cookies a tender crumb and rich flavor while providing structure.
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter: The star ingredient that delivers signature peanut taste and moistness to the dough.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps cookies brown nicely on top.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar: Brings slight moisture and a subtle caramel undertone to the cookie base.
- 1 large egg: Binds the ingredients and contributes to a tender bite.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Elevates the overall flavor with warm, aromatic notes.
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the necessary bulk and creates the cookie’s structure.
- 3/4 teaspoon baking soda: Leavens the dough slightly, giving the cookies a light texture.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the peanut flavor.
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter (for filling): Makes the filling extra rich and true to classic Nutter Butter taste.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (for filling): Adds creaminess and smoothness to the filling.
- 1 cup powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the filling for that perfect spreadable consistency.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for filling): Infuses the filling with a gentle, fragrant note.
- 1–2 tablespoons milk (as needed for texture): Adjusts filling consistency to make it silky and easy to pipe or spread.
How to Make Homemade Copycat Nutter Butters
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet
Before diving into mixing, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This step ensures your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick, making cleanup a breeze and the cookie base perfect every time.
Step 2: Cream Butter, Peanut Butter, and Sugars
In a large bowl, beat together softened butter, creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture turns light, fluffy, and smooth. This creaming process traps air within the mixture and sets the stage for tender, perfectly textured cookies that aren’t dense or crumbly.
Step 3: Incorporate Egg and Vanilla
Add a large egg and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture, blending everything until completely combined. This step adds moisture and helps bind the dough while enhancing the flavors with that classic vanilla warmth.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients and Make Dough
Whisk the flour, baking soda, and salt together in a separate bowl, then gradually introduce these dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir gently until the dough forms—dense yet pliable and ready to shape. Be careful not to overmix to maintain desirable cookie tenderness.
Step 5: Shape Dough and Add Classic Pattern
Roll the dough into small balls about one inch in diameter, then gently shape each ball into an oval. Use a fork to press a crosshatch pattern across the top of each cookie, then sprinkle a little granulated sugar on top for that nostalgic sparkle and texture. This detail makes your Homemade Copycat Nutter Butters instantly recognizable and visually inviting.
Step 6: Bake and Cool
Place your cookies spaced out on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 8 to 10 minutes or until they are lightly golden at the edges. Once baked, remove them and let cool completely on a wire rack. Cooling is critical so the cookies firm up and don’t crumble when assembled with filling.
Step 7: Mix the Filling
While the cookies cool, prepare the filling by beating together creamy peanut butter and softened butter until smooth. Gradually mix in powdered sugar and vanilla extract until creamy. Add 1-2 tablespoons of milk as needed to achieve a silky, pipeable consistency that’s perfect for sandwiching between the cookies.
Step 8: Assemble Your Homemade Copycat Nutter Butters
Once your cookies are completely cooled, spread or pipe a generous dollop of filling on the flat side of one cookie, then sandwich it with another. This assembly completes your Homemade Copycat Nutter Butters, giving you that classic handheld peanut butter delight that melts in your mouth.
How to Serve Homemade Copycat Nutter Butters
Garnishes
To add a bit of flair, try sprinkling finely chopped roasted peanuts or a light dusting of cocoa powder on top of the filling before sandwiching. These simple garnishes add a delightful crunch or subtle chocolate contrast to complement the rich peanut flavor beautifully.
Side Dishes
These cookies make an excellent companion to a cold glass of milk or a steaming cup of coffee or tea. The creamy and crunchy qualities of the Homemade Copycat Nutter Butters balance perfectly with the refreshing mildness of milk or the robust undertones of your favorite warm beverage.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist at parties, arrange the sandwiches on a rustic wooden board adorned with peanuts and small bowls of extra filling for dipping. You could also package them individually in parchment paper tied with twine for adorable homemade gifts everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Homemade Copycat Nutter Butters in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and delicious for up to 5 days, allowing you to enjoy their peanut buttery goodness well beyond baking day.
Freezing
If you want to make these cookies ahead of time or save extras, freeze the assembled sandwich cookies in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They keep wonderfully for up to 3 months and defrost quickly at room temperature.
Reheating
While typically enjoyed cold or at room temperature, if you prefer a softer texture, warm the cookies for 10-15 seconds in the microwave on low power. This warms the peanut butter filling slightly and makes the cookie tender and even more irresistible.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Using crunchy peanut butter will add extra texture and a pleasant crunch to both the cookie dough and the filling. Just expect a slightly different mouthfeel compared to the smooth, traditional versions.
Can I make this recipe nut-free?
While these cookies highlight peanut butter as the star ingredient, you can substitute with sunflower seed butter or another nut-free alternative. The taste will be different, but you’ll still get a creamy filling and delicious cookie sandwich.
How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
Make sure your butter and peanut butter are properly softened but not melted, and chill the dough briefly if it feels too sticky before shaping. This helps preserve the cookies’ classic shape and crisp edges.
Is it necessary to add the fork pattern on top?
Technically, no, but the crosshatch pattern is a trademark look of Nutter Butters and adds a bit of texture and charm. Plus, it’s super fun to do and makes your Homemade Copycat Nutter Butters look truly authentic!
Can I double this recipe easily?
Yes, doubling the ingredients works well if you need a larger batch. Just be mindful of baking times and space between cookies on the baking sheet to avoid overcrowding.
Final Thoughts
Making Homemade Copycat Nutter Butters from scratch is an absolute joy with such simple ingredients transforming into nostalgic cookies that feel both comforting and indulgent. Whether for an afternoon treat, holiday gift, or anytime craving, these cookie sandwiches bring smiles and peanut buttery happiness to everyone lucky enough to taste them. I encourage you to dive into the recipe and enjoy the process as much as the delicious results—you might just find a new favorite cookie to bake over and over again!
PrintHomemade Copycat Nutter Butters Recipe
This homemade copycat Nutter Butters recipe features soft, peanut buttery cookies with a creamy, rich peanut butter filling. Perfectly spiced and sweetened, these peanut butter sandwich cookies are easy to make from scratch and guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth with a nostalgic crunch and smooth filling.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies (12 sandwiches) 1x
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Cookies:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (plus extra for topping)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Filling:
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1–2 tablespoons milk (as needed for texture)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Ingredients: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps create a tender cookie texture.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Add the egg and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture and mix until everything is fully combined and smooth.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to ensure even distribution of leavening and flavor.
- Make the Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms that can hold its shape but is not too sticky.
- Shape Cookies: Roll the dough into approximately 1-inch balls, then shape each into an oval. Press each oval with a fork to create the signature crosshatch pattern and lightly sprinkle the tops with additional granulated sugar for a slight crunch.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8–10 minutes, or until they turn lightly golden around the edges. Remove from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack to firm up before filling.
- Prepare Filling: In a mixing bowl, beat together the peanut butter and softened butter until smooth and creamy. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract and continue to mix. Gradually add milk one tablespoon at a time until the filling reaches a spreadable consistency.
- Assemble Cookies: Once the cookies are completely cooled, spread or pipe the peanut butter filling onto the flat side of one cookie, then sandwich with another cookie on top to create the classic Nutter Butter cookie sandwich.
Notes
- For firmer cookies, chill the dough for 30 minutes before shaping and baking.
- If the filling is too thick, add a little more milk, one teaspoon at a time, for easier spreading.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or refrigerate to extend freshness.
- These cookies freeze well for up to 2 months; thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Use creamy peanut butter for the best texture in both dough and filling.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich cookie (about 28g)
- Calories: 160 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 110 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 17 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
Keywords: Nutter Butters, Peanut Butter Cookies, Homemade Nutter Butters, Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies, Copycat Cookie Recipe