Nutter Butter Cookies

These Nutter Butter Cookies are the perfect treat for anyone who loves peanut butter. With a delicious peanut-flavored cookie and creamy peanut butter filling sandwiched between, every bite delivers the perfect combination of crunchy and creamy. They’re the ideal snack for any time of the day, from a quick midday pick-me-up to a cozy dessert after dinner. Whether you’re a peanut butter lover or just someone who enjoys a good cookie, these Nutter Butter Cookies are sure to become a favorite.

Behind the Recipe

If you’ve ever had Nutter Butter Cookies, you know they’re the ultimate peanut butter treat. The idea behind these cookies is simple but irresistible: a crunchy, peanut-buttery cookie paired with a rich, smooth peanut butter filling. What makes them so special is their perfect texture and flavor balance. Not too sweet, not too salty just the right amount of peanut butter goodness. This recipe brings the classic flavor right to your kitchen, making it easy to enjoy these irresistible cookies at home.

Recipe Origin or Trivia

Nutter Butter Cookies are a beloved classic, originally introduced by Nabisco in 1969. Inspired by the nutty flavor of peanuts, these cookies quickly became a go-to snack for peanut butter enthusiasts everywhere. Their unique shape, which mimics the look of peanuts, has made them instantly recognizable. They’re not just a treat they’re a nostalgic snack that many people remember enjoying during childhood. Their popularity has only grown over the years, and now, you can make these delicious cookies yourself with this easy recipe!

Why You’ll Love Nutter Butter Cookies

These Nutter Butter Cookies are an absolute delight, and here’s why you’re going to love them:

Versatile: Perfect for any occasion, from casual snacks to special celebrations, these cookies fit right in.

Budget-Friendly: With simple ingredients, you don’t need to break the bank to make these delicious treats.

Quick and Easy: Ready in no time, these cookies come together quickly, making them an excellent last-minute treat.

Customizable: Add your personal twist experiment with different fillings or toppings to make them your own.

Crowd-Pleasing: Whether you’re serving them at a party or bringing them to a family gathering, everyone will love these cookies.

Make-Ahead Friendly: Bake these cookies ahead of time, and they’ll stay fresh for days. Perfect for busy schedules!

Great for Leftovers: If you happen to have any leftovers, don’t worry they’ll stay fresh for several days, or you can freeze them for later.

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

• Chill your dough: Letting the cookie dough chill for about 30 minutes makes it easier to work with and results in firmer, crisper cookies.
• Don’t over-bake: Keep an eye on the cookies while they bake. They’re ready when they’re golden around the edges but still soft in the middle.
• Use creamy peanut butter: For the best filling consistency, use creamy peanut butter rather than chunky.
• Even filling: Be sure to spread the peanut butter filling evenly between the cookies for a balanced flavor in every bite.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

• Mixing bowls: For combining the dry and wet ingredients.
• Baking sheet: To bake the cookies evenly.
• Electric mixer: Makes mixing the peanut butter filling quick and easy.
• Cookie cutter or spoon: To shape the cookies and get uniform sizes.

Ingredients in Nutter Butter Cookies

Here’s what you’ll need to make these scrumptious cookies:

1. Butter: 1 cup (softened) – Provides the richness and tenderness to the cookie dough.
2. Sugar: 1 cup – Adds sweetness and helps the cookies crisp up slightly.
3. Egg: 1 large – Binds the ingredients together and helps the cookies hold their shape.
4. Peanut Butter: 1 cup (creamy) – This is the star ingredient that gives the cookie its signature peanut flavor.
5. Flour: 2 ½ cups – The main structure of the dough, giving the cookies their crumbly texture.
6. Baking Powder: 1 teaspoon – Helps the cookies rise slightly as they bake.
7. Salt: ½ teaspoon – Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavor of the peanut butter.
8. Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon – Adds a hint of warmth and depth to the cookies.
9. Powdered Sugar: 1 ½ cups – For the peanut butter filling, it helps to create a smooth, sweet center.

Ingredient Substitutions

Feel free to swap out ingredients to suit your taste or dietary needs:

Butter: Use margarine or a dairy-free alternative for a dairy-free version.

Egg: Substitute with a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water) for an egg-free version.

Peanut Butter: Use almond butter or sunflower butter for a different nutty flavor or if you have allergies.

Vanilla Extract: If you’re out of vanilla extract, use almond extract for a fun twist.

Ingredient Spotlight

Peanut Butter: Peanut butter is not just for spreading on toast! In these cookies, it takes center stage, creating a rich, nutty flavor. Its creamy texture gives the cookies a melt-in-your-mouth quality, making every bite extra indulgent.

Powdered Sugar: Powdered sugar is essential for making the peanut butter filling smooth and creamy. It’s the secret to the soft texture that fills the middle of these cookies.

Instructions for Making Nutter Butter Cookies

1. Preheat Your Equipment: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, beat together the butter, sugar, and peanut butter until smooth. Add the egg and vanilla extract, and mix until well combined.
3. Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
4. Assemble the Dish: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until the dough comes together. Chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
5. Cook to Perfection: Roll the dough into small balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Use a fork to press down on each cookie, creating a crisscross pattern. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
6. Finishing Touches: While the cookies cool, make the filling by mixing together the peanut butter and powdered sugar until smooth.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Once the cookies have cooled, spread a layer of peanut butter filling on the bottom of one cookie and sandwich it with another. Enjoy these delightful treats with a glass of milk!

Texture & Flavor Secrets

The cookies are crunchy on the outside, but once you bite into them, they reveal a soft, peanut buttery center. The creamy peanut butter filling perfectly balances the crispy cookie, making each bite satisfying and rich in flavor. The sweetness of the filling contrasts beautifully with the salty, nutty flavor of the peanut butter cookie.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

• Chill your dough: This helps to maintain the shape of the cookies while baking and gives them a crispier texture.
• Don’t skip the fork marks: They not only give the cookies their signature look, but they also help them bake evenly.
• Make sure the cookies cool: Before adding the filling, let the cookies cool completely to prevent the filling from melting.

What to Avoid

• Overmixing the dough: This can lead to tough cookies, so mix just until the dough comes together.
• Underbaking the cookies: Make sure to bake them long enough for that perfect golden-brown edge.
• Too much filling: Keep the filling layer thin for the best texture and balance of flavor.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 24 cookies
Calories per serving: 180
Note: These are approximate values.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 32 minutes

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

You can make these cookies ahead of time and store them in an airtight container for up to a week. They also freeze well, so feel free to freeze them for up to three months. To thaw, simply leave them at room temperature for a few hours.

How to Serve Nutter Butter Cookies

These cookies are great on their own, but if you want to take them up a notch, serve them alongside a glass of milk, or dip them in chocolate for an extra indulgence. They also make a great gift wrapped up in a cute box or tin.

Creative Leftover Transformations

If you have any leftover cookies, try crumbling them into a bowl of vanilla ice cream for a delicious peanut butter cookie crunch. You can also use them to make a no-bake cheesecake crust or mix them into a trail mix for a sweet and salty snack.

Additional Tips

• To make the cookies extra crunchy, try rolling them in chopped peanuts before baking.
• For a chocolate twist, dip half of each cookie in melted chocolate and let it set before serving.

Make It a Showstopper

For a professional touch, sprinkle a little sea salt over the peanut butter filling to enhance the flavors. This small addition can turn your homemade cookies into a showstopper.

Variations to Try

• Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies: Add cocoa powder to the dough for a chocolatey twist.
• Peanut Butter and Jelly: Add a dollop of your favorite jelly or jam inside the sandwich for a nostalgic flavor combo.
• Gluten-Free Version: Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend.

FAQ’s

Q1: Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
A1: Yes, these cookies store well for up to a week in an airtight container or can be frozen for up to three months.

Q2: Can I use crunchy peanut butter?
A2: Yes, crunchy peanut butter will work as well and add extra texture to the cookies.

Q3: How can I make these cookies more indulgent?
A3: Try dipping half of the cookies in melted chocolate for an extra layer of flavor.

Q4: How long do these cookies last?
A4: When stored properly in an airtight container, they’ll stay fresh for about a week.

Q5: Can I use natural peanut butter?
A5: Natural peanut butter can be used, but it may make the cookies a little softer due to its oil content.

Conclusion

Trust me, these Nutter Butter Cookies are worth every bit of effort. They’re crunchy, creamy, and perfectly peanut buttery everything you could ever want in a cookie. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just craving a sweet snack, these cookies are sure to be a hit. So, grab your ingredients and get baking you’re in for a treat!

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