Copycat Nutter Butters Recipe
If you’ve ever found yourself craving that perfect balance of crunchy peanut buttery goodness and a touch of sweetness, then you are going to adore this Copycat Nutter Butters recipe. These homemade delights capture all the charm of the classic store-bought version but with that extra love and freshness you can only get from baking them yourself. From the tender yet crisp cookie exterior to the creamy peanut butter filling tucked inside, each bite is an irresistible treat that brings a nostalgic smile. Whether you’re making them for afternoon snacks, sharing with friends, or surprising your family, Copycat Nutter Butters deliver comfort and joy in every crumb.

Ingredients You’ll Need
Believe it or not, the magic behind these Copycat Nutter Butters comes from a handful of simple but thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each plays its part in building that familiar peanut buttery flavor, delightful texture, and inviting golden hue that make these cookies so special.
- Unsalted butter: Provides a rich, creamy base without overpowering saltiness, ensuring balance.
- Creamy peanut butter: Essential for that unmistakable nutty flavor both in the cookie dough and filling.
- Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with that slight crispness on the cookie’s surface.
- Brown sugar: Brings moisture and a subtle caramel undertone to the dough.
- Large egg: Binds the ingredients together and gives structure to the cookies.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a warm, aromatic note.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation that holds everything together with the perfect cookie crumb.
- Baking soda: Helps the cookies spread and creates a tender texture.
- Salt: Balances sweetness and elevates all the other flavors.
- Powdered sugar (for filling): Gives the filling that smooth, sweet finish.
- Milk (for filling): Adjusts the filling’s consistency to creamy perfection.
How to Make Copycat Nutter Butters
Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough
Start by beating together the softened unsalted butter, creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture becomes smooth and fluffy. This step is key to ensuring your cookies have that perfect light yet peanut-packed base.
Step 2: Incorporate Egg and Vanilla
Add the large egg and vanilla extract into the peanut butter mixture and mix until fully combined. The egg lends structure while the vanilla deepens the flavor, making the dough deliciously aromatic.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until blended. The balance here is crucial to achieve that signature crumbly yet tender cookie texture without toughness.
Step 4: Shape and Press the Cookies
Roll the dough into small balls, then gently flatten each one with a fork to create the classic Nutter Butter ridged imprint. Don’t forget to sprinkle just a pinch of granulated sugar atop each cookie before baking for that lovely sparkly finish.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Place your cookies on a lined baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven until they’re golden brown along the edges but still soft in the center. This precise baking time ensures the cookies remain crunchy on the outside and tender inside — just like the original.
Step 6: Prepare the Peanut Butter Filling
While the cookies cool, whip together the second batch of creamy peanut butter, softened unsalted butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and enough milk to get a creamy but spreadable consistency. This luscious filling is what will truly bring the Copycat Nutter Butters to life.
Step 7: Assemble the Cookies
Once your cookies have cooled completely, spread or pipe a generous dollop of the peanut butter filling onto the bottom of one cookie and sandwich it with another. Press lightly so they stick well but keep their shape intact.
How to Serve Copycat Nutter Butters

Garnishes
These cookies shine on their own but feel free to get creative—dust a little powdered sugar over the tops for an inviting sweet touch or sprinkle finely chopped roasted peanuts around the edges for extra crunch and visual appeal.
Side Dishes
Copycat Nutter Butters pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk—the classic combo—or cozy up with a cup of black coffee or lightly sweetened tea to balance the sweetness perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, arrange them on a rustic wooden board surrounded by fresh fruit slices or alongside other nutty treats. You can also gently warm them and serve them as a decadent dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place leftover Copycat Nutter Butters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Keep them away from heat and direct sunlight to preserve the texture and flavor.
Freezing
If you want to make these cookies ahead of time or save some for later, freeze the unassembled cookies and filling separately. Wrap the cookies tightly in plastic wrap and store both components in freezer-safe containers for up to two months.
Reheating
When ready to enjoy frozen cookies, let them thaw at room temperature before assembling. If you prefer, warm a fully assembled cookie briefly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to soften the filling and enhance that fresh-baked experience.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Definitely! Using crunchy peanut butter adds a bit of extra texture to both the cookie and filling, making your Copycat Nutter Butters even more irresistibly peanut-packed.
How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
Make sure your butter is softened but not melted, and chill the dough briefly if it feels too soft before baking. This helps maintain the iconic shape and ridges of the cookies.
Are these Copycat Nutter Butters gluten-free?
This recipe uses all-purpose flour, so it is not gluten-free by default. However, you can experiment with gluten-free flour blends that measure cup-for-cup to create a similar result.
Can I make these into mini cookies?
Yes! Simply scale down the dough balls and reduce the baking time slightly. Mini Copycat Nutter Butters make perfect bite-sized snacks for parties and gatherings.
What’s the best way to pipe the filling?
Using a piping bag fitted with a round tip creates a neat, professional look and even distribution. If you don’t have a piping bag, a zip-top bag with a small corner snipped off works just as well.
Final Thoughts
There is something so comforting about biting into a homemade cookie that tastes just like your favorite childhood treat, and these Copycat Nutter Butters deliver that experience beautifully. From their buttery peanut flavor to the luscious filling, they’re a joy to make and even more fun to eat. So grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to enjoy a batch of these addictive cookies that are sure to become a beloved staple in your kitchen.
PrintCopycat Nutter Butters Recipe
This Copycat Nutter Butters recipe recreates the classic peanut butter sandwich cookie with a buttery, tender cookie exterior and a creamy peanut butter filling. Perfectly sweet with a slightly salty kick, these homemade Nutter Butters are a delightful treat to enjoy with milk or as an anytime snack.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies (12 sandwiches) 1x
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 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
- Prepare the Cookie Dough: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this to the wet ingredients, mixing until the dough forms and no dry flour remains.
- Shape the Cookies: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and lightly flatten them. Sprinkle a tiny bit of granulated sugar on top of each cookie dough disc for texture and sweetness.
- Imprint the Pattern: Using a fork or a special cookie stamp, gently press to create the classic Nutter Butter ridges and lines on each cookie surface.
- Bake the Cookies: Place the cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet about 2 inches apart. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges start to turn golden. Remove from oven and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack.
- Make the Filling: In a bowl, beat together 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter and 1/4 cup softened unsalted butter until smooth and creamy. Add powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, mixing well. Add 1–2 tablespoons milk gradually until the filling reaches a spreadable consistency.
- Assemble the Cookies: Pair cookies of similar size. Spread a generous amount of filling on the flat side of one cookie and sandwich it with its pair, gently pressing together.
- Serve and Store: Enjoy immediately or store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
Notes
- For the best texture, ensure the butter is softened but not melted.
- If you want a more pronounced peanut flavor, use natural peanut butter without added sugar.
- Adjust the milk in the filling gradually to avoid a runny consistency.
- Cookies can be stored in the freezer after assembling; thaw before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich cookie (2 cookies with filling)
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 110 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
Keywords: Nutter Butters, peanut butter cookies, homemade cookies, peanut butter filling, sandwich cookies

