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Step-by-Step Guide to Making Homemade Nutter Butter Cookies
1. Prepare the Peanut Butter Cookie Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes). This step is essential for achieving a soft and chewy texture.
- Add the eggs and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture and beat until well incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until the dough comes together. It should be slightly soft but not sticky. If the dough feels too soft, you can refrigerate it for 20-30 minutes to make it easier to work with.
2. Shape the Cookies:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. For a more uniform shape, you can use a cookie scoop or your hands to roll the dough.
- Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.
- Use a fork to gently press down on each dough ball in a criss-cross pattern, which will give them the classic Nutter Butter appearance. If you like, you can also gently shape the dough balls into a more oval or peanut-like shape to mimic the classic Nutter Butter cookie.
3. Bake the Cookies:
- Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The center should still look soft, as they will firm up as they cool.
- Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
4. Make the Peanut Butter Filling:
- While the cookies are cooling, prepare the peanut butter filling. In a medium bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, softened butter, and a pinch of salt. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to blend the ingredients together until smooth and creamy. The filling should be thick, but spreadable.
- If the filling seems too soft, you can refrigerate it for a few minutes to firm it up before using.
5. Assemble the Cookies:
- Once the cookies have cooled completely, pair them up into matching sizes. Spread or pipe a generous amount of the peanut butter filling onto the flat side of one cookie and sandwich it with another cookie. Gently press the cookies together to ensure the filling sticks.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
- Allow the cookies to set for a few minutes so the filling can firm up slightly. Serve immediately, or store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- For extra indulgence, you can drizzle the cookies with melted chocolate or dip half of each cookie in chocolate and let it set for a decadent touch.
Tips for the Perfect Homemade Nutter Butter Cookies
- Chill the Dough: If the dough feels too sticky or soft to shape, chill it in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes. This will make the dough easier to handle and prevent spreading during baking.
- Use Smooth Peanut Butter: For the filling, smooth peanut butter works best to get a creamy, spreadable consistency. You can use chunky peanut butter in the cookie dough if you like a bit of texture, but the filling should remain smooth.
- Customize the Filling: Feel free to add a dash of cinnamon or honey to the filling for a unique twist on the classic flavor.
- Shape Variations: While the classic Nutter Butter shape is oval, you can have fun with the design. Use cookie cutters to make themed shapes (like hearts for Valentine’s Day) or roll the dough into balls and flatten them slightly for round cookies.
- Storage: These cookies store well in an airtight container for several days. For longer storage, you can freeze them, and they’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months.
Conclusion: A Peanut Butter Lover’s Dream Cookie
These Homemade Nutter Butter Cookies are the ultimate treat for anyone who loves peanut butter. With a deliciously rich peanut butter cookie and a creamy filling that perfectly complements the crunch of the cookie, each bite is a little piece of heaven.
Whether you enjoy them with a glass of milk, serve them at a party, or pack them in lunchboxes for a sweet surprise, these cookies are sure to become a new favorite in your dessert repertoire. Simple to make and packed with flavor, this recipe will have you saying goodbye to store-bought cookies and hello to homemade deliciousness.
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