For more than five decades, Nutter Butter has been a favorite in the world of cookies. Its signature peanut-shaped exterior and delicious, creamy peanut butter filling make it an instantly recognizable snack. But have you ever paused and wondered, what exactly is in the middle of a Nutter Butter? The answer is as delightful as the cookie itself—a rich, creamy peanut butter filling, enhanced with flavors and ingredients that make this snack utterly addictive.
In this comprehensive exploration, we’ll dive into the origins of Nutter Butter, the secret behind its irresistible filling, its nutritional makeup, the various Nutter Butter product lines, and even how you can recreate this treat at home. We’ll also address commonly asked questions and dig into why peanut butter holds such a special place in the hearts of cookie lovers everywhere.
If you’ve ever asked yourself, what is in the middle of a Nutter Butter, you’re not alone—fans everywhere are curious.
The History of Nutter Butter
Nutter Butter cookies were first introduced by Nabisco in 1969, quickly becoming one of the most iconic peanut butter cookies in America. Nabisco, already known for other successful cookies like Oreos and Ritz Crackers, saw an opportunity to expand its product line with a peanut butter-based cookie.
William Turnier likely designed the peanut shape to reflect the core ingredient—peanut butter—and also contributed to the Oreo design. Turnier’s idea was to create a cookie that not only tasted like peanut butter but looked like a peanut as well. This decision helped the product stand out on store shelves, and it still does today.
Nutter Butter’s debut was timely, coinciding with the growing popularity of peanut butter in American households. The cookie’s success was nearly immediate, leading it to become one of Nabisco’s best-selling sandwich cookies. For a deeper look into the origins of this iconic cookie, you can explore what Nutter Butters are made of and their fascinating history.
The Evolution of Peanut Butter in American Snacks
While Nutter Butter was an instant hit, the love affair between Americans and peanut butter goes back much further. In fact, peanut butter became widely popular in the early 20th century, especially during the Great Depression, when affordable protein sources were in high demand. By the mid-1900s, peanut butter was a staple in most American households, used in everything from sandwiches to desserts.
Peanut butter’s versatility made it a natural fit for cookies, and Nutter Butter wasn’t the first cookie to include peanut butter. However, it quickly became the most iconic, thanks to its combination of creamy peanut butter filling and crunchy peanut-shaped cookie exterior.
What Is in the Middle of a Nutter Butter?
Many people wonder, what is in the middle of a Nutter Butter, and the answer lies in its delicious peanut butter filling.
The Nutter Butter filling uses real peanut butter, but the formula includes additional ingredients to maintain a creamy yet firm texture, perfect for sandwiching between two cookies.
Here’s a breakdown of the key ingredients in the Nutter Butter filling:
- Peanut Butter: Made from real ground peanuts, this is the base of the filling, providing that rich, nutty flavor.
- Sweeteners: Sugar and high fructose corn syrup are added to balance the salty, earthy flavors of the peanut butter.
- Emulsifiers: Ingredients like soy lecithin and peanut oil help maintain the smooth, creamy texture of the filling, ensuring it doesn’t become too oily or separate during storage.
- Flavorings: A hint of vanilla extract and salt is included to enhance the overall flavor profile, adding depth to the filling’s sweetness.
The result is a filling that’s creamy, smooth, and perfectly balanced in terms of sweet and salty flavors. It’s no wonder why people love the contrast between the filling and the crunchy cookie exterior!
Nutritional Information of Nutter Butter
Nutter Butter is best enjoyed in moderation. While it offers nutrients from peanut butter, it also contains sugar and fats, so it should be consumed mindfully.
A standard serving size of Nutter Butter (about 56 grams) contains:
- Calories: 270
- Total Fat: 11g (17% of the daily recommended value)
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 210mg (9% of daily value)
- Total Carbohydrates: 39g (13% of daily value)
- Dietary Fiber: 2g (8% of daily value)
- Sugars: 17g
- Protein: 4g
Nutter Butter offers a decent source of protein due to the peanut butter but also contains a fair amount of sugar and fat. As a result, it’s best enjoyed as an occasional sweet treat. For more details about its nutritional composition and how it fits into a balanced diet, you can read about whether Nutter Butter is a healthy snack.
The Role of Peanut Butter in Snacks
Peanut butter has always been a star ingredient in many snack foods, but its use in Nutter Butter takes it to a new level. There’s something about the creamy texture and salty-sweet flavor of peanut butter that makes it perfect for cookies. In Nutter Butter, the creamy peanut butter filling acts as the perfect complement to the crispy cookie shell, creating a snack that’s satisfying on multiple levels.
But why is peanut butter so popular in snacks? Here are a few reasons:
- Texture: The creamy, smooth consistency of peanut butter contrasts perfectly with crunchy elements like cookies, crackers, or pretzels.
- Flavor: Peanut butter’s naturally rich, nutty taste pairs well with both sweet and savory flavors, making it a versatile ingredient.
- Nostalgia: For many people, peanut butter is a nostalgic food, often associated with childhood favorites like peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, making it a comfort food.
Peanut butter has found its way into countless snacks, from peanut butter cups to protein bars, but Nutter Butter remains one of the most iconic peanut butter-based cookies in the market.
Variations of Nutter Butter
Nabisco has introduced various Nutter Butter cookie versions over the years to cater to different tastes and preferences. While the classic peanut-shaped cookie remains the most popular, here are a few of the variations you might encounter:
- Double Nutty Nutter Butter: As the name suggests, this version doubles the amount of peanut butter filling, providing an extra creamy experience for peanut butter lovers.
- Nutter Butter Bites: These mini versions of the original cookie are bite-sized, making them perfect for snacking on the go or sharing with friends. They offer the same delicious flavor in a more convenient, snackable format.
- Fudge-Covered Nutter Butter: For those who want something a bit more indulgent, this version covers the peanut butter cookie in a layer of rich chocolate fudge, adding a whole new dimension of flavor.
- Nutter Butter Cereal: Released by Post Consumer Brands, this cereal offers the same peanut butter flavor but in the form of breakfast cereal, allowing fans to enjoy their favorite cookie in a new way.
These variations provide new and exciting ways to enjoy the signature Nutter Butter flavor. Explore creative dessert ideas, like those in the best birthday cake recipes, to incorporate Nutter Butter into your treats.
How Nutter Butter Filling is Made
The creamy peanut butter filling inside Nutter Butter is what truly sets it apart from other cookies. Although the exact recipe is a secret, we know the filling starts with real peanut butter made from ground peanuts.
The secret to what is in the middle of a Nutter Butter is the combination of creamy peanut butter and sweeteners.
Here’s how the Nutter Butter filling is made:
- Peanut Butter Base: Ground peanuts are blended into smooth, creamy peanut butter.
- Sweeteners and Oils: Sugar, high fructose corn syrup, and peanut oil balance saltiness and maintain a creamy texture.
- Emulsifiers: Soy lecithin prevents oil separation, keeping the filling smooth and spreadable.
- Flavor Enhancers: Salt and vanilla extract provide a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors.
After preparing the filling, pipe it between two crispy, peanut-shaped cookies to create the finished Nutter Butter.This careful combination of ingredients and techniques ensures that the cookie has the perfect balance of flavors and textures.
How to Make Copycat Nutter Butter at Home
If you love Nutter Butter and want to make your own at home, you’re in luck. While the exact Nabisco recipe is secret, you can still create a tasty homemade version using simple pantry ingredients. Knowing what is in the middle of a Nutter Butter adds to the enjoyment of this classic cookie, and now you can recreate it yourself.
Ingredients for the Cookies:
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Ingredients for the Filling:
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Make the Dough: In a bowl, cream together the butter and peanut butter until smooth. Add the powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk, mixing until combined. Whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl, then mix into the peanut butter mixture until dough forms.
- Shape the Cookies: Roll the dough into small balls, then flatten them into an oval or peanut shape. Use a fork to press a crisscross pattern onto each cookie, mimicking the signature Nutter Butter look.
- Bake: Bake the cookies at 350°F for about 12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
- Make the Filling: While the cookies are cooling, prepare the filling by creaming together the butter and peanut butter. Gradually add the powdered sugar and milk, mixing until smooth and spreadable.
- Assemble: Once the cookies have cooled, spread the peanut butter filling on one side of a cookie and sandwich it with another cookie.
Enjoy your homemade version of this classic treat! For more creative cookie ideas, explore the ingredients of milk cookies and how they pair with Nutter Butters.
FAQs About Nutter Butter
What is the filling in Nutter Butter made of?
The filling contains real peanut butter, sweeteners like sugar and corn syrup, plus emulsifiers for a smooth texture.
Does Nutter Butter contain real peanut butter?
Yes, Nutter Butter uses real peanut butter in both the cookie and the filling, giving it an authentic peanut flavor.
Is Nutter Butter vegan?
No, Nutter Butter cookies contain dairy, which makes them unsuitable for a vegan diet.
Are Nutter Butters gluten-free?
No, Nutter Butters contain wheat flour, so they are not gluten-free.
Can I make Nutter Butter at home?
Yes, you can make a homemade version of Nutter Butter using ingredients like peanut butter, flour, and powdered sugar. The recipe above offers a simple way to replicate the flavor of the original cookie.