Irresistible Nutter Butter Cupcakes: Your Ultimate Peanut Butter Treat Recipe

Prepare your taste buds for an unforgettable experience! These Nutter Butter Cupcakes are a symphony of creamy peanut butter, tender cake, and a rich, luscious frosting, all crowned with a classic Nutter Butter cookie. They are an absolute delight that transcends the ordinary, offering a perfect blend of sweet and salty in every single bite. Whether you’re a lifelong devotee of the iconic Nutter Butter cookie or simply someone who appreciates the comforting taste of peanut butter, this recipe is destined to become a firm favorite in your baking collection.

Get ready to impress your guests at any gathering, from lively birthday parties to festive holiday celebrations, or simply treat yourself and your family to a moment of pure, unadulterated bliss. These cupcakes are surprisingly easy to make, making them accessible for bakers of all skill levels, and their crowd-pleasing flavor ensures they’ll disappear quickly. Let’s dive into creating these wonderfully indulgent peanut butter sensations!

Why These Nutter Butter Cupcakes Are Your Next Baking Project

Beyond their undeniable deliciousness, these Nutter Butter Cupcakes offer several compelling reasons to get baking:

• Unmatched Flavor Profile: The distinct and beloved taste of Nutter Butter cookies is carefully integrated into every component of these cupcakes, from the moist cake batter to the decadent frosting. It’s a true celebration of peanut butter.
• Effortless Preparation: Don’t let their gourmet appearance fool you; this recipe is straightforward and easy to follow. With clear instructions, even novice bakers can achieve spectacular results.
• Versatility for Any Event: These cupcakes are incredibly adaptable. They are perfect for formal celebrations, casual picnics, school events, or simply as a comforting treat during your weekly routine. They truly brighten any day of the week.
• The Joy of Homemade: There’s immense satisfaction in baking something from scratch. The aroma filling your kitchen and the pride of serving homemade treats are unparalleled.
• Guaranteed Crowd-Pleaser: Peanut butter is a universally adored flavor. These cupcakes tap into that widespread appeal, making them a surefire hit with everyone who tries them. They are fantastic for friends and family alike.

The Iconic Charm of Nutter Butter Cookies

Before we delve into the cupcake magic, let’s take a moment to appreciate the star ingredient: Nutter Butter cookies. First introduced in 1969, these iconic peanut-shaped sandwich cookies quickly captured the hearts of peanut butter lovers everywhere. What makes them so special?

Each Nutter Butter cookie consists of two crispy, peanut-shaped shortbread cookies generously filled with a rich, creamy peanut butter creme. This unique combination offers a delightful textural contrast and a perfect balance of sweet and savory notes that is instantly recognizable and deeply satisfying. Their distinctive flavor and texture make them an ideal candidate for baking, contributing both crunch and an intense peanut butter essence to desserts like these cupcakes.

By incorporating crushed Nutter Butter cookies directly into the cupcake batter and using them as a garnish, we amplify that beloved flavor, creating a dessert that is truly an ode to this classic cookie.

Nutter Butter Cupcakes Recipe

Delicious Homemade Cupcakes for Any Occasion!

These delightful Nutter Butter Cupcakes are perfect for birthday parties, holidays, or simply as a sweet treat any day of the week.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Servings: 12 cupcakes

Calories: 452 kcal

Author: Tammilee Tips

Print Recipe

Ingredients

For the Cupcakes:

• 1 ½ C All Purpose Flour
• 1 C White Sugar
• 2 Tablespoon White Sugar
• 1 ¾ teaspoon Baking Powder
• 2 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
• 2 Eggs
• ¼ C Greek Yogurt
• ½ C Milk
• 2 Tablespoon Ground Cinnamon
• ½ C Butter
• ½ C Nutter Butter cookies (crushed)

For the Creamy Peanut Butter Frosting:

• 3 C Confectioners Powdered Sugar
• ½ C sweet cream (softened)
• 2 Tablespoon Heavy Whipping Cream
• 4 Tablespoon Creamy Peanut Butter

Instructions

Preparing the Cupcakes:

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper cupcake liners.
2. In a medium-sized bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, white sugar, baking powder, and ground cinnamon. Sifting helps ensure a light, airy texture and prevents lumps.
3. In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer on low speed, cream together the Greek yogurt, softened butter, and the specified amount of white sugar until the mixture is smooth and light. Ensure the texture is uniform.
4. Add the eggs, one at a time, to the yogurt and sugar mixture, beating well after each addition until thoroughly combined.
5. Stir in the vanilla extract, mixing just until it is fully incorporated into the batter.
6. Gradually add the milk to the wet ingredients, beating slowly to combine. Be careful not to overmix the batter at this stage.
7. Gently fold in the crushed Nutter Butter cookies until they are evenly distributed throughout the cupcake batter. This adds both flavor and delightful texture.
8. Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cupcake liners, filling each cup approximately two-thirds full to prevent overflow.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until a wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean.
10. Allow the cupcakes to cool in the muffin tin for about 10 minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. It is essential for the cupcakes to be fully cool before frosting.

Making the Irresistible Peanut Butter Frosting:

1. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, or using a hand mixer, combine the ½ cup of softened sweet cream butter with the confectioners’ powdered sugar on low speed. The mixture will initially have a crumbly, pebble-like texture.
2. Add the heavy whipping cream and continue mixing until the frosting ingredients are thoroughly blended and smooth.
3. Increase the mixer speed to medium-high and beat until the frosting becomes light, fluffy, and forms stiff peaks. If the frosting is too soft, gradually mix in additional powdered sugar (½ cup at a time) until the desired firm consistency is achieved.
4. Finally, add the creamy peanut butter to the frosting mixture and beat until it is well combined and the frosting is perfectly smooth.
5. Scoop the prepared frosting into a pastry bag fitted with your preferred large frosting tip.
6. Twist the open end of the pastry bag to gently push the frosting down towards the tip, preparing it for piping.
7. Generously frost each cooled cupcake.
8. For the perfect finishing touch, gently place a whole or half Nutter Butter cookie into the center of the frosting on each cupcake.

Kitchen Tools

• Hand Mixer (or Stand Mixer)
• Muffin Pan
• Mixing Bowls
• Wire Cooling Rack
• Measuring Cups and Spoons
• Rubber Spatula
• Pastry Bag and Large Frosting Tip (optional, but recommended for professional look)

Expert Tips for Baking Outstanding Nutter Butter Cupcakes

Achieving bakery-quality cupcakes at home is easier than you think with these expert tips:

• Room Temperature Ingredients are Key: Ensure your butter, eggs, milk, and Greek yogurt are at room temperature. This allows them to emulsify properly, creating a smooth, uniform batter that bakes evenly and yields tender, moist cupcakes.
• Do Not Overmix the Batter: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, leading to tough, dry cupcakes. Mix only until the ingredients are just combined. A few small lumps are perfectly fine!
• Measure Flour Accurately: For precise baking, use the “spoon and level” method. Spoon the flour into your measuring cup until it overflows, then level it off with the back of a knife. Do not scoop flour directly with the measuring cup, as this can compact it and lead to too much flour.
• Perfectly Crushed Nutter Butter Cookies: For uniform pieces to mix into the batter, you can pulse the cookies in a food processor. If you don’t have one, place them in a zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin or the bottom of a heavy glass.
• Adjusting Frosting Consistency: If your frosting seems too thick, add heavy cream a teaspoon at a time until it reaches your desired piping consistency. If it’s too thin, gradually add more powdered sugar until it stiffens.
• Piping Techniques for a Professional Finish: Using a pastry bag with a large star tip or a round tip will give your cupcakes a beautiful, professional appearance. Practice on a piece of parchment paper first if you’re new to piping.
• Creative Garnishes: While a Nutter Butter cookie on top is classic, consider adding a drizzle of melted peanut butter or chocolate, or a sprinkle of chopped peanuts for extra texture and flavor.

Storage and Make-Ahead Instructions

To enjoy your Nutter Butter Cupcakes at their best, follow these storage tips:

• Storage at Room Temperature: Store frosted cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. Keep them away from direct sunlight or heat.
• Refrigeration: If you need to store them longer, or if your kitchen is particularly warm, you can refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Allow them to come to room temperature for about 15-30 minutes before serving for the best texture and flavor.
• Freezing Unfrosted Cupcakes: To make ahead, bake the cupcakes and allow them to cool completely. Wrap each unfrosted cupcake individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature and then frost as desired.
• Freezing Frosted Cupcakes: While possible, freezing frosted cupcakes can sometimes affect the frosting’s texture. If you do freeze them frosted, place them on a baking sheet in the freezer until the frosting is firm (about 1-2 hours), then wrap individually and store in an airtight container. Thaw in the refrigerator, then let them come to room temperature.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Here are answers to some common questions about making Nutter Butter Cupcakes:

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy for the frosting?

Yes, absolutely! Using crunchy peanut butter will add an extra layer of texture to your frosting, offering small bits of peanut crunch. It’s a great option if you enjoy more texture in your desserts.

Can I use a store-bought cake mix to save time?

While this recipe is for homemade cupcakes, you can certainly adapt it using a yellow or vanilla cake mix. Prepare the cake mix according to package directions, then fold in the crushed Nutter Butter cookies before baking. You would still make the homemade peanut butter frosting from scratch.

How can I prevent my cupcakes from sinking in the middle?

Several factors can cause cupcakes to sink. Ensure your oven temperature is accurate and avoid opening the oven door too frequently during baking, especially in the first 10-12 minutes. Also, do not overfill the cupcake liners; two-thirds full is ideal.

My frosting is too runny/stiff. How can I fix it?

If your frosting is too runny, gradually add more confectioners’ powdered sugar, 1/4 cup at a time, beating until it reaches the desired consistency. If it’s too stiff, add a tiny bit more heavy whipping cream (1/2 teaspoon at a time) until it’s smooth and spreadable/pipeable.

Can I make these cupcakes gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend that contains xanthan gum. Ensure your Nutter Butter cookies (or an alternative peanut butter sandwich cookie) are also certified gluten-free if strict gluten-free is required.

Nutritional Information

More Sweet Treats You’ll Love

If you’re a fan of these Nutter Butter Cupcakes, you’ll definitely want to explore these other fantastic dessert recipes:

• Nutter Butter Banana Pudding: A creamy, layered dessert with the irresistible crunch of Nutter Butter cookies.
• Chocolate Croissant Bars: Indulgent bars combining rich chocolate with flaky croissant pastry for a sweet and salty treat.
• Soft Molasses Cookies: Classic, chewy cookies with a warm, spicy flavor that’s perfect for any season.
• Creme Brulee Bars: Elegant and creamy cheesecake bars with a delightful caramelized sugar topping.
• Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread: An easy and delicious pull-apart bread made with cinnamon rolls, perfect for breakfast or dessert.

Discover More Delicious Recipes

Craving more culinary inspiration? Explore our extensive collection of recipes:

• Check out our Copy Cat Recipes for your favorite restaurant dishes made at home.
• Indulge in our wide variety of Dessert Recipes for every sweet craving.
• Simplify your meal prep with our convenient Crock Pot Recipes.

There you have it – a recipe for Nutter Butter Cupcakes that promises to be a delightful experience from start to finish. The combination of moist peanut butter cake, creamy frosting, and the iconic Nutter Butter crunch is simply irresistible. We hope you enjoy baking and sharing these treats as much as we do!