CLEVELAND, Ohio — In celebration of National Peanut Butter Day on January 24, the Best of Cleveland team conducted a taste test of 15 different peanut butter sandwich cookies available at local grocery stores. The goal was to identify cookies that excelled in peanut butter flavor, texture, and overall value. With prices ranging from budget-friendly to premium, the tasting highlighted that higher costs do not necessarily equate to better taste.
The team evaluated each cookie based on its peanut butter presence in both the filling and cookie, as well as the authenticity of flavors as advertised on the packaging. Here’s how the cookies ranked, from least to most preferred.
Ranking of Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies
No. 15: Lil’ Dutch Maid – Peanut Butter Creme Cookies
– **Where purchased**: Marc’s
– **Price**: $1.39
– **Nutrition per serving**: Calories 160 | Fat 5g | Sodium 70mg | Carbs 25g | Sugar 11g | Protein 2g
– **First ingredient**: Enriched wheat flour
The cookies were described as very sweet with an overwhelming artificial flavor. There was minimal peanut butter aroma or taste, and they crumbled easily. Describing them as an “easy pass,” the team noted the accurate warning on the label regarding the artificial flavor.
No. 14: Meijer – Peanut Butter Sandwich Creme Cookies
– **Where purchased**: Meijer
– **Price**: $2.99
– **Nutrition per serving**: Calories 120 | Fat 4.5g | Sodium 100mg | Carbs 19g | Sugar 9g | Protein 1g
– **First ingredient**: Enriched bleached flour
While the design was visually appealing, the filling was more vanilla-sweet than peanut butter-flavored. The cookie was pleasant but would not satisfy true peanut butter aficionados.
No. 13: Benton’s – Peanut Butter Creme Filled Cookies
– **Where purchased**: Aldi
– **Price**: $2.75
– **Nutrition per serving**: Calories 110 | Fat 4.5g | Sodium 90mg | Carbs 17g | Sugar 8g | Protein 1g
– **First ingredient**: Enriched flour
These cookies featured a hard texture and a mild peanut butter presence. They were noted as dippable but not memorable, leaving a lingering salty and artificial flavor.
No. 12: Meijer – Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies
– **Where purchased**: Meijer
– **Price**: $3.49
– **Nutrition per serving**: Calories 110 | Fat 4.5g | Sodium 90mg | Carbs 17g | Sugar 8g | Protein 1g
– **First ingredient**: Enriched flour
Quality control issues were apparent, with some cookies assembled incorrectly. The crunchiness was noted, but the peanut butter flavor was lacking.
No. 11: Great Value – Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies
– **Where purchased**: Walmart
– **Price**: $2.97
– **Nutrition per serving**: Calories 110 | Fat 4.5g | Sodium 90mg | Carbs 17g | Sugar 8g | Protein 1g
– **First ingredient**: Enriched flour
These cookies were extremely crunchy with a thin filling. While they had a salty cookie base, they fell short in delivering the expected peanut butter punch.
No. 10: Simple Mills – Nut Butter Stuffed Sandwich Cookies (Creamy Peanut Butter)
– **Where purchased**: Target
– **Price**: $6.39
– **Nutrition per serving**: Calories 120 | Fat 7g | Sodium 85mg | Carbs 14g | Sugar 6g | Protein 2g
– **First ingredient**: Cashew and peanut blend
This option presented a darker color with a roasted nut flavor that bordered on bitter. The cookie was noted as dry, requiring a drink to complement its taste.
No. 9: Sobisk – Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies
– **Where purchased**: Marc’s
– **Price**: $1.19
– **Nutrition per serving**: Calories 170 | Fat 7g | Sodium 102mg | Carbs 22g | Sugar 9g | Protein 3g
– **First ingredient**: Wheat flour
The thin filling and crunchy cookie were more notable than the taste, which was described as dry overall, despite a pleasant peanut butter aroma.
No. 8: Sunny’s – Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies
– **Where purchased**: Sav a lot
– **Price**: $3.29
– **Nutrition per serving**: Calories 110 | Fat 4.5g | Sodium 90mg | Carbs 17g | Sugar 8g | Protein 1g
– **First ingredient**: Enriched flour
The creamy center featured a mild peanut butter flavor, while the cookie was sweet and crunchy but lacked boldness.
No. 7: Oreo – Peanut Butter Flavor Creme Chocolate Sandwich
– **Where purchased**: Walmart
– **Price**: $4.97
– **Nutrition per serving**: Calories 140 | Fat 6g | Sodium 125mg | Carbs 20g | Sugar 10g | Protein 2g
– **First ingredient**: Unbleached enriched flour
The chocolate cookie dominated the experience, with the peanut butter filling taking a back seat. Nonetheless, the generous filling stood out, making it a popular choice despite its chocolate-heavy flavor.
No. 6: Crav’n – Peanut Butter Creme Sandwich Cookies
– **Where purchased**: Acme
– **Price**: $3.69
– **Nutrition per serving**: Calories 110 | Fat 4.5g | Sodium 90mg | Carbs 17g | Sugar 8g | Protein 1g
– **First ingredient**: Enriched flour
These cookies were sweet with a hard crunch and above-average filling. While the peanut butter flavor was overshadowed by sugar, they delivered on their promise of sweetness.
No. 5: Once Again – Graham Sandwiches Peanut Butter
– **Where purchased**: Lucky’s Market
– **Price**: $5.49
– **Nutrition per serving**: Calories 220 | Fat 13g | Sodium 105mg | Carbs 21g | Sugar 7g | Protein 5g
– **First ingredient**: Dry roasted blanched organic peanuts
The graham cracker base was mild, but the smooth peanut butter filling was flavorful. Individually wrapped, they were convenient for snacking.
No. 4: Back to Nature – Peanut Butter Creme Sandwich Cookies
– **Where purchased**: Target
– **Price**: $4.79
– **Nutrition per serving**: Calories 130 | Fat 5g | Sodium 100mg | Carbs 17g | Sugar 8g | Protein 3g
– **First ingredient**: Wheat flour
These cookies had a cracker-like texture with a significant peanut butter flavor. Despite some inconsistencies in branding, they maintained a competitive taste.
No. 3: Nabisco – Nutter Butter
– **Where purchased**: Marc’s
– **Price**: $5.49
– **Nutrition per serving**: Calories 130 | Fat 5g | Sodium 100mg | Carbs 20g | Sugar 8g | Protein 2g
– **First ingredient**: Unbleached enriched flour
With a solid peanut butter flavor, these cookies struck a balance in texture. Though the filling was less than that of its double version, it remained enjoyable for fans.
No. 2: Catalina Crunch – Sandwich Cookies Peanut Butter
– **Where purchased**: Heinen’s
– **Price**: $5.99
– **Nutrition per serving**: Calories 100 | Fat 5g | Sodium 125mg | Carbs 13g | Sugar 3g | Protein 3g
– **First ingredient**: Peanut Butter
This gluten-free option delivered a strong peanut butter aroma and satisfying crunch. The cookie maintained a good filling-to-cookie ratio, making it a standout choice.
No. 1: Nabisco – Nutter Butter Double Nutty
– **Where purchased**: Marc’s
– **Price**: $5.49
– **Nutrition per serving**: Calories 180 | Fat 8g | Sodium 130mg | Carbs 24g | Sugar 11g | Protein 3g
– **First ingredient**: Unbleached enriched flour
This iconic cookie featured a familiar peanut shape and balanced flavor. Despite expectations for more filling, the overall taste was solid, making it a classic choice for peanut butter lovers.
As National Peanut Butter Day encourages indulgence, cookie enthusiasts now have a clearer picture of which treats to seek out. Whether looking for classic flavors or gluten-free options, the rankings provide valuable insights into satisfying those peanut butter cravings.
