These Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies are as delightful to eat as they are to look at! Imagine biting into a soft, chewy cookie with the rich flavor of chocolate brownies and the nutty sweetness of peanut butter, all beautifully swirled together. Perfect for a cozy weekend treat or to impress at a cookie swap, these cookies bring two classic flavors together in one irresistible bite. Let’s dive into how to make these delicious cookies from scratch!
Ingredients
1. Brownie Mix (1 cup)
We’re using pre-made brownie mix for a fudgy and chocolatey center. Choose a good-quality mix for the best flavor. Quick tip: sift the mix to remove lumps and ensure smooth batter!
2. All-Purpose Flour (1 ¼ cups)
This gives structure to the peanut butter cookie dough. Be sure to measure accurately by leveling your measuring cup for the perfect consistency.
3. Peanut Butter (½ cup)
Creamy peanut butter works best here to create a smooth and nutty cookie base. If you prefer a bit of crunch, feel free to use crunchy peanut butter.
4. Butter (½ cup, softened)
Adds richness and helps achieve that melt-in-your-mouth texture. Make sure it’s soft but not melted for easy creaming with sugar.
5. Granulated Sugar (½ cup)
Sweetens the peanut butter dough and balances out the salty, nutty notes.
6. Brown Sugar (½ cup)
Adds moisture and a subtle caramel flavor to the cookie dough.
7. Eggs (2 large)
One egg for the brownie batter and one for the cookie dough. These help bind the ingredients and create a soft texture.
8. Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon)
Enhances the overall flavor and ties everything together beautifully.
9. Chocolate Chips (¼ cup, optional)
For an extra dose of chocolatey goodness, fold some into the brownie batter.
How to Make Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This will prevent the cookies from sticking and make cleanup easy!
Step 2: Prepare the Brownie Batter
In a small bowl, combine the brownie mix with one egg and 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Stir until smooth and set aside. If adding chocolate chips, fold them in at this stage.
Step 3: Make the Peanut Butter Dough
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until fluffy. Add the second egg and vanilla extract, and mix until combined. Gradually add the flour and mix just until the dough comes together.
Step 4: Assemble the Cookies
Take a tablespoon of the peanut butter dough and flatten it slightly in your palm. Add a dollop (about 1 teaspoon) of the brownie batter in the center and wrap the peanut butter dough around it, forming a ball. Place the ball on the prepared baking sheet and flatten slightly.
Step 5: Create the Swirl
Use a toothpick to gently swirl the peanut butter and brownie batters on top of each cookie for that signature marbled look.
Step 6: Bake the Cookies
Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers look just set. Be careful not to overbake – they’ll continue to cook on the baking sheet as they cool.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Then, dig in!
Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowls (small and large)
- Electric hand mixer or stand mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Toothpicks
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use homemade brownie batter instead of a mix?
Absolutely! If you have a go-to homemade brownie batter recipe, you can use that instead. Just make sure the consistency is thick enough to hold its shape.
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes, you can freeze the dough! Shape it into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding an extra 2–3 minutes to the baking time.
What type of peanut butter works best?
Creamy peanut butter gives the smoothest texture, but if you love some crunch, go ahead and use crunchy! Avoid natural peanut butter, as the oil separation can affect the dough consistency.
How do I store these cookies?
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 2 months.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, you can use gluten-free all-purpose flour and a gluten-free brownie mix to make these cookies suitable for gluten-free diets.
Why did my cookies spread too much?
This might happen if the butter was too soft or if the dough wasn’t chilled enough. Pop the shaped cookies into the fridge for 15 minutes before baking to prevent excessive spreading.
Can I add other flavors?
Sure! Swirl in some caramel or sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top for an extra layer of flavor.
Conclusion
I hope you enjoyed this recipe for Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies! They’re a match made in dessert heaven and are sure to be a hit with anyone you share them with. If you try these cookies, don’t forget to share this post on Facebook or save it to Pinterest for later. Happy baking!
