What Are Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies?
Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies are the best of both worlds: fudgy brownie dough meets creamy peanut butter, creating a cookie that’s rich, chewy, and full of depth. These cookies combine the smooth texture of peanut butter with the decadent, slightly cakey texture of brownies, swirled together in each bite.
These cookies are perfect for any occasion where you want something indulgent yet easy to make—ideal for dessert tables, gifts, or an after-dinner treat!
Why You’ll Fall in Love with Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies
These cookies are irresistible because of their unique texture and flavor combinations:
Peanut Butter & Chocolate Fusion: The perfect marriage of nutty, salty peanut butter with rich, fudgy brownie batter.
Chewy and Fudgy: With a slightly gooey center, these cookies are both chewy and soft on the inside with a bit of crispiness on the edges.
No Special Equipment Needed: Made with simple pantry ingredients, no need for a mixer or fancy tools.
Perfect for Peanut Butter Lovers: If you’re a peanut butter fan, these cookies will satisfy that craving in the best way.
Key Ingredients for Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies
To make these decadent cookies, you’ll need:
Peanut Butter: Smooth, creamy peanut butter is best for mixing into the dough.
Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa powder gives the cookies their rich, brownie-like flavor.
Chocolate Chips: Optional but perfect for adding extra gooeyness and chocolate chunks.
Eggs: Essential for binding the dough and adding moisture.
Granulated Sugar & Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create that chewy texture.
Flour: All-purpose flour helps with the structure.
Baking Powder: For just a little lift to the dough, giving the cookies their chewy texture.
Vanilla Extract: For added flavor depth.
Optional: Chopped nuts like peanuts or walnuts for extra crunch.
How to Make Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies Step-by-Step
Here’s how to make these cookies from scratch:
Ingredient List and Measurements
•1 cup smooth peanut butter
•½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
•1 cup granulated sugar
•1/2 cup brown sugar
•2 large eggs
•1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
•½ tsp baking powder
•1 tsp vanilla extract
•1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)
Mixing the Dough
1.Combine the Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together peanut butter, sugars, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
2.Add the Dry Ingredients: Stir in cocoa powder, flour, and baking powder until the dough comes together. It may be slightly thick, which is perfect for these cookies.
Swirling Technique for the Perfect Cookie
1.Create Brownie Dough: In a separate bowl, prepare your brownie batter by mixing ½ cup peanut butter with the remaining cocoa powder, a little sugar, and an extra egg.
2.Combine Both Doughs: Scoop spoonfuls of both the peanut butter dough and brownie batter onto the same baking sheet. Use a toothpick or knife to gently swirl the two together—creating that beautiful marbled effect.
Baking Tips for Soft, Chewy Cookies
•Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
•Line baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
•Space the dough balls about 2 inches apart since the dough will spread slightly.
•Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are set, but the center is still soft.
•Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Optional Toppings and Add-ins
Enhance these cookies with any of the following:
Chocolate Chips: Add more chocolate chips to the dough for extra chocolate pockets.
Nuts: Chopped peanuts, walnuts, or almonds for added crunch.
Sea Salt: A sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking for that perfect sweet-salty balance.
Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle caramel sauce over the top after baking for a rich finish.
Storing and Freezing Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies
To Store:
•Keep these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain their chewy texture.
To Freeze Dough:
•Roll the dough into balls but don’t bake.
•Freeze them on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag for up to 2 months.
•When ready to bake, thaw slightly, then bake as usual.
To Freeze Baked Cookies:
•Allow the cookies to cool completely before freezing them in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
•Let them thaw at room temperature or reheat them in the oven for a few minutes for the freshest taste.
Gluten-Free and Vegan Variations
Here’s how you can customize the recipe for special diets:
Gluten-Free:
•Swap the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
•Add ¼ tsp xanthan gum to help the dough hold together.
Vegan:
•Use flax eggs (2 tbsp ground flaxseed + 6 tbsp water, let sit for 5 minutes).
•Use vegan butter instead of regular butter.
•Replace the chocolate chips with vegan chocolate chips.
Common Mistakes to Avoid with Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies
•Not Swirling Enough: You want a good balance between peanut butter and brownie dough. Avoid overmixing, as you want to see both flavors in each cookie.
•Overbaking: These cookies should be soft in the center when you pull them out of the oven. They’ll firm up as they cool.
•Not Measuring the Flour Correctly: Too much flour can make them dry, so be sure to measure it correctly.
Pairing Ideas: What Goes Well with Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies
Milk (Dairy or Non-Dairy): Perfect for dunking and balancing out the richness.
Coffee or Espresso: A great pairing to enhance the chocolate and peanut butter flavors.
Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy texture contrasts with the chewy cookies for a perfect dessert.
Hot Chocolate: A cozy drink to complement the rich, chocolatey flavors in the cookies.
FAQs About Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies
1. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes! You can freeze the dough or store baked cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
2. Can I add more peanut butter to the dough?
Yes, but be careful not to add too much, or it might affect the texture of the cookies.
3. Can I make this recipe without chocolate chips?
Absolutely! You can omit them or replace them with other mix-ins like nuts or dried fruit.
Final Thoughts: Why These Cookies Are Worth Baking
Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies combine two of the best flavors—rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter—into one irresistible treat. The marbled look is as beautiful as it is delicious, making them perfect for all kinds of celebrations or casual snacking. Easy to make and impossible to resist, these cookies are sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire.
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Peanut Butter Brownie Cookies: Chewy and Irresistible
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Description
Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies are the best of both worlds: fudgy brownie dough meets creamy peanut butter, creating a cookie that’s rich, chewy, and full of depth. These cookies combine the smooth texture of peanut butter with the decadent, slightly cakey texture of brownies, swirled together in each bite.
Ingredients
•1 cup smooth peanut butter
•½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
•1 cup granulated sugar
•1/2 cup brown sugar
•2 large eggs
•1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
•½ tsp baking powder
•1 tsp vanilla extract
•1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
1.Combine the Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together peanut butter, sugars, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
2.Add the Dry Ingredients: Stir in cocoa powder, flour, and baking powder until the dough comes together. It may be slightly thick, which is perfect for these cookies.
Swirling Technique for the Perfect Cookie
1.Create Brownie Dough: In a separate bowl, prepare your brownie batter by mixing ½ cup peanut butter with the remaining cocoa powder, a little sugar, and an extra egg.
2.Combine Both Doughs: Scoop spoonfuls of both the peanut butter dough and brownie batter onto the same baking sheet. Use a toothpick or knife to gently swirl the two together—creating that beautiful marbled effect.
Baking Tips for Soft, Chewy Cookies
•Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
•Line baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
•Space the dough balls about 2 inches apart since the dough will spread slightly.
•Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are set, but the center is still soft.
•Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Enhance these cookies with any of the following:
•Chocolate Chips: Add more chocolate chips to the dough for extra chocolate pockets.
•Nuts: Chopped peanuts, walnuts, or almonds for added crunch.
•Sea Salt: A sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking for that perfect sweet-salty balance.
•Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle caramel sauce over the top after baking for a rich finish.
Storing and Freezing Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies
To Store:
•Keep these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain their chewy texture.
To Freeze Dough:
•Roll the dough into balls but don’t bake.
•Freeze them on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag for up to 2 months.
•When ready to bake, thaw slightly, then bake as usual.
To Freeze Baked Cookies:
•Allow the cookies to cool completely before freezing them in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
•Let them thaw at room temperature or reheat them in the oven for a few minutes for the freshest taste.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: AMERICAN
I’m Billy, a classically trained culinary school graduate from The Culinary Institute of America with over 12 years in the restaurant industry and over 19 years of cooking experience.
