Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies bring together two all-time favorite flavors into one delightful treat. Imagine the creamy richness of peanut butter combined with the fudgy, deep flavor of brownies, swirled together in a single bite-sized cookie. This recipe creates a soft and chewy cookie with the perfect balance of sweet chocolate and slightly salty peanut butter. Whether you’re a fan of cookies, brownies, or both, this hybrid recipe is sure to become a go-to dessert.
Why We Love This Recipe
We love this recipe because it’s the best of both worlds! Each cookie provides a combination of the buttery smoothness of peanut butter cookies and the decadence of chocolate brownies. This recipe is also incredibly versatile—you can enjoy it as a treat with coffee, a quick snack, or a dessert for any occasion. The cookie has a satisfying texture, and the swirled effect gives it a beautiful presentation that will impress friends and family. Not to mention, the ingredients are simple and may already be in your pantry!
Ingredients:
For the Peanut Butter Cookie Dough:
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/4 cup butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Brownie Dough:
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 1 cup white sugar
- 1/3 cup cocoa powder
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
How to Make Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure the cookies don’t stick.
- Make the Peanut Butter Cookie Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, peanut butter, and brown sugar until smooth and fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a smooth dough forms.
- Make the Brownie Dough:
- In another bowl, whisk together the melted butter and white sugar until well combined. Add the cocoa powder, egg, and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the dry ingredients to the chocolate mixture, stirring until a thick dough forms. Fold in the chocolate chips for extra chocolatey goodness.
- Combine the Doughs:
- Take small portions of each dough and press them together lightly, forming a ball that combines both doughs without fully mixing them. This gives the cookies their marbled look.
- Place each dough ball on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about two inches of space between each cookie.
- Bake the Cookies:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers remain slightly soft.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Success Tips
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: For the best consistency, ensure that the butter and egg in the peanut butter dough are at room temperature. This will make it easier to cream the ingredients and result in a smoother dough.
- Avoid Overmixing the Dough: When combining the flour with the wet ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can make the cookies tough.
- Swirling Technique: Lightly pressing the two doughs together helps create a beautiful marbled effect without overmixing. Be gentle to avoid fully blending the doughs.
- Monitor Baking Time: For the perfect chewy texture, bake until the edges are set, but the centers are still soft. This usually takes around 10-12 minutes. Every oven is different, so check around the 10-minute mark.
- Cool on the Baking Sheet: Allow the cookies to rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes after removing them from the oven. This helps them firm up and prevents breakage when transferring to a rack.
Storage
To keep these cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay delicious for about 3-4 days. If you want to enjoy them longer, you can freeze the cookies for up to 2 months. Simply place them in a freezer-safe container or zip-lock bag, with parchment paper between the layers to prevent sticking. When you’re ready to eat, let them thaw at room temperature, or warm them slightly in the microwave.
Notes
- Customize the Flavor: For added depth, try using dark cocoa powder for a richer chocolate flavor, or add a pinch of espresso powder to the brownie dough.
- Chocolate Choices: You can substitute chocolate chips with chocolate chunks or use white chocolate chips if you prefer a different flavor contrast.
- Add Extra Texture: Chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, can be mixed into the dough for additional texture and flavor.
Nutrition Information
This recipe yields approximately 24 cookies. Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown per cookie:
- Calories: 140 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 22mg
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 10g
Note: These values are approximate and can vary depending on the exact ingredients used.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use natural peanut butter in this recipe?
Yes, you can use natural peanut butter, but make sure it’s well-stirred and not too oily. Natural peanut butter may slightly alter the texture of the cookie dough but should still work well.
2. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour in both doughs with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Make sure it contains xanthan gum to help with the texture.
3. How can I make these cookies vegan?
To make a vegan version, use a vegan butter substitute, and replace the eggs with a flax or chia egg (1 tablespoon of ground flax or chia seeds mixed with 3 tablespoons of water). Additionally, choose vegan chocolate chips.
4. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, this recipe can easily be doubled if you want to make a larger batch. Just ensure you have enough baking sheets to space the cookies properly.
5. Can I add mix-ins?
Certainly! Feel free to add mix-ins like chopped nuts, white chocolate chips, or even bits of caramel for extra flavor and texture.
Conclusion
Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies are an irresistible combination that brings together the best flavors of peanut butter and chocolate in every bite. This recipe is perfect for any occasion, from family gatherings to satisfying a personal sweet craving. The unique swirl design also makes these cookies a show-stopper on any dessert table. With a few simple ingredients, you can create cookies that are both delicious and visually appealing. Enjoy the sweet and salty goodness of these cookies, and don’t forget to share them—if you can!