Ready to elevate your cookie game? These peanut butter brownie swirl cookies combine the best of both worlds into one irresistible treat. Rich, fudgy brownie meets creamy peanut butter in a cookie that’s sure to dazzle your taste buds.
Why This Recipe Works
- The combination of peanut butter and chocolate is a classic for a reason—it’s downright delicious.
- Swirling the two batters together creates a marbled effect that’s as beautiful as it is tasty.
- Using melted chocolate in the brownie batter ensures a fudgy texture that contrasts perfectly with the creamy peanut butter.
- These cookies are easy to make but look and taste like they came from a bakery.
- They’re versatile—perfect for parties, gifts, or a sweet treat any day of the week.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Electric mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures your cookies won’t stick and makes cleanup a breeze. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. This dry mix is the foundation of your brownie batter, so make sure it’s well combined.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, beat together the melted butter and granulated sugar until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, so stop as soon as you no longer see streaks of flour.
Step 3: Prepare the Peanut Butter Swirl
In a small bowl, mix the peanut butter and powdered sugar until smooth. This will be your swirl mixture. The powdered sugar helps thicken the peanut butter, making it easier to swirl into the brownie batter without blending in completely.
Step 4: Combine and Swirl
Drop spoonfuls of both the brownie batter and peanut butter mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Use a knife or toothpick to gently swirl the two together. Be careful not to overmix—you want distinct swirls of peanut butter throughout the cookies.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers are still soft. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is crucial for achieving the perfect texture.
Tips and Tricks
For the best results, use room temperature eggs—they incorporate more easily into the batter. If your peanut butter is too thick to swirl, microwave it for a few seconds to soften. To make these cookies extra decadent, sprinkle a few chocolate chips on top before baking. For a crispier cookie, bake for an additional minute or two. And remember, the key to perfect swirls is not overmixing—less is more!
Recipe Variations
- Swap the peanut butter for almond or cashew butter for a different nutty flavor.
- Add a handful of chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the batter for extra texture.
- For a gluten-free version, use your favorite gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.
- Drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled cookies for an extra chocolatey finish.
- Make them vegan by using plant-based butter, flax eggs, and vegan peanut butter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use natural peanut butter?
Yes, but keep in mind that natural peanut butter can be more oily and less sweet than conventional varieties. You may need to adjust the amount of powdered sugar to achieve the right consistency for swirling.
How do I store these cookies?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer before transferring to a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just let it come to room temperature for easier scooping and swirling.
Summary
These peanut butter brownie swirl cookies are the perfect blend of fudgy brownie and creamy peanut butter, swirled together for a stunning and delicious treat. Easy to make and even easier to love, they’re sure to become a new favorite.