Peanut butter brownie swirl cookies combine the richness of fudgy brownies with the creamy, nutty goodness of peanut butter in a single bite. These soft, chewy cookies offer a perfect balance of flavors and textures, making them an irresistible treat for dessert lovers. With a simple recipe and a few key techniques, you can create bakery-worthy cookies right at home.
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Why You’ll Love These Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies
If you’ve ever found yourself torn between a fudgy brownie and a soft peanut butter cookie, you’re in for a treat! These cookies bring the best of both worlds—rich, chocolatey swirls mixed with creamy peanut butter goodness, all wrapped up in a perfectly chewy cookie. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering, a casual snack, or just to satisfy a late-night craving, these cookies won’t disappoint.
Ingredients You’ll Need
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Unsalted butter | 1/2 cup (softened) |
| Granulated sugar | 1/2 cup |
| Brown sugar | 1/2 cup |
| Eggs | 2 large |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon |
| Peanut butter | 1/2 cup (creamy) |
| All-purpose flour | 1 1/4 cups |
| Baking powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Cocoa powder | 1/3 cup |
| Semi-sweet chocolate chips | 3/4 cup |
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Doughs
- Make the Peanut Butter Dough: In a large bowl, cream together butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until fluffy. Beat in one egg and vanilla extract. Mix the peanut butter thoroughly until fully incorporated.
- Make the Brownie Dough: In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Divide the mixture in half—one half will remain for the peanut butter dough, while the other will be for the brownie dough. Mix cocoa powder into the second half and fold in melted chocolate chips.
Step 2: Create the Swirl Effect
- Drop spoonfuls of both doughs onto a lightly floured surface.
- Gently fold the doughs together a few times to create swirls—be careful not to overmix.
- Scoop the marbled dough into cookie-sized portions and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Step 3: Bake to Perfection
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, until the edges firm up while the centers remain slightly tender.
- Allow them to rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before moving them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for the Best Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies
- Use creamy peanut butter for a smooth texture; avoid natural peanut butter as it may separate.
- Refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes before baking to help maintain its shape.
- For extra richness, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over warm cookies.
Variations to Try
- Crunchy Peanut Butter Swap: Use crunchy peanut butter for added texture.
- Stuffed Version: Wrap the dough around a peanut butter cup for a gooey surprise.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.
Recipes You’ll Love
For a similar soft-baked twist, check out Sally’s Peanut Butter Chocolate Swirl Cookies!
FAQs
Are Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies soft or crunchy?
These cookies have a soft, chewy texture with lightly crisped edges. The peanut butter keeps them moist, while the brownie swirl adds fudginess.
Can I use natural peanut butter in this recipe?
Natural peanut butter is not recommended as it has a higher oil content, which can affect the texture of the cookies.
How do I store these cookies?
Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 3 months for longer storage.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can refrigerate the dough for up to 48 hours or freeze it for longer storage.
How can I make these cookies even more chocolatey?
Add extra chocolate chips or drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled cookies.
Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/3 cup cocoa powder
- 3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Make Peanut Butter Dough: Cream butter, sugars, egg, vanilla, and peanut butter until smooth.
- Make Brownie Dough: Mix flour, baking powder, and salt. Divide in half. Add cocoa powder and melted chocolate to one half.
- Swirl Doughs: Drop spoonfuls of each dough on a floured surface, fold gently to create swirls.
- Scoop & Bake: Shape the dough into balls, arrange them on a baking sheet, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes.
- Cool & Enjoy: Allow them to rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then move to a wire rack to cool completely.