Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies are the ultimate mashup of two classic treats. Imagine the fudgy richness of brownies and the creamy, nutty flavor of peanut butter cookies swirled together in a soft, chewy, and irresistible cookie. These cookies are perfect for peanut butter and chocolate lovers alike, making them the ideal treat for parties, holidays, or just because!
Ready to bake up something special? Let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies
- Chocolate + Peanut Butter Perfection: The perfect balance of sweet and nutty flavors in every bite.
- Soft and Chewy Texture: These cookies are perfectly soft with just the right amount of fudginess.
- Swirl Effect: The beautiful swirl design makes these cookies as stunning as they are delicious.
- Two Treats in One: Combine two favorite desserts—brownies and cookies—into one mouthwatering treat.
What Do These Cookies Taste Like?
The peanut butter side is creamy, nutty, and slightly sweet, while the brownie side is rich, fudgy, and full of chocolate flavor. When baked together, they form the perfect duo of textures and flavors in one delightful cookie.
Ingredients
For the Brownie Dough:
- Unsalted butter (½ cup or 1 stick, melted)
- Granulated sugar (¾ cup)
- Brown sugar (¼ cup, packed)
- Cocoa powder (⅓ cup, unsweetened)
- All-purpose flour (1 cup)
- Baking powder (½ teaspoon)
- Salt (¼ teaspoon)
- Egg (1 large, room temperature)
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon)
For the Peanut Butter Dough:
- Creamy peanut butter (½ cup, not natural or oily peanut butter)
- Unsalted butter (¼ cup or ½ stick, softened)
- Granulated sugar (½ cup)
- Brown sugar (¼ cup, packed)
- All-purpose flour (¾ cup)
- Baking soda (½ teaspoon)
- Salt (¼ teaspoon)
- Egg (1 large, room temperature)
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon)
Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls (one for each dough).
- Electric mixer or whisk (to combine ingredients).
- Cookie scoop or tablespoon (for portioning dough).
- Baking sheets (lined with parchment paper or silicone mats).
- Cooling rack (for cooling cookies).
How to Make Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies
Step 1: Prepare the Brownie Dough
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, whisking until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the cocoa powder, flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a thick brownie dough forms. Set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Peanut Butter Dough
- In another bowl, beat the peanut butter, softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar with an electric mixer until light and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a soft peanut butter dough forms.
Step 3: Swirl the Doughs Together
- Scoop 1 tablespoon of the brownie dough and 1 tablespoon of the peanut butter dough. Gently press the two portions together and lightly roll them into a ball, being careful not to fully combine the doughs—you want a marbled swirl effect.
- Place the cookie dough balls on a prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie.
Step 4: Bake the Cookies
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers are still slightly soft. Avoid overbaking to keep the cookies chewy.
- Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for the Best Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies
- Don’t Overmix: When rolling the two doughs together, swirl them lightly to maintain the marbled effect.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: This helps both doughs mix evenly and ensures the cookies bake consistently.
- Don’t Overbake: The cookies will continue to set as they cool, so take them out when they’re slightly underbaked in the center for a perfectly soft texture.
- Chill the Dough (Optional): If the dough feels too soft to handle, chill it in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes before rolling.
Variations
- Add Chocolate Chips: Fold chocolate chips or chunks into the brownie dough for extra richness.
- Crunchy Peanut Butter: Use crunchy peanut butter for added texture.
- Salted Finish: Sprinkle the cookies with flaky sea salt right after baking for a sweet-salty flavor boost.
- Mini Swirl Cookies: Use smaller portions of dough to create bite-sized cookies.
What to Serve with These Cookies
These cookies are perfect on their own, but they pair beautifully with:
- A Glass of Milk: A classic combination!
- Coffee or Espresso: Perfect for an afternoon treat.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Sandwich the cookies around a scoop of ice cream for a decadent dessert.
Storage Instructions
- Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Freeze Unbaked Dough: Roll the dough into balls and freeze on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding an extra 1-2 minutes to the baking time.
- Freeze Baked Cookies: Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use natural peanut butter?
It’s best to use creamy, shelf-stable peanut butter for this recipe. Natural peanut butter tends to separate and can affect the texture of the dough.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend as a 1:1 substitute for regular flour.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! These cookies are so good you’ll probably want to double the batch anyway.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the dough up to 2 days in advance and refrigerate it. Let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before rolling and baking.
Conclusion
There you have it—Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies, a dessert that combines two classic flavors in one irresistible treat. These cookies are soft, chewy, and packed with the perfect balance of peanut butter and chocolate. They’re sure to impress at any gathering or satisfy your sweet tooth when the craving strikes.
If you try this recipe, let me know how it turned out in the comments below! Share your photos on Pinterest or tag me on social media. And if you’re looking for more cookie recipes, check out my classic chocolate chip cookies or snickerdoodle blondies—you’ll love them too!
Nutritional Information (Per Cookie, Approximate)
- Calories: 180
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 9g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 14g
Enjoy every bite of these decadent, swirly cookies—they’re the ultimate treat! 🍪✨