Prep | Cook |Serves
30 min | 10 min | 4
Introduction
When it comes to cookies, nothing beats a combination of rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter. Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies bring together the best of both worlds in a dessert that’s sure to become a family favorite. These cookies are not just another treat; they’re an experience in texture and flavor that will leave you wanting more. Whether you’re a baking novice or a seasoned pro, this recipe is straightforward and delivers impressive results every time.
Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies Recipe: A Perfect Blend of Flavors
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Peanut Butter Dough:
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
Optional Add-Ins:
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- ½ cup chopped nuts
Notes
Ingredients
Before diving into the mixing bowl, gather all your ingredients. The success of your cookies depends on having everything measured and ready to go.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Peanut Butter Dough:
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Optional Add-Ins:
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- ½ cup chopped nuts
Tools You’ll Need
To make these delicious cookies, you’ll need a few basic kitchen tools:
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk and spatula
- Electric mixer (stand or hand-held)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
- Cooling rack
Alternative Tools: If you don’t have an electric mixer, a sturdy whisk and some elbow grease will do the trick. For those without parchment paper, greasing your baking sheets with a bit of butter or oil is a fine alternative.
Step-by-Step Recipe Instructions
1. Preparing the Brownie Batter
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Set this dry mixture aside.
In another bowl, combine the melted butter and sugar. Beat them together until well-mixed. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined.
2. Preparing the Peanut Butter Dough
In a separate bowl, cream together the peanut butter, softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing well. Slowly incorporate the flour, baking soda, and salt into the peanut butter mixture until fully blended.
3. Combining the Two Doughs
To create the signature swirl effect, take equal portions of brownie batter and peanut butter dough. Roll each portion into small balls, then gently flatten them. Press a peanut butter dough disc onto a brownie batter disc and lightly swirl them together by folding and twisting them. Be careful not to over-mix, as this will cause the swirl pattern to disappear.
4. Baking the Cookies
Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. Place the swirled dough balls onto the prepared sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set, but the centers are still soft.
5. Cooling and Serving
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes. Transfer them to a cooling rack to finish cooling completely. Serve your cookies warm with a glass of milk, or enjoy them at room temperature. They also make a great gift when packed in a decorative tin.
Tips for Perfect Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies
- Don’t Overbake: To keep your cookies soft and chewy, avoid baking them for too long. They should still be soft in the center when you take them out of the oven.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: This helps the doughs mix more smoothly, ensuring even baking.
- Measure Flour Correctly: Too much flour can make the cookies dense and dry. Spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off for accuracy.
- Swirl Gently: For a distinct swirl, be careful not to over-mix the doughs.
Variations of the Recipe
One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. Here are a few ideas to make it your own:
- Add Chocolate Chips or Nuts: For extra texture and flavor, mix in chocolate chips or your favorite nuts.
- Make it Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Vegan Version: Use a plant-based butter substitute, a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water), and a vegan peanut butter option.
- Try Different Flavors: Instead of peanut butter, you can use almond butter or even Nutella for a different taste sensation.
Storage Tips
To keep your Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want to save some for later, these cookies freeze beautifully. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months—just thaw them at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy them.
Nutrition Facts
(Per serving)
348 19g
Calories Fat
40g 5g
Carbs Protein
FAQs
1. Can I use natural peanut butter?
Yes, but natural peanut butter tends to be runnier, so you may need to adjust the flour slightly to achieve the right dough consistency.
2. How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?
Make sure your butter is not too warm, and chill the dough for about 30 minutes before baking to prevent excessive spreading.
3. What can I do if I don’t have a stand mixer?
A hand-held electric mixer works just as well. If you don’t have one, you can mix everything by hand—it’ll just take a bit more effort!
4. Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Just double the ingredients and ensure you have enough baking sheets and oven space.
5. What’s the best way to reheat these cookies?
For a fresh-from-the-oven taste, warm them in the microwave for about 10 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes.
Conclusion
Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the best of both peanut butter and chocolate worlds. They’re easy to make, fun to swirl together, and delicious to eat. Whether you’re baking for yourself, your family, or a special occasion, these cookies are sure to impress.