Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies

These Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies are the ultimate fusion of two favorite flavors—rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter—in one irresistibly soft and chewy cookie. With a beautiful swirl pattern and indulgent taste, these cookies are perfect for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Flavor-packed: The best of brownies and peanut butter cookies in one bite.
  • Visually stunning: The swirl pattern adds an elegant, homemade touch.
  • Easy to make: Straightforward steps with common pantry ingredients.
  • Perfect texture: Soft, chewy, and slightly crackly on top.

Ingredients

For the Peanut Butter 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

Kitchen Equipment Needed

  • Mixing bowls (2 medium-sized)
  • Whisk and spatula
  • Electric mixer (optional)
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Parchment-lined baking sheet
  • Toothpick or skewer (for swirling)
  • Wire cooling rack

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Peanut Butter Dough

  1. In a medium bowl, use an electric mixer or whisk to beat the peanut butter, softened butter, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
  2. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.

Step 2: Make the Brownie Dough

  1. In another medium bowl, whisk together the melted butter and white sugar until smooth.
  2. Add the cocoa powder and mix until fully combined. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
  3. Fold in the flour, baking powder, salt, and chocolate chips, mixing until no dry streaks remain.

Step 3: Chill the Doughs

  1. Cover both doughs with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes. Chilling helps the doughs firm up, making them easier to handle.

Step 4: Shape and Swirl

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Scoop 1-2 tablespoon portions of each dough and place them side by side on the prepared baking sheet.
  3. Use a toothpick or skewer to gently swirl the two doughs together, creating a marbled effect. Be careful not to over-swirl to preserve the distinct patterns.

Step 5: Bake the Cookies

  1. Bake in the preheated oven for 9-11 minutes, or until the tops are lightly crackly and the edges are set. The centers will remain soft.
  2. Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5-10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Serving and Storage Tips

  • Serving: Enjoy these cookies warm with a glass of milk or alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
  • Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
  • Freezing: Freeze the cookie dough balls before baking or freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months. Thaw before enjoying.

Variations

  • Nutty crunch: Add chopped peanuts to the peanut butter dough for extra texture.
  • Salted chocolate twist: Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top before baking.
  • Double chocolate: Use dark chocolate chips in the brownie dough for a deeper chocolate flavor.
  • Gluten-free option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

Helpful Notes

  • Don’t skip chilling the doughs; this ensures the cookies keep their shape while baking.
  • Use a light hand when swirling the doughs to maintain distinct patterns.
  • For an even bake, place no more than 6 cookies on each sheet, allowing room for spreading.

Tips from Well-Known Chefs

  • Ree Drummond: “Chilling cookie dough enhances flavor and makes the cookies easier to shape.”
  • Ina Garten: “Always use good-quality cocoa powder for the best chocolate flavor.”
  • Mary Berry: “Measure your ingredients precisely to achieve consistent baking results.”

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
A: Yes, but the texture of the peanut butter dough will be slightly chunkier.

Q: Can I skip chilling the dough?
A: Chilling is essential to prevent spreading and achieve the right consistency, so it’s not recommended to skip.

Q: What’s the best way to create the swirl pattern?
A: Use a toothpick or skewer and gently drag it through the doughs in a zigzag or circular motion.

Q: Can I double this recipe?
A: Absolutely! Simply double the ingredients and follow the same instructions.

Q: How do I know when the cookies are done?
A: Look for lightly set edges and soft centers—the cookies will continue to firm up as they cool.

These Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies are a delicious combination of two iconic flavors that everyone will love. Perfect for sharing, gifting, or indulging, these cookies are sure to be a hit!

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