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
- 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.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.
- 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
- In another medium bowl, whisk together the melted butter and white sugar until smooth.
- Add the cocoa powder and mix until fully combined. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
- Fold in the flour, baking powder, salt, and chocolate chips, mixing until no dry streaks remain.
Step 3: Chill the Doughs
- 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
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Scoop 1-2 tablespoon portions of each dough and place them side by side on the prepared baking sheet.
- 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
- 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.
- 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!