Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies Recipe
If you’re looking for the ultimate treat that brings together two classic desserts, allow me to introduce you to Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies. These soft, chewy cookies are loaded with creamy peanut butter flavor and boast irresistible swirls of rich, chocolatey brownie right through every bite. The contrasting flavors and textures create pure cookie bliss, making these a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any occasion—whether it’s a bake sale, a late-night craving, or just a little something special to share with loved ones.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The best part about Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies is how easy the ingredients are to find, yet how big an impact they each have! Every component is there for a reason—contributing to that perfect balance of flavor, melt-in-your-mouth texture, and show-stopping swirl.
- Unsalted Butter (1/2 cup, softened): Gives richness and a tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookie base.
- Granulated Sugar (1/2 cup): Adds sweetness and helps with those lightly crisp cookie edges.
- Brown Sugar (1/2 cup, packed): Infuses moisture and chewiness with a deep, caramel note.
- Creamy Peanut Butter (1/2 cup): The star of the show, providing warmth and nutty creaminess.
- Large Egg (1): Binds everything together and ensures a soft crumb.
- Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors and adds a comforting aroma.
- All-Purpose Flour (1 1/4 cups): The backbone of the dough, holding all those delicious ingredients together.
- Baking Soda (1/2 teaspoon): Gives just the right touch of lift for a slightly puffy cookie.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Essential to balance sweetness and make the chocolate and peanut butter really pop!
- Brownie Batter (1/2 cup, prepared from a box mix or homemade, cooled and thick): For that signature swirl—make sure it’s not runny so you get dramatic ribbons of brownie.
- Flaky Sea Salt (optional, for topping): Adds a hint of crunch and extra flavor contrast if you adore a sweet-salty combo.
How to Make Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies
Step 1: Prep and Preheat
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready to go. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper—this prevents sticking and makes for easy cleanup (always a win in my book).
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light, pale, and fluffy. This step helps whip air into the dough for a soft, pillowy cookie foundation.
Step 3: Blend in Peanut Butter, Egg, and Vanilla
Add the creamy peanut butter, crack in the egg, and pour in the vanilla extract. Mix everything until the dough is beautifully smooth and the peanut butter is fully incorporated—no streaks!
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gently add the dry ingredients to your wet mixture. Stir just until you have a soft, cohesive dough; don’t over-mix, or your cookies may become tough.
Step 5: Shape and Swirl
Scoop out tablespoon-sized balls of dough and line them up on your prepared baking sheet, leaving a bit of space between each one. Press a small spoonful of cooled, thick brownie batter into the center of every cookie, then use a toothpick or small knife to gently swirl the brownie batter into the dough for gorgeous marbled cookies.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake your Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies for 10–12 minutes, until the edges are set but the centers still look just a little underdone (trust me, this is the secret to soft, fudgy cookies!). Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. If you like, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt over the tops for that irresistible finish.
How to Serve Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies
Garnishes
You absolutely can’t go wrong with a little sprinkle of flaky sea salt as soon as the cookies come out of the oven. This brings out the chocolate and peanut butter flavors even more and adds a delightful touch of crunch. For extra flair, try a drizzle of melted chocolate or a dusting of powdered sugar for a bakery-style look.
Side Dishes
Serve these show-stopping Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies with a tall glass of cold milk, hot chocolate, or a good cup of coffee. For an ultra-decadent dessert plate, pair them with a scoop of vanilla or peanut butter ice cream—the melty, creamy texture is next-level alongside the chewy cookie and fudgy brownie bits.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to get a little playful, sandwich a layer of peanut butter or chocolate ganache between two cookies for the ultimate double-decker treat. Or stack them in a glass cookie jar with alternating layers of classic and swirl cookies for a stunning edible centerpiece at your next gathering. Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies piled high on a colorful platter also make a memorable gift for birthdays or holidays!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies perfectly fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and delicious for up to 4 days—though, in my experience, they rarely last that long!
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze these cookies for later. Once they’re completely cooled, layer them with parchment paper in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. They keep beautifully for up to 2 months, so you can always have a stash of homemade cookies ready to go.
Reheating
If you love warm cookies (who doesn’t?), just pop a frozen or room-temperature cookie in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. It’ll come out perfectly soft, with that just-baked taste and gooey brownie ribbons running through it again.
FAQs
Can I use chunky peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Chunky peanut butter will give your Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies an extra bit of peanut texture and crunch, which can be a fun twist—just be aware the dough will be a little thicker to mix.
What’s the best way to swirl the brownie batter?
For beautiful, even swirls, use a toothpick or the tip of a butter knife. Gently drag it through the peanut butter dough and brownie batter without overmixing—the goal is to see ribbons of chocolate, not blend it all together.
My brownie batter is too runny. What should I do?
If your brownie batter is on the thinner side, let it cool and thicken until it holds its shape when spooned. You can also place it in the fridge for a few minutes; this ensures you get clear swirls instead of the batter spreading everywhere.
Can I make the cookie dough in advance?
Yes! You can prepare the peanut butter cookie dough and keep it covered in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours before baking. Just bring it to room temperature for easier scooping and swirling when you’re ready.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
The basic recipe uses all-purpose flour, so it isn’t gluten-free as written. However, you can substitute your favorite 1:1 gluten-free baking blend, and as long as your brownie batter is also gluten-free, you’ll have fantastic Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies suitable for gluten-free diets.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a die-hard peanut butter lover, a brownie enthusiast, or simply someone who can’t resist a bakery-fresh cookie, you owe it to yourself to try making Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies. They’re simple enough for a weekday treat, impressive enough for sharing, and guaranteed to put a smile on everyone’s face. Grab a glass of milk and dive in—you just might discover your new favorite cookie!
Print
Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies are a delightful combination of rich, fudgy brownie batter swirled into classic peanut butter cookie dough. The perfect treat for any peanut butter and chocolate lover!
Ingredients
Peanut Butter Cookie Dough:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Brownie Batter:
- 1/2 cup brownie batter (prepared from a box mix or homemade, cooled and thick)
- Optional: flaky sea salt for topping
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add peanut butter, egg, and vanilla, and mix until smooth.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet until a soft dough forms.
- Form Cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the baking sheet. Press a small spoonful of brownie batter into the center of each dough ball, then swirl lightly using a toothpick or knife.
- Bake: Bake for 10–12 minutes until the edges are set and the centers look slightly underdone.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cookies to cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt if desired.
Notes
- Ensure brownie batter is thick and cooled to prevent spreading.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 95 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
