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There’s nothing quite like the irresistible blend of chocolate and peanut butter, and these Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies take that combination to a whole new level! Imagine the soft, chewy texture of a brownie, paired with the creamy richness of peanut butter – sounds like a dream, right? These cookies are quick to make, easy to prepare, and perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without a ton of effort.
What makes these cookies so special is the delightful swirl of peanut butter that adds an extra creamy layer to every bite, making them a family favorite. They’re a crowd-pleaser, perfect for busy days when you need a treat in 30 minutes or less. If you’re a fan of peanut butter, this recipe will quickly become your go-to! Plus, it’s as easy as making a basic cookie dough, but with the extra flair of a brownie-style swirl.
If you love this recipe, be sure to check out our Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies or Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry for more indulgent treats and meals!
What is Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies?
Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies are exactly what they sound like: a perfect marriage of soft, fudgy brownie and creamy peanut butter cookies. But why the swirl? It’s not just for looks – the swirl brings together the best of both worlds in one bite. The brownie gives it that rich, decadent taste, while the peanut butter adds a nutty, creamy texture that makes every bite melt in your mouth.
Think of it as a gourmet cookie made easy – no need for fancy baking skills or special ingredients. And honestly, who wouldn’t want to make cookies that are as delicious as they are simple? After all, it’s been said that the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach – well, this cookie will definitely win hearts, for sure. Go ahead, give it a try and let us know what you think!
If you love peanut butter-based desserts, make sure to explore our Peanut Butter Chocolate Mousse for another amazing treat.
Why You’ll Love This Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies
- A Perfect Combination: The soft, fudgy brownie and creamy peanut butter are the ideal match. It’s a treat that gives you the best of both worlds.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in 30 minutes! These cookies are the perfect dessert when you don’t have hours to bake but still want something special.
- Cost-Effective: Making cookies at home can save you money. Why pay for expensive bakery cookies when you can make these delicious ones yourself?
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love these cookies. Their rich flavor and irresistible texture will leave everyone asking for seconds.
If you’re looking for something to serve with these cookies, try our Melt in Your Mouth Chicken Breast for a savory meal that will complement your sweet treat!
How to Make Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies
Quick Overview
Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies are as easy as 1-2-3! They’re simple to make and require minimal ingredients. Plus, they’re baked in one pan, so there’s less mess to clean up. The best part? They’re ready in just 30 minutes – making them perfect for when you want a quick and delicious dessert.
Key Ingredients for Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies
- 1 cup peanut butter – smooth and creamy for the best swirl effect
- 1 cup all-purpose flour – provides structure
- 1/2 cup sugar – a sweet base for the cookies
- 1/2 cup brown sugar – adds moisture and richness
- 2 large eggs – binds the dough together
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda – ensures the cookies rise slightly
- 1/4 teaspoon salt – balances the sweetness
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder – for the brownie base
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips – adds a melty chocolatey surprise
For a detailed visual representation, check the ingredients image above to ensure you have everything ready to go!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter, sugars, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth. In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Slowly combine the dry ingredients with the wet ingredients until just mixed.
Step 2: Swirl the Peanut Butter
Once your dough is ready, drop spoonfuls of peanut butter over the dough. Using a knife or a spoon, swirl the peanut butter through the dough, creating beautiful swirls.
Step 3: Bake the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Scoop rounded spoonfuls of dough and place them on a lined baking sheet. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are set. Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
What to Serve Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies With
Pair these cookies with a glass of cold milk for a classic treat, or enjoy them alongside a warm cup of coffee or hot chocolate for a comforting experience. They also pair beautifully with Peanut Butter Chocolate Mousse if you’re looking for a rich and indulgent dessert spread.
Top Tips for Perfecting Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies
- Use smooth peanut butter for the best swirl effect. It will make it easier to create the beautiful pattern.
- Don’t overmix the dough to keep the texture soft and chewy.
- Add extra chocolate chips for a more decadent cookie if you want more chocolatey goodness.
Storing and Reheating Tips
- Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: These cookies freeze well! Place them in a freezer-safe bag and they’ll last for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, simply thaw at room temperature.
- Reheating: To enjoy them warm, microwave for 10-15 seconds.
Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup peanut butter smooth or chunky
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup milk chocolate chips optional for extra swirl
- 1/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips optional for extra swirl
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a bowl, cream together the peanut butter, butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until fully incorporated.
- Swirl the dough: Scoop out portions of the dough and create small drops of the brownie batter and peanut butter dough. Use a toothpick or knife to swirl the two doughs together to create a marble effect.
- Bake: Place the dough portions on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cookies are golden brown around the edges.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy!
Notes
Pros:
- Quick and easy to make in under 35 minutes
- Perfect balance of peanut butter and brownie flavors
- Soft and chewy texture
- Customizable with chocolate chips or nuts
- Great for both casual baking and special occasions
Cons:
- Not suitable for those with peanut allergies
- May require cooling time to set the cookies perfectly
- Slightly higher in calories due to the peanut butter and sugar content
FAQ
1. How to add peanut butter swirl to brownies?
To create a peanut butter swirl in brownies, simply drop spoonfuls of peanut butter on top of the brownie batter and swirl with a knife before baking.
2. Why do you put fork marks in peanut butter cookies?
Fork marks flatten the cookies slightly and give them that signature criss-cross pattern, while also ensuring even baking.
3. Should you refrigerate peanut butter cookies before baking?
Refrigerating peanut butter cookies before baking helps prevent them from spreading too much during baking, ensuring they hold their shape.
4. Can you add melted peanut butter to brownie mix?
Yes! You can easily incorporate melted peanut butter into brownie mix to give them a rich, peanut butter flavor.
5. How to add a swirl to brownies?
Simply drop spoonfuls of your swirl ingredient (like peanut butter) on top of the brownie batter and use a knife to create the swirl pattern before baking.
6. Why are my 3 ingredient peanut butter cookies falling apart?
If your cookies are falling apart, you may need to add a bit more flour or chill the dough before baking to help them hold together.
7. What is butter bleed in cookies?
Butter bleed happens when the butter in the dough separates during baking, resulting in greasy or flat cookies. To avoid this, ensure your dough is well-chilled before baking.