If you love the decadent flavors of chocolate and peanut butter together, you’re in for a treat! Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies are the ultimate mash-up – pillowy, chewy peanut butter cookies with tempting ribbons of rich, fudgy brownie batter artfully swirled throughout. They’re the kind of dessert that turns snack time into a celebration, perfect for sharing with friends, bringing to potlucks, or simply indulging in a little “me-time” at home. The best part? These are as eye-catching as they are delicious, and easier to pull off than you might think!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a handful of pantry staples to pull off these stunning cookies, and every ingredient plays its part in building big flavor and that beautiful swirl. This is proof that a simple shopping list can create something truly spectacular.
- Unsalted Butter (1/2 cup, softened): Gives the cookies a buttery richness and tender texture—make sure it’s at room temperature for easy creaming.
- Granulated Sugar (1/2 cup): Adds crisp edges and a touch of classic sweetness.
- Brown Sugar (1/2 cup, packed): Infuses the dough with a hint of caramel and keeps the cookies extra chewy.
- Creamy Peanut Butter (1/2 cup): The star of the show, lending nutty flavor and a luscious, melt-in-your-mouth bite.
- Large Egg (1): Binds everything together and gives structure to each cookie.
- Vanilla Extract (1 tsp): Rounds out the flavor with warmth and depth—don’t skip it!
- All-Purpose Flour (1 1/4 cups): The backbone that holds the dough together, yielding a tender crumb.
- Baking Soda (1/2 tsp): Ensures the perfect spread and rise for soft, slightly domed cookies.
- Salt (1/4 tsp): Balances the sweetness and highlights the peanut butter flavor.
- Prepared Brownie Batter (1 cup, chilled): Swirls chocolate decadence into every cookie—chilling first makes swirling a breeze.
How to Make Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to keep the cookies from sticking and to make cleanup quick. This little bit of prep ensures your Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies bake evenly and slide right off the tray.
Step 2: Cream the Butter, Sugars, and Peanut Butter
In a large bowl, use a hand mixer (or stand mixer) to beat together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and creamy peanut butter. You’re looking for a light, fluffy mixture—usually about 2–3 minutes on medium speed. This step is key for those dreamy, soft cookie centers!
Step 3: Add the Egg and Vanilla
Crack in your large egg and pour in the vanilla extract. Beat again until everything is velvety and smoothly blended. At this stage, the dough starts to smell like pure cookie happiness.
Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Slowly add the dry mix to your wet mixture, stirring just until a soft dough forms. Don’t overmix—you want the cookies to stay tender, not tough.
Step 5: Portion and Swirl with Brownie Batter
Grab your trusty cookie scoop and scoop dough into tablespoon-sized balls, spacing them evenly on your parchment-lined baking sheet. Press each one down slightly, then spoon about a teaspoon of that gorgeous, chilled brownie batter on top. Gently swirl with a toothpick or the tip of a butter knife for that signature marbled effect—this is where the magic happens for Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies!
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Slide your cookies into the preheated oven and bake for 10–12 minutes. Keep an eye out: the edges should be set and faintly golden, while the centers will look just slightly underbaked (they’ll finish setting as they cool). Let the cookies rest on the sheet for 5 minutes before moving to a wire rack. Resisting the urge to devour them immediately is the hardest part!
How to Serve Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies
Garnishes
Jazz up your Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies by dusting them with a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt just as they come out of the oven. For something extra festive, drizzle a bit of melted chocolate or a quick peanut butter glaze over the tops—you’ll turn snack time into a special event.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a cold glass of milk, creamy coffee, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate dessert plate. If you’re making a spread for a party, nestle them next to fresh berries or a platter of other homemade treats for irresistible variety.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack your cookies in a tall glass jar tied with twine for a sweet homemade food gift, or arrange on a tiered cake stand for a charming centerpiece. You can even sandwich a scoop of ice cream or chocolate ganache between two Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies and roll the edges in mini chocolate chips for a show-stopping treat!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, pop your leftover cookies into an airtight container—layering with parchment paper to keep the swirled tops pristine. They’ll stay fresh and chewy on the counter for up to four days, though chances are they’ll disappear sooner!
Freezing
Want to savor Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies even longer? Freeze the baked cookies in a well-sealed freezer bag or container for up to 2 months. You can also freeze unbaked dough balls (with swirled brownie) and bake straight from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time.
Reheating
To bring back a just-baked texture, pop refrigerated or frozen cookies in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 3–4 minutes or zap for 10–15 seconds in the microwave. They’ll emerge soft, melty, and aromatic—just like the day they were baked.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter will add delightful bits of peanut in every bite, though your cookies may spread just a touch less due to the added texture. It’s a fun way to personalize your Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies.
How do I get a perfect swirl without over-mixing?
The key is to use chilled brownie batter and a gentle hand. Drop a small amount of brownie batter on each cookie and use a clean toothpick or skewer to lightly swirl—it’s okay if they all look a little different. Over-mixing can muddy the colors.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose blend for the regular flour. The results are remarkably close, with just a touch more chew—making Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies accessible for everyone.
What’s the best way to get round, bakery-style cookies?
Shape your dough balls evenly using a cookie scoop, then, just after baking, use the rim of a glass or biscuit cutter to gently nudge the edges into a perfect circle while they’re still hot. This little trick makes your cookies look professional with minimal effort!
Can I use boxed brownie mix for the swirl?
Definitely! Prepare your favorite boxed brownie mix according to package directions and chill until just scoopable. The flavor will be delicious and the process even easier, making Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies a go-to for busy bakers.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to fall in love with a new cookie, give these Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies a try. Each bite delivers the best of both worlds: creamy peanut butter richness and intense chocolatey goodness. You might want to make a double batch—trust me, they disappear fast!
Print
Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies are a delightful combination of rich, chewy brownie batter swirled into a classic peanut butter cookie base. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth!
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 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
Brownie Batter:
- 1 cup prepared brownie batter (from box mix or homemade), chilled slightly for easier swirling
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare baking sheet: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Make peanut butter cookie dough: In a large mixing bowl, cream together butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and peanut butter. Add egg and vanilla; mix well. In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, and salt. Combine wet and dry ingredients to form a dough.
- Form cookies: Scoop dough into balls, flatten slightly, and top each with brownie batter. Swirl together gently.
- Bake: Place cookies on baking sheet and bake for 10–12 minutes until edges are set.
- Cool and enjoy: Cool on the sheet before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
- Chilling the brownie batter makes swirling easier.
- For a marbled effect, fold brownie batter into the dough.
- Cookies can be frozen for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
