There’s something wonderfully nostalgic about the combination of peanut butter and chocolate. It’s the kind of pairing that transports many of us back to childhood—snacking on peanut butter cups after school, licking brownie batter from the bowl, or sharing warm cookies with loved ones during the holidays. These Peanut Butter Brownie Cookies bring that same comforting energy to your kitchen, blending the best of both worlds: the chewy, fudgy richness of a brownie and the smooth, nutty swirl of peanut butter.

This recipe holds a special place in my heart. It all started one winter afternoon when my niece and I decided to bake something together. I had a half-jar of peanut butter, some cocoa powder, and an eager little helper. The result? A soft, crackly cookie that’s slightly crisp on the edges, deeply chocolaty in the center, and filled with golden peanut butter ribbons that melt into every bite. Since then, these cookies have been our go-to for snow days, potlucks, birthdays—or just a little pick-me-up.

Rooted in American dessert tradition, this cookie is a classic reimagined. It’s rustic enough for a casual weeknight treat but elegant enough to sit proudly on any holiday cookie platter. Whether you’re baking for your family or planning to impress at a cookie swap, Peanut Butter Brownie Cookies are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Incredible Texture: Crisp at the edges with a gooey, fudgy center—just like your favorite brownie.
• Perfect Flavor Combo: The richness of dark chocolate meets the creamy saltiness of peanut butter in every bite.
• Simple but Sophisticated: These cookies are as easy to make as a drop cookie but present beautifully with a white chocolate drizzle.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the dough ahead of time and freeze it, so fresh cookies are always just minutes away.
• Family Favorite: Kid-approved, adult-adored—this is a bake everyone will ask for again and again.

INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:

• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
• ½ cup (60g) unsweetened cocoa powder
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup (120g) creamy peanut butter
• ½ cup (90g) white chocolate chips, melted

HOW TO MAKE PEANUT BUTTER BROWNIE COOKIES

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Preheat the Oven

Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper—this ensures the cookies bake evenly and come off clean.

2. Make the Chocolate Base

In a large bowl, cream the softened butter with the granulated sugar until light and fluffy. You want a pale, fluffy mixture that will give your cookies lift.
Crack in the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

3. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Slowly incorporate this dry mix into the wet ingredients. The dough will be thick and rich, with a glossy sheen.

4. Swirl in Peanut Butter

This is where the magic happens. Drop spoonfuls of creamy peanut butter into the dough and fold gently. Don’t fully blend—it’s the swirl that gives each cookie a beautiful marbled effect and pockets of pure peanut flavor.

5. Shape the Cookies

Using a cookie scoop or a heaping tablespoon, portion the dough onto the lined baking sheets. Leave about 2 inches between each cookie—they’ll spread slightly as they bake.

6. Bake to Perfection

Place in the preheated oven and bake for 10–12 minutes. The edges should look set, but the centers will remain soft and slightly underbaked—that’s what gives them that luscious brownie-like texture.

7. Cool and Drizzle

Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Once completely cool, drizzle melted white chocolate over the tops. Let it set for a touch of elegance and a bit of added sweetness.

HELPFUL TIPS:

• Room Temp Ingredients: Bring eggs and butter to room temperature before starting—this helps everything blend more smoothly.
• Don’t Overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, stir just until combined. Overmixing can lead to dense cookies.
• Peanut Butter Tip: Stick with creamy peanut butter (not the natural kind with oil separation) for the best texture and swirl.
• Chill if Needed: If your dough is too soft, a quick 20-minute chill in the fridge will help the cookies hold their shape.
• Custom Add-ins: Add chopped roasted peanuts or dark chocolate chunks for extra crunch and richness.

DETAILS:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: 24 cookies
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

NOTES:

• Let the cookies cool fully before storing or drizzling to avoid melted toppings.
• For a fun twist, use dark or milk chocolate chips in place of white chocolate.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION (Per Cookie Approx.):

• Calories: 320
• Total Fat: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Sugars: 24g
• Protein: 5g

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Can I use natural peanut butter?
You can, but natural peanut butter may create a looser dough and won’t hold the swirl as well. Stir it thoroughly before adding if using.

Can I freeze the dough?
Yes! Scoop dough into balls and freeze on a tray. Transfer to a zip-top bag and store up to 3 months. Bake straight from frozen—just add 2 extra minutes.

Why are my cookies spreading too much?
Your dough may be too warm. Try chilling it for 20–30 minutes before baking.

How long do these cookies stay fresh?
Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, they’ll stay soft for up to 5 days.

STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS:

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Freezer: Freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
• Dough Freezing: Freeze scooped cookie dough balls and bake from frozen as needed.

Related Recipes:

If you liked these cookies, you’ll definitely enjoy these other peanut butter and chocolate favorites:

• Buttery Raspberry Crumble Cookies
• Lemon Poppy Seed Cheesecake Cookies
• Levain Bakery Lemon Cookies
• Rocky Road Chocolate Fudge Cookies

CONCLUSION:

There’s a kind of joy that only baking can bring—and these Peanut Butter Brownie Cookies deliver it in every bite. With their rich chocolate base, golden peanut butter swirls, and elegant white chocolate drizzle, they’re not just cookies—they’re a comforting ritual, a sweet reward, and a reminder that the best treats often come from simple ingredients and shared moments. So go ahead, preheat your oven, and make a batch. Your kitchen (and your taste buds) will thank you.

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