Description
There’s something magical about the combination of rich, chocolaty brownie batter and creamy peanut butter. These Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies are like a hug in dessert form—fudgy, nutty, and oh-so-satisfying. Imagine biting into a soft, chewy cookie with swirls of deep chocolate and peanut butter that melt in your mouth. They’re a treat that’s equal parts indulgent and nostalgic, perfect for sharing (or not!).
These cookies are an ideal bake for any occasion, from cozy evenings at home to impressing guests at a gathering. Plus, they bring together the best of both worlds: the decadence of brownies and the timeless comfort of peanut butter cookies. It’s a flavor combo that never goes out of style.
Ingredients
For the Brownie Dough:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
For the Peanut Butter Dough:
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Brownie Dough
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth. The mixture should look glossy and well-combined.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, whisking until fully incorporated.
- Sift in the cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Stir until the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Gradually mix in the flour until the dough comes together. The dough will be slightly sticky but manageable.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill in the fridge for 20 minutes. Chilling helps firm up the dough, making it easier to handle.
Step 2: Make the Peanut Butter Dough
- In a separate bowl, beat the creamy peanut butter, softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This step is key to achieving that tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
- Stir in the baking soda, salt, and flour until the dough is cohesive.
- Like the brownie dough, chill this mixture for 20 minutes to firm it up.
Step 3: Shape and Swirl
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Scoop 1 tablespoon of the brownie dough and 1 tablespoon of the peanut butter dough. Gently roll them together to create a marbled ball. Be careful not to over-mix, as you want to see distinct swirls of chocolate and peanut butter.
- Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Lightly press down on each ball to flatten it slightly.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers remain soft. This ensures the cookies stay fudgy and chewy.
- Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the cookies cool for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This brief resting period helps the cookies hold their shape.
Notes
- You can substitute chunky peanut butter for creamy if you prefer extra texture.
- For a festive twist, sprinkle the cookies with a pinch of sea salt or colorful sprinkles before baking.