If you love the rich decadence of brownies and the creamy goodness of peanut butter, you’re in for a treat! Introducing fudgy peanut butter brownie swirl cookies – a dessert that combines two of the most indulgent treats in one irresistible bite. These cookies are thick, chewy, and packed with flavor. They feature a soft and fudgy brownie base, swirled with creamy peanut butter for an extra layer of flavor and texture. Whether you’re a brownie lover, a cookie fan, or both, these cookies will quickly become your go-to dessert.
In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the process of making these peanut butter brownie swirl cookies step by step, and give you tips for making them perfect every time. Ready to get baking? Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love These Fudgy Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies
Before we get to the recipe, let’s talk about why these fudgy peanut butter brownie swirl cookies will quickly become your favorite dessert.
1. A Perfect Combination of Two Classics
These cookies bring together the best of both worlds – the fudgy, melt-in-your-mouth texture of brownies and the creamy, nutty flavor of peanut butter. The result is an indulgent treat that will satisfy any sweet tooth.
2. Chewy and Fudgy Texture
Unlike regular cookies, these have a soft, chewy texture thanks to the brownie base. The peanut butter swirl adds richness and creaminess, making each bite absolutely irresistible.
3. Easy to Make
While the combination of brownie and peanut butter might sound complex, this recipe is actually quite easy to make. You don’t need any fancy ingredients or equipment, just a few simple pantry staples and your love for baking.
4. Customizable
Feel free to adjust the amount of peanut butter or even add in some chocolate chips or chopped nuts to make them your own. You can experiment with different types of peanut butter – smooth or crunchy – depending on your preference.
Ingredients for Fudgy Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies
To make these delicious fudgy peanut butter brownie swirl cookies, you will need the following ingredients:
For the Brownie Base:
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup (40g) unsweetened cocoa powder (preferably Dutch-processed for a richer flavor)
- 1/2 cup (65g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
For the Peanut Butter Swirl:
- 1/2 cup (125g) creamy peanut butter (or crunchy, if preferred)
- 1/4 cup (50g) powdered sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional:
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (for extra chocolatey goodness)
- A pinch of sea salt (to sprinkle on top for a salty-sweet contrast)
How to Make Fudgy Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies
Making these cookies is straightforward and simple, but the results are truly indulgent. Follow the steps below to create your perfect batch of fudgy peanut butter brownie swirl cookies.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to ensure the cookies don’t stick and bake evenly.
Step 2: Prepare the Brownie Batter
In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar until smooth. The mixture should be glossy and well combined. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, whisking until fully incorporated.
Next, sift in the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder. Stir everything together until just combined. The brownie batter will be thick and fudgy, which is exactly what you want for this cookie base.
Step 3: Make the Peanut Butter Swirl
In a separate bowl, mix together the creamy peanut butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth and well combined. The peanut butter mixture should be thick enough to swirl but still soft enough to spread.
Step 4: Assemble the Cookies
Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop tablespoon-sized portions of the brownie batter onto the prepared baking sheets, spaced about 2 inches apart. Don’t worry about shaping them just yet – they will spread out during baking.
Next, spoon small dollops of the peanut butter mixture onto the brownie batter. Then, use a toothpick or skewer to swirl the peanut butter into the brownie batter. Be careful not to overmix – you want to see distinct swirls of peanut butter throughout each cookie.
If you’re using chocolate chips, sprinkle them on top of the cookies at this stage for extra flavor.
Step 5: Bake the Cookies
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers are still slightly soft. The cookies will continue to firm up as they cool.
Keep an eye on them towards the end of the baking time to avoid overbaking. The key to fudgy cookies is to slightly underbake them so that they remain soft and chewy.
Step 6: Cool and Enjoy
Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
For an extra touch of flavor, you can sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top of each cookie while they’re still warm. This adds a delightful contrast to the sweetness of the cookie and peanut butter.
Tips for Perfect Fudgy Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies
- Don’t Overmix: When swirling the peanut butter into the brownie batter, make sure not to overmix. You want visible swirls to create that marbled look and to get the perfect texture in each bite.
- Chill the Dough: If the dough feels too soft to work with, you can chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before scooping it onto the baking sheets. This helps the cookies keep their shape while baking.
- Experiment with Peanut Butter: Try different types of peanut butter – crunchy peanut butter will give the cookies a fun texture, while creamy peanut butter creates a smooth swirl.
- Add More Mix-ins: Feel free to add extra chocolate chips, chopped peanuts, or even caramel swirls to make these cookies your own.
How to Store and Serve Fudgy Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies
Once your fudgy peanut butter brownie swirl cookies have cooled, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to extend their shelf life, you can also freeze them for up to 3 months. Just place the cookies in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag with parchment paper between layers.
To serve, simply enjoy the cookies as they are, or warm them up in the microwave for a few seconds for a freshly-baked experience. Serve with a glass of cold milk for the ultimate indulgence!
Why These Cookies Are a Must-Try
These fudgy peanut butter brownie swirl cookies are more than just your average cookie – they combine two beloved desserts into one mouthwatering treat. Here’s why they’re worth making:
- Rich and Indulgent Flavor: The combination of rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter makes every bite a decadent experience.
- Chewy Texture: These cookies have the perfect chewy texture, thanks to the fudgy brownie base.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re hosting a party, looking for a family treat, or simply craving something sweet, these cookies are sure to impress.
Final Thoughts on Fudgy Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies
If you’re craving a dessert that’s both decadent and easy to make, these fudgy peanut butter brownie swirl cookies are a must-try. With just the right amount of sweetness, chewiness, and peanut butter goodness, they’re a crowd-pleasing treat that combines the best of brownies and cookies.
Next time you’re in the mood to bake something indulgent, whip up a batch of these cookies – they’ll quickly become a family favorite!