Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies

A Perfect Blend of Chocolate and Peanut Butter

Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies combine two classic flavors into one irresistible treat. These cookies feature a rich, fudgy brownie dough swirled with creamy peanut butter cookie dough, creating a visually stunning and decadently delicious dessert. Whether you’re a fan of chocolate, peanut butter, or both, these cookies deliver a soft, chewy texture with the perfect balance of sweetness and nuttiness.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Best of Both Worlds – Enjoy the deep, chocolatey richness of brownies and the nutty, slightly salty contrast of peanut butter cookies in one bite.
• Eye-Catching Swirls – The marbled effect makes these cookies as beautiful as they are delicious.
• Perfectly Soft and Chewy – Both the brownie and peanut butter doughs bake into a tender, melt-in-your-mouth consistency.
• Easy to Make – Despite their elegant appearance, these cookies are surprisingly simple to prepare.

Ingredients

For the Brownie Dough:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup packed brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¾ cup all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt

For the Peanut Butter Dough:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup creamy peanut butter
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup packed brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Brownie Dough

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
2. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.
3. Sift in the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Stir until just combined. Set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Peanut Butter Dough

1. In a separate bowl, beat the softened butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Mix in the egg and vanilla extract.
3. Gradually add the flour, baking soda, and salt, stirring until a soft dough forms.

Step 3: Swirl the Doughs Together

1. Take small portions of each dough and press them together lightly.
2. Roll them into balls, then gently swirl the two doughs to create a marbled effect. Avoid overmixing to maintain the distinct patterns.

Step 4: Bake the Cookies

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Place the dough balls on the prepared sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
3. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are set but the centers are slightly soft.
4. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Variations

• Add Chocolate Chips – Stir in dark or milk chocolate chips for extra indulgence.
• Use Crunchy Peanut Butter – Adds a delightful texture to the peanut butter dough.
• Drizzle with Chocolate – Melt chocolate and drizzle over cooled cookies for an elegant finish.
• Sprinkle with Sea Salt – Enhances the flavor contrast between sweet and salty.

Servings and Timing

• Yield: About 20-24 cookies
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Bake Time: 10-12 minutes
• Total Time: 30-35 minutes

Storage and Reheating

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Refrigeration: Can be kept in the fridge for up to 1 week.
• Freezing: Freeze the dough balls or baked cookies for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
• Reheating: Warm in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for a freshly baked texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I keep the cookies soft?

Store them in an airtight container with a slice of bread to retain moisture.

Can I use natural peanut butter?

Yes, but stir it well before using, as natural peanut butter tends to separate.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes! Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.

What if my dough is too sticky?

Chill the dough for 15-20 minutes before rolling to make it easier to handle.

Can I use almond butter instead of peanut butter?

Absolutely! The flavor will be slightly different, but it will work well.

Do I need to chill the dough?

Not necessarily, but if your kitchen is warm, chilling helps prevent excessive spreading.

Can I make smaller or larger cookies?

Yes, adjust the size and baking time accordingly. Smaller cookies bake faster, while larger ones may need an extra minute or two.

Can I use Dutch-processed cocoa powder?

Yes, but it may slightly alter the texture since it is less acidic than natural cocoa powder.

How can I make the swirls more defined?

Be careful not to overmix the doughs when forming the balls. Gentle pressing and slight twisting work best.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, just be sure to mix the doughs separately in larger bowls to maintain consistency.

Conclusion

Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies are a treat that combines the best of two classic desserts into one delightful bite. The beautiful marbled effect, combined with the rich, fudgy brownie flavor and nutty peanut butter goodness, makes these cookies an instant favorite. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just satisfying a craving, this easy recipe will not disappoint. Enjoy them fresh, warm, or even with a cold glass of milk!

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