Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies Recipe
If you’re a fan of chocolate and peanut butter (who isn’t?), prepare your taste buds for the irresistible magic of Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies. These are the ultimate mashup—chewy, marbled cookies that bring together creamy peanut butter and rich, fudgy brownie dough in every glorious bite. Not only do they look stunning with their swirled patterns, but they also guarantee a perfect balance of flavors, with just the right hit of nostalgia for lovers of classic American treats. Whether you’re baking a batch for family movie night or sharing with friends at a potluck, Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies always manage to steal the show!
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best parts of making Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies is how simple the ingredient list is. Each one plays an important role, from achieving that signature chewy bite to creating a beautiful swirl and bold, comforting flavors.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened): Essential for a tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookie texture—make sure it’s at room temperature for easy mixing.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Lends sweetness and helps give the cookies a satisfying bite.
- Packed brown sugar (1/2 cup): Adds moisture and a subtle caramel flavor that pairs perfectly with peanut butter and chocolate.
- Creamy peanut butter (1/2 cup): Choose a classic, no-stir version for the smoothest dough and best swirl results.
- Large egg (1, for peanut butter dough): Binds everything together, ensuring the cookies hold their shape while baking.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds warmth and enhances all the other flavors.
- All-purpose flour (1 1/4 cups): Provides structure and just the right amount of chew.
- Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): Gives the cookies a gentle lift and a light texture.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances out the sweetness and sharpens the peanut butter flavor.
- Boxed brownie mix (1 cup, dry): The secret to easy, outrageously chocolatey swirls—be sure to use just the dry mix!
- Vegetable oil (1/4 cup): Makes the brownie batter extra rich and fudgy.
- Large egg (1, for brownie mix): Helps form a moist, scoopable brownie dough.
- Water (2 tablespoons): Loosens the brownie batter just enough for perfect swirling.
How to Make Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Sheet
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This simple step is crucial—parchment means cookies slide off easily, no sticking or crumbling, so you’re set up for swirl-cookie glory from the start!
Step 2: Make the Peanut Butter Dough
In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture looks light and fluffy. Next, add the peanut butter, egg, and vanilla extract, mixing until the dough turns creamy and smooth. Then, gently stir in the flour, baking soda, and salt just until everything’s combined. Over-mixing can lead to tough cookies, so keep it gentle! Now you have a classic peanut butter cookie dough, ready for swirling action.
Step 3: Mix Up the Brownie Batter
In a separate medium bowl, stir together the dry brownie mix, vegetable oil, egg, and water. The batter will be thick, more like cookie dough than traditional brownie batter. Mixing just until the ingredients are combined will give you that signature fudgy, rich taste we want in every bite of these Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies.
Step 4: Swirl and Scoop
Here’s where the magic happens! Use a spoon or a small cookie scoop to grab a bit of the peanut butter dough and a bit of the brownie batter. Lightly press or twist the two together in your hands to create a marbled effect—be careful not to overmix, as you want that gorgeous swirl to come through. Roll them into a roughly uniform ball and place them on your prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pop the cookies into your preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes. Keep an eye out for set edges and slightly shiny, almost underbaked centers—this is the secret to ultra-chewy Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies. Allow them to rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes (they’ll firm up a bit), then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. And just like that, you’ve got a tray of showstopping cookies!
How to Serve Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies
Garnishes
Dress up your Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies with a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of melted chocolate, or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. Each garnish adds its own flair—powdered sugar looks beautiful, chocolate amps up the decadence, and sea salt sharpens every note of flavor.
Side Dishes
These cookies already pack a punch, but they play incredibly well with a tall glass of milk, a cold scoop of vanilla ice cream, or even a creamy peanut butter latte. For dessert trays, pair them with fresh berries or other simple cookies to create a variety that appeals to every sweet tooth.
Creative Ways to Present
Show off those beautiful swirls by stacking the cookies in a clear glass jar or arranging them on a cake stand. For parties, tuck them into cupcake liners or tie them in little treat bags as favors. You can even sandwich a scoop of ice cream between two cookies for the ultimate Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies ice cream sandwich!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any extra Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies cool completely, then store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and chewy for up to four days—if you can resist eating them all before then!
Freezing
Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies are freezer-friendly—either freeze the baked cookies (separated by layers of wax paper) or freeze the raw, shaped dough balls. Fresh cookies can be frozen for up to 2 months; dough balls can be baked straight from frozen by adding a minute or two to the bake time.
Reheating
If your cookies have lost a touch of their just-baked magic, pop them in a 300°F oven for 2-3 minutes or give them a quick 10-second zap in the microwave. That way, you’ll restore a warm, gooey center every time.
FAQs
Can I use chunky peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Chunky peanut butter will add some texture and extra peanut bits to your Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies. Just be aware the swirl might not be as smooth, but that crunch is definitely worth it if you love a nutty bite.
Do I have to use boxed brownie mix?
The boxed mix is a fantastic shortcut, but if you prefer homemade, substitute 1 cup of your favorite dry brownie mix recipe. The key is to use the dry mix so your brownie dough is thick enough for swirling.
Can I double this recipe for a crowd?
Yes, these cookies are ideal for sharing! Simply double all the ingredients and bake in batches. They’re perfect for bake sales, family gatherings, or whenever you want to spread some cookie joy.
What’s the best way to get even-sized cookies?
A cookie scoop is your best friend for uniform cookies—that way, every Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookie will bake up beautifully. If you don’t have one, just eyeball the dough and try to keep each ball about the size of a rounded tablespoon.
Why do the cookies look slightly underdone in the middle?
This is just what you want! They’ll finish setting up as they cool, guaranteeing a moist and chewy center rather than dry or crumbly cookies. For the chewiest texture, pull them from the oven when the edges are set but the centers are still soft.
Final Thoughts
Ready to impress yourself and everyone you know? There’s just something extra special about Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies—the swirls, the flavors, the pure fun of making and eating them. Whether you’re a peanut butter loyalist, a brownie fanatic, or a bit of both, give these cookies a spot in your baking lineup. You’ll be coming back for this recipe again and again!
Print
Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 18 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies are a delightful combination of rich, fudgy brownie and creamy peanut butter in a marbled cookie form. With a perfect balance of sweetness and nuttiness, these cookies are sure to be a hit with everyone.
Ingredients
Peanut Butter Dough:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Brownie Batter:
- 1 cup boxed brownie mix (dry)
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 large egg (for brownie mix)
- 2 tablespoons water
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix peanut butter dough: In a large bowl, beat butter and sugars until light. Add peanut butter, egg, and vanilla. Stir in flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Prepare brownie batter: In another bowl, mix brownie mix, oil, egg, and water.
- Create marbled dough: Take portions of peanut butter dough and brownie batter, swirl together, and form cookie balls.
- Bake: Place cookie dough balls on the baking sheet and bake for 10–12 minutes. Let cool before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
- Don’t overmix the doughs together—lightly swirling them keeps the marbled effect.
- Use a cookie scoop for even-sized cookies.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
