Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies
Description:
These Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies are a perfect indulgence for anyone who loves the rich, creamy texture of peanut butter and the deep, chocolatey flavor of brownies. Swirled together in a single cookie, the combination of peanut butter and chocolate is irresistible. With a slight crunch on the outside and a soft, chewy interior, these cookies make for the ultimate sweet treat that’s easy to prepare and sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply craving a treat, these cookies will quickly become a favorite in your household!
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes
Servings: Makes about 18 cookies
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup chocolate chips (optional, for extra chocolatey goodness)
Instructions:
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Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking. -
Cream the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine softened butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Beat with a hand mixer or stand mixer until the mixture is smooth and creamy. -
Add Wet Ingredients
Add the egg and vanilla extract to the peanut butter mixture. Beat again until well combined and smooth. -
Prepare Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. -
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing until fully incorporated. The dough should be thick and smooth. -
Create the Brownie Swirl
Divide the dough in half. In one half, stir in the cocoa powder until a rich, chocolatey brownie batter forms. -
Form the Cookies
Roll the peanut butter dough into small balls (about 1 inch in diameter). Slightly flatten them and spoon a small amount of brownie batter on top. Use a toothpick or knife to swirl the brownie batter into the peanut butter dough for a marbled effect. -
Add Chocolate Chips (Optional)
Sprinkle the chocolate chips on top of the swirled dough for an added chocolatey crunch. -
Bake
Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between them for spreading. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the cookies are slightly firm to the touch. The centers should still be soft. -
Cool and Serve
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy these delicious treats with a glass of milk or your favorite beverage!
Variations:
- Peanut Butter and White Chocolate: Replace the cocoa powder in the brownie dough with white chocolate chips for a lighter, sweeter swirl.
- Add Nuts: Stir in some chopped peanuts, walnuts, or pecans into the dough for extra texture and crunch.
- Double Chocolate: Increase the amount of cocoa powder to 3/4 cup for a more chocolate-heavy flavor.
- Gluten-Free: Swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free treat.
- Vegan: Use a plant-based butter, flax egg (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water), and dairy-free chocolate chips to make this recipe vegan.
Serving Tips:
- For Extra Gooeyness: Serve these cookies warm out of the oven or microwave for 10-15 seconds to melt the chocolate chips slightly.
- Pair with Ice Cream: Serve with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream for a decadent dessert.
- Gift Idea: These cookies make great homemade gifts when packed in a cute tin or jar with a festive ribbon.
- Serve with a Drink: Pair these cookies with a hot cup of coffee, milk, or a cold glass of chocolate milk for a truly indulgent treat.
20 FAQ:
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Can I make these cookies without peanut butter? Yes, you can substitute peanut butter with almond butter or sunbutter if you have a peanut allergy.
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Can I freeze the dough? Absolutely! You can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Roll it into balls, freeze on a baking sheet, then store in a zip-top bag.
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Can I use chunky peanut butter instead of creamy? Yes, but it will change the texture slightly, making the cookies more rustic with a bit of crunch.
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What can I substitute for eggs in this recipe? A flax egg or chia egg works well as a substitute for the egg in this recipe.
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How do I know when the cookies are done? The edges should be set and slightly golden, but the centers will still appear soft.
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How long should I cool the cookies? Let them cool for about 10 minutes on the baking sheet, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
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Can I add other chocolate types to the cookies? Yes, feel free to experiment with milk, dark, or even white chocolate chips!
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Do these cookies freeze well? Yes! These cookies freeze very well. Just place them in an airtight container or zip-lock bag.
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How can I make the cookies less sweet? Reduce the amount of granulated sugar or brown sugar to suit your preference.
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Can I bake these cookies without parchment paper? You can, but parchment paper prevents sticking and ensures even baking.
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How should I store these cookies? Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
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Can I make mini cookies? Yes, adjust the baking time to 7-9 minutes for mini cookies.
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Can I use a different kind of flour? Yes, you can use whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour blends.
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What is the best way to swirl the brownie batter? Use a toothpick or a butter knife to gently swirl the brownie dough into the peanut butter dough.
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What can I serve with these cookies? These cookies are great on their own or paired with milk, coffee, or a scoop of ice cream.
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Can I add a glaze or frosting? A light peanut butter glaze or chocolate drizzle can enhance these cookies even more.
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How do I make sure my cookies don’t spread too much? Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to help them keep their shape.
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Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can double the recipe and bake in batches.
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Are these cookies safe for kids? Yes, these cookies are safe for kids unless they have a peanut or chocolate allergy.
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Can I use brown sugar for a richer flavor? Yes, using dark brown sugar will give these cookies a deeper molasses flavor.
20 Best Tips for Making Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your butter and peanut butter are at room temperature to help them combine easily.
- Sift the Cocoa Powder: Sifting the cocoa powder before mixing will prevent clumps and make the dough smoother.
- Use a Cookie Scoop: A cookie scoop ensures uniform cookie sizes, helping them bake evenly.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix the dry and wet ingredients until just combined to avoid tough cookies.
- Chill the Dough: If your dough feels too soft, chill it for 30 minutes before baking to help the cookies hold their shape.
- Don’t Skip Parchment Paper: It prevents the cookies from sticking and makes cleanup easier.
- Be Mindful of Baking Time: Keep an eye on the cookies as they bake since ovens vary. Bake until edges are set but the center is still soft.
- Let Cool on the Sheet: Allow cookies to cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack to firm up.
- Use a Mix of Sugars: The combination of granulated and brown sugars gives the cookies a nice balance of sweetness and texture.
- Add Chocolate Chips: Chocolate chips or chunks will make these cookies even more decadent.
- Customize the Swirl: Feel free to adjust the swirl ratio based on your chocolate-to-peanut butter preference.
- Upgrade with Add-ins: Mix in your favorite candy pieces or chopped chocolate for added texture.
- Double the Peanut Butter Flavor: Add a handful of chopped peanuts for extra peanut butter crunch.
- Let Dough Rest: Let the dough sit for 10 minutes before baking to enhance the flavors.
- Use a Stand Mixer: If you have one, a stand mixer is ideal for thoroughly combining the wet ingredients.
- Check for Doneness Early: Since cookies continue to cook on the baking sheet, take them out just before they’re fully done.
- Serve Warm: These cookies are especially delicious when served slightly warm.
- Use High-Quality Cocoa Powder: The cocoa flavor will shine through, so choose a good-quality unsweetened cocoa powder.
- Perfect Swirl Technique: Swirl the brownie dough lightly into the peanut butter to keep the textures distinct.
- Don’t Overbake: These cookies are at their best when chewy in the center, so err on the side of underbaking slightly.
With these tips and variations, your Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies will be an instant hit, whether you’re baking for a crowd or just treating yourself!
