If you’re in the mood for cookies that deliver both decadent chocolate and nutty richness, look no further than Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies. These gorgeous little treats combine swirls of fudgy brownie with classic peanut butter dough, creating a marbled pattern that’s as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate. Whether you’re baking for a party, a cozy night in, or just because, this recipe is guaranteed to spark joy and satisfy every sweet craving in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies come together with a handful of pantry staples, but each ingredient really earns its keep. From the creamy peanut butter to a swoosh of brownie batter, every single element helps to build flavor, add softness, or bring that beautiful signature swirl.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened): Softened butter is the backbone of chewy, tender cookies and balances sweetness with a bit of richness.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Adds classic sweetness and helps with that irresistible cookie crunch on the edges.
- Packed brown sugar (1/2 cup): Infuses moisture and a subtle molasses note, giving the cookies caramel depth.
- Creamy peanut butter (1/2 cup): The star player, peanut butter gives flavor and a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Large egg (1): Binds all the ingredients together and adds richness.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances every flavor and brings a warm, round aroma.
- All-purpose flour (1 1/4 cups): Just enough to hold these beauties together without making them dense.
- Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): Gives a gentle lift, keeping the cookies light.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Heightens all the sweet and nutty flavors.
- Brownie batter (1/2 cup, prepared and cooled): This is where the magic swirls happen, so make sure it’s thick for dramatic, chocolaty ribbons.
How to Make Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies
Step 1: Get Your Oven and Baking Sheet Ready
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper—which is key for easy cookie transfer and even baking. While the oven heats up, gather your ingredients so there’s no hunting while your hands are full of dough.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale. This step sets the tone for a soft cookie crumb, so take a couple minutes to really whip air into the mix—it’s worth it!
Step 3: Add the Peanut Butter, Egg, and Vanilla
Melt in the creamy peanut butter, then crack in the egg and pour in the vanilla extract. Mix until everything is perfectly combined and smooth. The dough will already smell wonderful at this stage—the vanilla and peanut aromas start to pop!
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients Separately
In a separate bowl, whisk your flour, baking soda, and salt. This keeps the leavening even and guarantees that you won’t get a salty, soapy pocket somewhere unexpected. It’s a small but important step for even flavor.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry mix to the wet peanut butter mixture, stirring gently just until combined. Be careful not to overmix; the less you handle the dough, the more tender your Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies will taste.
Step 6: Scoop and Swirl
Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and gently flatten each one on your prepared baking sheet. Top every mound with about a teaspoon of thick, cooled brownie batter. Using a toothpick or knife, swirl the brownie into the peanut butter dough to create marbled ribbons—this is the fun part, and each cookie will be delightfully unique!
Step 7: Bake and Cool
Pop the cookies into the oven and bake for 10–12 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden but the centers still look just set. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to finish cooling. The aroma at this point is pure dessert heaven.
How to Serve Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies
Garnishes
For a playful touch, sprinkle the cookies with flaky sea salt right out of the oven. A light dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of melted chocolate, or even a few extra peanut butter chips will dress them up for special occasions.
Side Dishes
Milk—cold or warm—is the classic companion for Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies. If you’re serving a crowd, set out bowls of fresh berries, vanilla ice cream, or even a frothy mocha to compliment the rich peanut and chocolate flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack them high on a vintage cake stand for a dramatic centerpiece, or wrap a few in parchment and tie with twine for a heartfelt homemade gift. They’re lovely stacked in a mason jar, too, for bake sales or as a quick thank-you surprise.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, tuck your Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies into an airtight container at room temperature. They stay soft and fresh for up to five days—if they last that long! Add a slice of bread to the container to help maintain that perfect chewiness.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze these cookies! Lay completely cooled cookies on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They keep beautifully frozen for up to three months, ready for whenever your cookie craving strikes.
Reheating
To revive that fresh-baked warmth, pop a cookie in the microwave for about 8–10 seconds, or heat them in a low oven for a few minutes. The swirled peanut butter and brownie will taste gooey and just like new.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
You can absolutely swap in crunchy peanut butter for a bit of extra texture and peanutty bite. The cookies will be a little more rustic but still swirl up beautifully.
What should I do if my brownie batter is too runny to swirl?
If your brownie batter is thin, pop it in the fridge for about 20 minutes. Chilling will thicken it up, making it far easier to create those gorgeous swirls in the dough.
Can I double the recipe for a bigger batch?
Yes! The recipe scales up easily. Just make sure to mix your batters thoroughly and work in batches so each cookie gets its fair share of peanut and chocolate goodness.
How do I know when the cookies are done?
Look for lightly golden edges and a center that is just set. The cookies will continue to bake a bit as they cool on the tray, keeping the centers perfectly chewy.
Are Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies gluten free?
This version uses all-purpose flour, so they’re not gluten free. However, you can try swapping in a good 1:1 gluten-free flour blend if needed—just keep an eye on the texture and bake time the first go-around.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you’ll try making these Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies and share them with friends—or savor them all for yourself! Their mesmerizing marbled tops and addictive sweet-salty bite make them a standout addition to any cookie jar. Happy baking!
Print
Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the perfect combination of peanut butter and brownie with these Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies. These soft and chewy cookies are a delightful treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Cookies:
- 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:
- 1/2 cup brownie batter (prepared from a boxed mix or homemade, cooled and thickened)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream butter and sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add peanut butter and wet ingredients: Mix in the peanut butter, egg, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
- Shape and swirl: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of cookie dough, gently flatten each, and top with a teaspoon of thickened brownie batter. Swirl the brownie batter into the dough using a toothpick or knife.
- Bake: Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Cool and enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Make sure the brownie batter is thick enough to swirl; if too runny, chill it in the fridge before using.
- You can also use store-bought brownie mix—just prepare a small portion and allow it to cool fully before swirling.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
