Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies Recipe

The Ultimate Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies Recipe

Warm, gooey peanut butter brownie swirl cookies have a way of making even the most serious adults feel like kids again.

Chocolate and peanut butter dance together in these irresistible treats that promise pure indulgence.

Sweet aromas will drift through your kitchen, beckoning everyone near.

Soft centers and crispy edges create a textural symphony that makes these cookies impossible to resist.

Decadent swirls of fudgy brownie complement rich peanut butter in each delectable bite.

Baking these cookies becomes an adventure of delicious proportions.

Why Peanut Butter Brownie Cookies Are a Must

  • Quick and Easy Baking: Whip up these delightful cookies with simple ingredients and straightforward steps that even novice bakers can master.
  • Irresistible Flavor Combination: Enjoy the perfect marriage of rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter in every single bite, creating a mouthwatering treat that satisfies sweet cravings.
  • Stunning Visual Appeal: Create a stunning marble-like pattern by swirling two contrasting doughs, making these cookies not just delicious but also a feast for the eyes that will impress family and friends.
  • Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for potlucks, school events, family gatherings, or just a special weekend dessert that appeals to both kids and adults with its playful design and classic flavor profile.

Ingredients for Brownie Swirl Cookies

Cookie Base Ingredients:
  • Peanut Butter, Butter, Brown Sugar: Smooth and sweet base for peanut butter cookie dough.
  • Egg, Vanilla: Adds richness and flavor to the cookie base.
  • Flour, Baking Soda, Salt: Essential dry ingredients for cookie structure.
Brownie Base Ingredients:
  • Butter, White Sugar: Foundation for rich brownie dough.
  • Cocoa Powder: Provides deep chocolate flavor.
  • Egg, Vanilla: Adds moisture and depth to brownie dough.
  • Flour, Baking Powder, Salt: Key dry ingredients for brownie texture.
Mix-In Ingredient:
  • Chocolate Chips: Adds extra chocolate burst to brownie dough.

How to Bake Brownie Swirl Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Peanut Butter Dough

Mix together creamy peanut butter, softened butter, and brown sugar in a large mixing bowl.

Whip the ingredients until they become light and airy.

Add in a fresh egg and vanilla extract, blending until smooth.

In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and salt.

Carefully fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until everything is incorporated.

Step 2: Create Chocolate Brownie Dough

Melt butter and whisk with white sugar in a bowl.

Incorporate cocoa powder until the mixture looks glossy and smooth.

Add an egg and vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly.

Gently fold in flour, baking powder, salt, and chocolate chips.

Stir until no dry patches remain in the dough.

Step 3: Chill and Combine Doughs

Refrigerate both doughs for half an hour to firm up.

Once chilled, scoop small portions of each dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Place peanut butter and chocolate dough portions side by side.

Using a toothpick or skewer, gently swirl the doughs together to create a beautiful marbled effect.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Preheat the oven to 350°F.

Slide the baking sheet into the oven and bake for 9-11 minutes.

Look for lightly crackled tops and set edges while the centers remain soft and tender.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5-10 minutes.

Transfer to a wire cooling rack and allow them to cool completely.

These swirled cookies are ready to delight your taste buds with their rich, marbled appearance and incredible flavor combination.

  • Refrigerate both peanut butter and brownie doughs for exactly 30 minutes to prevent spreading and ensure perfect swirl texture during baking.
  • Use a toothpick or skewer to create gentle, delicate marble patterns without overmixing the two doughs, maintaining distinct flavor and color separation.
  • Bake for 9-11 minutes maximum, checking at 9 minutes to prevent overcooking – cookies should have slightly soft centers and lightly crackly tops.
  • Ensure butter, eggs, and peanut butter are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better incorporation of ingredients.
  • Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, separating layers with parchment paper to maintain their delicate swirl design.

Storing and Reheating Swirl Cookies

  • Store cooled cookies in an airtight container lined with parchment paper, separating layers to prevent sticking. Keep refrigerated for up to 5 days.
  • Place cookies in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag, separating layers with parchment paper. Freeze for up to 3 months for maximum freshness.
  • Remove frozen cookies from the freezer and let sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving to maintain texture.
  • Warm cookies briefly in a preheated 300°F oven for 2-3 minutes to restore their soft, gooey center and crisp edges.
  • Pair with Creamy Milk: Smooth, cold milk perfectly balances the rich chocolate and nutty peanut butter flavors in these decadent cookies.
  • Complement with Espresso Shot: A bold, small espresso cuts through the sweetness and enhances the deep chocolate notes with its intense coffee profile.
  • Match with Salted Caramel Latte: The sweet-salty caramel and creamy coffee highlight the cookie's complex flavor layers, creating a luxurious tasting experience.
  • Serve with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Cool, smooth vanilla ice cream provides a refreshing contrast to the warm, dense cookie texture and amplifies the dessert's indulgent qualities.
  • Gluten-Free Version: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in both dough recipes. Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
  • Vegan Option: Substitute eggs with flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water per egg). Use vegan butter or coconut oil instead of dairy butter. Choose dairy-free chocolate chips.
  • Low-Sugar Alternative: Replace brown and white sugars with monk fruit sweetener or stevia. Use sugar-free chocolate chips and reduce overall sweetness while maintaining cookie texture.
  • Nut-Free Adaptation: Swap peanut butter with sunflower seed butter or coconut butter. Ensure no nut-based ingredients are used for those with nut allergies.

FAQs

  • Why do I need to chill the doughs before baking?

Chilling helps the doughs firm up, preventing them from spreading too much during baking and allowing the swirl pattern to hold its shape better.

  • Can I use natural peanut butter for this recipe?

While possible, it’s recommended to use creamy, stabilized peanut butter to maintain the right consistency and prevent separation during mixing.

  • How do I create the perfect swirl pattern?

Use a toothpick or skewer and gently drag it through the dough portions in a figure-eight or zigzag motion, being careful not to overmix and muddle the colors.

  • What chocolate chips work best in the brownie dough?

Semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips provide the best flavor contrast and won’t make the dough too sweet, complementing the rich peanut butter and cocoa notes.

Print
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Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies Recipe

Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies Recipe


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4.5 from 37 reviews

  • Total Time: 56 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Sweet meets rich in these peanut butter brownie swirl cookies, where chocolatey brownie batter dances with creamy peanut butter in a delightful cookie fusion. Indulgent bites promise pure bliss for chocolate and peanut butter enthusiasts who crave something extraordinary.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) creamy peanut butter
  • 1/4 cup (57 g) butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup (100 g) brown sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour

Leavening and Seasoning:

  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Flavor Enhancers:

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Craft peanut butter dough by creaming peanut butter, butter, and brown sugar until airy and voluminous. Incorporate egg and vanilla extract, blending thoroughly.
  2. Sift flour, baking soda, and salt into a separate vessel. Gradually fold dry ingredients into wet mixture, stirring until just incorporated.
  3. Prepare brownie dough by whisking melted butter with white sugar until smooth. Integrate cocoa powder until uniform in color and texture.
  4. Add egg and vanilla to brownie mixture, mixing until well combined. Gently fold flour, baking powder, salt, and chocolate chips into the batter, ensuring no dry pockets remain.
  5. Refrigerate both doughs for half an hour to firm up and enhance flavor development.
  6. Arrange parchment paper on baking sheet. Portion peanut butter and brownie doughs into small mounds, positioning them adjacently.
  7. Using a toothpick, delicately swirl the two doughs together, creating an elegant marbled pattern without overmixing.
  8. Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake cookies for 9-11 minutes, watching for lightly crackled tops and set edges while maintaining soft centers.
  9. Allow cookies to rest on baking sheet for 5-10 minutes, enabling them to stabilize and prevent breaking.
  10. Transfer to wire cooling rack, permitting complete cooling before serving and savoring the decadent treat.

Notes

  • Chill dough thoroughly to prevent spreading and maintain distinct swirl patterns during baking.
  • Experiment with different nut butters like almond or cashew for unique flavor variations.
  • Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth, even mixing and consistent cookie texture.
  • For gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to maintain cookie structure.
  • Prep Time: 45 minutes
  • Cook Time: 11 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 189
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 90 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 22 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 19 mg
Angelina Wiles

Angelina Wiles

Content Editor & Culinary Enthusiast

Expertise

Food Writing and Editing, Vegetarian and Vegan Cuisine, Baking and Pastry Arts, Sustainable Cooking Practices​

Education

Portland Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focus: Emphasis on sustainable cooking practices, vegetarian cuisine, and food writing.​

​Oregon Culinary Institute
Diploma in Baking and Pastry Arts
Focus: Specialized training in artisanal baking, pastry techniques, and dessert presentation.


Angelina’s love for cooking started with handwritten family recipes and weekend trips to farmers’ markets around Portland. She followed her passion with a Certificate in Culinary Arts from Portland Community College, then perfected her sweet side with a Diploma in Baking and Pastry Arts at Oregon Culinary Institute.
Angelina believes recipes should feel like a conversation, not a science project. She’s all about helping readers trust themselves in the kitchen with simple steps, fresh ideas, and easy twists on classic meals.
When she’s not editing recipes, she’s baking bread, sipping coffee, or getting inspired by the changing seasons.

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