If you’ve ever found yourself torn between choosing a fudgy brownie or a soft peanut butter cookie, let me introduce you to the sweet spot where both worlds collide: Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies. These crave-worthy cookies bring together the rich, chocolatey depth of classic brownie batter with the nutty warmth of peanut butter cookie dough—all in one beautifully marbled bite. Each batch promises the thrill of discovering a new pattern with every cookie, making them as gorgeous as they are irresistible. Grab your mixing bowls and get ready for a delightful treat you’ll want to share (or maybe keep all to yourself)!
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best parts of making Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies is how accessible the ingredients are—you probably have most of them in your pantry right now. Each ingredient has its moment to shine, contributing either the signature flavors, irresistible softness, or those iconic chocolatey swirls that make these cookies extra special.
- Unsalted Butter (1/2 cup, softened): Adds rich, creamy flavor and the perfect texture—make sure it’s at room temperature for easy mixing.
- Granulated Sugar (1/2 cup): Brings sweetness and helps create a crisp cookie edge.
- Brown Sugar, packed (1/2 cup): Infuses each bite with a hint of caramel flavor and irresistible chewiness.
- Egg (1 large): Binds the dough for a cohesive, tender cookie.
- Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Boosts both the chocolate and peanut butter flavors, giving the cookies a lovely fragrance.
- Creamy Peanut Butter (1/2 cup): The star ingredient delivering that melt-in-your-mouth peanutty goodness.
- All-Purpose Flour (1 cup): Provides the structure that keeps these cookies thick and hearty.
- Baking Soda (1/2 teaspoon): Lends just enough lift for a soft, slightly puffed cookie.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances every flavor note.
- Brownie Mix, dry from box (1 cup): Use your favorite boxed brownie mix to create that luscious chocolate swirl.
- Vegetable Oil (2 tablespoons): Gives the brownie swirl its moist, fudgy texture.
- Water (1 tablespoon): Helps pull the brownie batter together.
- Mini Chocolate Chips (1/4 cup, optional): Stud the cookies with melty chocolate for an extra dose of decadence—totally optional but highly recommended!
How to Make Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Prepare your baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper—this not only keeps the cookies from sticking but also ensures those gorgeous swirls stay intact when you lift them off later. It’s the small details that make cookie baking a breeze!
Step 2: Cream the Peanut Butter Cookie Base
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and oh so inviting. This step is key—it introduces air for a tender, delicious cookie. Next, add the egg, vanilla extract, and creamy peanut butter. Mix until smooth and fully combined, savoring the aroma as it comes together.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Slowly add this dry mixture to your peanut butter base, stirring just until incorporated. You’ll see a thick, luscious dough start to form—the backbone of your Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies.
Step 4: Make the Brownie Swirl
In a smaller bowl, mix the dry brownie mix with the vegetable oil and water. Don’t worry if it looks thick—that’s exactly what you want. This little batch of brownie magic will be swirled into your dough for that beautiful marbled look and rich chocolate flavor.
Step 5: Swirl and Assemble
Using a spoon, drop small dollops of the brownie batter right onto the peanut butter dough. Gently swirl everything together with a spatula or knife, making sure not to overmix—you want distinct, eye-catching ribbons of chocolate running through each cookie. If you’re feeling extra, fold in the mini chocolate chips for a burst of melty goodness.
Step 6: Scoop and Bake
Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and place them onto your lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Pop them in the oven for 10–12 minutes. The edges should be golden and set, while the centers remain a little soft—perfect for that fudgy, chewy mouthfeel that makes Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies so addictive.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Once baked, let your cookies cool on the sheet for 5 minutes to help them set, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely (if you can resist digging in right away!). Now, all that’s left is to marvel at those gorgeous swirls and savor your first bite.
How to Serve Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies
Garnishes
For extra pizzazz, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt over the cookies right as they come out of the oven. The salt intensifies the chocolate and peanut butter flavors and adds a pleasing crunch. You can also drizzle a little melted chocolate or a forkful of peanut butter on top for a bakery-worthy finish.
Side Dishes
These cookies are absolute stars with a glass of cold milk or a warm mug of coffee. Ice cream lovers, try sandwiching a scoop of vanilla or chocolate between two Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies for blissful homemade ice cream sandwiches. They’re also delightful alongside fresh strawberries or banana slices for a sweet-and-savory contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For gift giving, stack a handful of cookies in a clear cellophane bag tied with a ribbon—those gorgeous swirls will catch anyone’s eye. Hosting friends? Arrange the cookies in a circular pattern on a large platter, or create layered, rustic cookie tarts by stacking with a little whipped cream between the layers. However you present them, these cookies are show-stoppers!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies keep wonderfully at room temperature. Just store any leftovers in an airtight container; they’ll stay fresh, soft, and flavorful for up to five days. If you want to extend their shelf life, pop a piece of bread in the container—the cookies will absorb the moisture and stay tender.
Freezing
These cookies freeze beautifully! After cooling completely, layer them in a freezer-safe container with parchment between each layer to prevent sticking. They’ll taste just as fresh after thawing—simply let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving. You can also freeze the unbaked, swirled dough balls to bake off fresh cookies anytime!
Reheating
If you love that just-baked warmth, give your stored cookies a quick zap in the microwave for 5–10 seconds. This brings back their softness and even makes those mini chocolate chips melty again. Fresh-from-the-oven flavor in a flash!
FAQs
Can I use chunky peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Chunky peanut butter adds delightful texture and a pop of nutty crunch in each bite. Just keep in mind, your dough might be slightly stiffer and the cookie surface will have a rustic look—which only adds to their charm.
What brand of brownie mix works best?
Almost any boxed brownie mix will work for Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies, but classic or fudge-style mixes give the richest flavor. Stick with the dry mix—no need to prepare the full brownies, just use the powder as directed in the recipe.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can! Simply swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free blend and use a gluten-free brownie mix. The texture may vary slightly, but the swirled magic and flavor will still shine through.
What’s the best way to create pretty swirls?
Start by gently dropping brownie batter onto the dough in small portions, then use a butter knife or spatula to make a few figure-eight or swirling motions. Less is more—overmixing will blend the batters too much instead of leaving bold, beautiful patterns.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes! This recipe easily doubles if you’re baking for a crowd or need extra for gifting. Use two baking sheets or bake in batches, and you’ll have plenty of Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies to go around.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dessert that’s both playful and seriously delicious, you can’t go wrong with Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies. From the eye-catching swirls to the dreamy duo of chocolate and peanut butter, these cookies are guaranteed to win hearts wherever they go. Give them a try—you’ll see why they’re an instant favorite with everyone who takes a bite!
Print
Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the perfect fusion of rich, chocolaty brownies and classic peanut butter cookies with these Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies. These delightful treats offer a harmonious blend of flavors, making them a favorite for any occasion.
Ingredients
Peanut Butter Cookie Dough:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Brownie Swirl:
- 1 cup brownie mix (dry from box)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Make Peanut Butter Cookie Dough: Beat together butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Add egg, vanilla, and peanut butter. Mix in dry ingredients until combined.
- Prepare Brownie Swirl: Combine brownie mix, oil, and water to form a thick batter.
- Swirl Batter: Drop dollops of brownie batter into peanut butter dough and gently swirl. Add chocolate chips if desired.
- Bake: Scoop dough onto baking sheet and bake for 10–12 minutes until set. Cool on a wire rack.
Notes
- Chill dough for thicker cookies before baking.
- Use any brand of dry boxed brownie mix for this recipe.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 95 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
