Imagine the perfect marriage of chewy, fudgy chocolate and creamy, rich peanut butter wrapped up in one dreamy bite—that’s exactly what you get with these Peanut Butter Brownies. Whether you’re a lifelong fan of the classic chocolate-peanut butter duo or just someone who loves a homemade treat that feels like a warm hug, this recipe brings pure comfort and joy. Each square delivers a sweet swirl of nostalgia and indulgence, making these brownies a must for any dessert table or spontaneous baking craving.

Ingredients You’ll Need
What I love about these Peanut Butter Brownies is how approachable the ingredient list is—each pantry staple has an important role, from deep cocoa flavor to that gorgeous golden swirl. Here’s what you need, and why it matters.
- Unsalted butter (melted): Melted butter creates a supremely fudgy texture and smooth mouthfeel.
- Granulated sugar: This sweetens the brownies while also helping with that signature crackly top.
- Large eggs: Eggs bind everything together, add richness, and help create structure.
- Vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla deepens the chocolate flavor and adds warmth.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: Cocoa brings the chocolatey base we all crave—use a good quality powder for best results.
- All-purpose flour: Just enough flour keeps things chewy but not cakey.
- Salt: Enhances every flavor and helps balance the sweetness.
- Baking powder: Lifts the brownies a bit for a delicate crumb.
- Creamy peanut butter: The star swirl that makes these brownies absolutely irresistible.
- Powdered sugar (optional, for swirl): Mixes with peanut butter to create a swirlable, sweet streak (totally delicious, but optional).
- Mini chocolate chips (optional): Sprinkle on top for little pockets of melt-in-your-mouth chocolate with every bite.
How to Make Peanut Butter Brownies
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Preheat
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper, leaving a slight overhang for easy removal. This helps ensure your Peanut Butter Brownies lift out cleanly—no more stubborn corners left behind!
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture lightens in color and looks slightly fluffy. Then, crack in the eggs and add the vanilla extract, mixing until everything is smooth. This simple step lays the foundation for that glossy top and rich flavor we’re after.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
Now, sift or stir in the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder. Fold gently just until combined—overmixing can make brownies tough instead of gooey. Your batter should look thick, glossy, and oh-so tempting already.
Step 4: Create the Peanut Butter Swirl
In a small bowl, mix the creamy peanut butter with the powdered sugar if you’re using it (this makes the swirl even sweeter and creamier). Drop spoonfuls of this mixture across your brownie batter in the pan. Using a knife, gently swirl through the batter—don’t overdo it! You want distinct ribbons of peanut butter running through the chocolate.
Step 5: Add Chocolate Chips and Bake
If you’re feeling extra, sprinkle a handful of mini chocolate chips over the top. Slide the pan onto your oven’s middle rack and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’re looking for a few moist crumbs on a toothpick, but not a completely clean stick; this keeps your Peanut Butter Brownies perfectly fudgy.
Step 6: Cool and Slice
Let the brownies cool in their pan—trust me, it’s worth the wait for neater squares and a better swirl. Once cooled, lift them out using the parchment paper and slice into nine generous pieces (or more, if you like them smaller!).
How to Serve Peanut Butter Brownies

Garnishes
Dress up your Peanut Butter Brownies with a light dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of warm peanut butter, or even a few extra mini chocolate chips scattered over each square for that bakery-style finish. A dollop of softly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream is always a happy addition, especially if you want a truly decadent dessert experience.
Side Dishes
While these brownies are delightful on their own, they’re delicious alongside a tall glass of ice-cold milk, a bold mug of coffee, or even a scoop of your favorite sorbet for a refreshing twist. For special occasions, pair them with fresh berries for a pop of color and natural sweetness to balance the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party-ready presentation, stack cut brownies in a pyramid on a cake stand, tie up individual squares in wax paper for thoughtful edible gifts, or use them as a base for brownie sundaes. You can even cut the brownies with cookie cutters for fun shapes, making snack time extra special for kids (or the young at heart!).
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover Peanut Butter Brownies, keep them fresh by storing in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Just be sure to hide a piece for yourself—these tend to vanish quickly!
Freezing
Want to save some for later (or prevent yourself from eating the whole batch)? Wrap individual brownies tightly in plastic wrap and keep them in a freezer-safe bag. They stay fresh for up to two months. Just thaw at room temperature when you feel a craving coming on.
Reheating
For that fresh-from-the-oven magic, pop a brownie (or several) into the microwave for 10–15 seconds. The chocolate chips will melt slightly, making each bite melty and gooey—the ultimate comfort treat!
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter adds a lovely texture and little bursts of peanut crunch with every bite. Just swirl gently to avoid breaking up the chunks too much.
How do I know when the brownies are done?
The secret is in the toothpick test: insert one in the center, and if it comes out with some moist crumbs (but not wet batter), your Peanut Butter Brownies are perfectly baked. Overbaking dries them out, so keep an eye in those last minutes.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Yes! Simply double all ingredients and use a 9×13-inch pan. Bake for a little longer, checking for doneness around 35-40 minutes. Everyone will thank you for the extra brownies.
What’s the best way to get neat brownie slices?
Let your brownies cool fully before slicing and use a sharp knife wiped clean with a damp cloth between cuts. For ultra-precise edges, chill the brownies for about 30 minutes first—they’ll slice like a dream!
Are these Peanut Butter Brownies gluten-free?
As written, this recipe uses all-purpose flour, so it’s not gluten-free. However, you can swap in a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for great results—just be sure to check your other ingredients for any trace gluten if you’re baking for someone with an allergy.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something so heartwarming about a fresh pan of Peanut Butter Brownies cooling on the counter—hungry hands reaching for a perfectly swirled square! Give this recipe a try and let it become a tradition in your home. I promise, every bite is a sweet reminder that sometimes the simplest treats really are the best.
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Peanut Butter Brownies Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 9 brownies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the decadent combination of chocolate and peanut butter with these fudgy Peanut Butter Brownies. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy!
Ingredients
Brownie Batter:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
Peanut Butter Swirl:
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar (optional, for swirl)
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- Mix butter and sugar: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and sugar. Add the eggs and vanilla, mixing until smooth.
- Add dry ingredients: Stir in the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder until just combined.
- Prepare peanut butter swirl: In a small bowl, mix the peanut butter with powdered sugar (if using) to make it easier to swirl.
- Assemble and bake: Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan, smooth the top, drop spoonfuls of the peanut butter mixture over the batter, swirl gently with a knife, sprinkle chocolate chips on top if desired, and bake for 25–30 minutes.
- Cool and slice: Let the brownies cool before slicing and serving.
Notes
- For a richer texture, slightly underbake and chill before serving.
- You can also use crunchy peanut butter for added texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 50mg