Introduction
Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies are a heavenly treat that combines the rich flavors of peanut butter and chocolate. These cookies are the perfect balance of soft and chewy, with a delightful swirl of brownie batter throughout. Whether you’re a fan of peanut butter, chocolate, or both, these cookies are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. In this recipe guide, I’ll walk you through the process of making these delectable cookies step by step. So grab your apron and let’s get baking!
Why You’ll Love Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies
I make these cookies when I want to indulge in a little bit of chocolatey goodness with a hint of nutty flavor. My family goes crazy for these cookies because they are a delightful combination of two classic favorites – peanut butter cookies and brownies. The swirls of brownie batter add a beautiful visual appeal and an extra burst of chocolatey goodness. Plus, these cookies are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed on their own, with a glass of milk, or even crumbled over ice cream. They are a true crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients
To make these Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup hot water
Optional substitutions: I sometimes use almond butter instead of peanut butter for a slightly different flavor profile. You can also add in some chopped nuts or chocolate chips for extra texture and taste.
Directions
1. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Add in the creamy peanut butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the peanut butter mixture, mixing until just combined.
4. In a small bowl, mix together the cocoa powder and hot water to form a smooth paste.
5. Take about a third of the peanut butter cookie dough and mix it with the cocoa paste until well combined, creating the brownie batter.
6. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
7. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of the peanut butter cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
8. Take about a teaspoon of the brownie batter and swirl it into each peanut butter cookie dough portion using a toothpick or the back of a spoon.
9. Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may still be slightly soft, but they will firm up as they cool.
10. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
11. Enjoy these Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies with a glass of milk or your favorite hot beverage!
Notes
These cookies are best enjoyed within a few days of baking, but they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months.
Variations
I’ve experimented with a few variations of this recipe, and here are some ideas:
- Replace the cocoa powder with white chocolate powder for a different twist.
- Add a handful of chopped peanuts or walnuts to the cookie dough for extra crunch.
- Instead of swirling the brownie batter, you can create a marbled effect by gently folding it into the peanut butter cookie dough.
Equipment
You’ll need the following equipment to make these Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies:
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or stand mixer
- Whisk
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Wire rack
If you don’t have a wire rack, you can place the cookies on a clean kitchen towel to cool.
Storage
These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. However, in my house, they never last more than a day!
Serving Suggestions
I love serving these Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies with a tall glass of cold milk. The combination of the rich flavors and the creamy milk is simply irresistible. Alternatively, you can crumble these cookies over a bowl of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
Pro Tips
Here are some lessons I’ve learned from making these cookies:
- Make sure your butter is softened but not melted. This will help create the perfect texture for the cookies.
- When swirling the brownie batter, don’t overmix. A few gentle swirls will create a beautiful marbled effect.
- If you prefer a softer cookie, slightly underbake them. They will continue to firm up as they cool.
FAQ
Q: Can I use chunky peanut butter instead of creamy?
A: Absolutely! Chunky peanut butter will add a nice texture to the cookies. Just be aware that the swirls may not be as defined.
Q: Can I use natural peanut butter?
A: Yes, you can use natural peanut butter in this recipe. Just make sure to stir it well before measuring.
Q: Can I freeze the cookie dough?
A: Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough for up to 3 months. Simply portion the dough onto a baking sheet, freeze until firm, and then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag.
So there you have it – a delicious recipe for Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies. I hope you enjoy making and devouring these delightful treats as much as I do. Happy baking!
Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies
Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies are a heavenly treat that combines the rich flavors of peanut butter and chocolate. These cookies are soft, chewy, and visually appealing with swirls of brownie batter. Enjoy them on their own or with a glass of milk for a delightful treat.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup hot water
Directions
-
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
-
Add in the creamy peanut butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
-
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the peanut butter mixture, mixing until just combined.
-
In a small bowl, mix together the cocoa powder and hot water to form a smooth paste.
-
Take about a third of the peanut butter cookie dough and mix it with the cocoa paste until well combined, creating the brownie batter.
-
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
-
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of the peanut butter cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
-
Take about a teaspoon of the brownie batter and swirl it into each peanut butter cookie dough portion using a toothpick or the back of a spoon.
-
Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may still be slightly soft, but they will firm up as they cool.
-
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
-
Enjoy these Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies with a glass of milk or your favorite hot beverage!