These Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies combine two beloved flavors—rich peanut butter and decadent brownie chocolate—into one delicious cookie. With a soft, chewy texture and a beautiful swirl effect, they are perfect for satisfying both peanut butter and chocolate cravings. Easy to make and perfect for any occasion, these cookies will quickly become a favorite in your dessert lineup.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed light-brown sugar
- 1/3 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/8 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
Directions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream Together Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and peanut butter until light and fluffy.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until the dough is well combined.
- Divide and Mix: Divide the dough in half. Add cocoa powder to one half of the dough and mix until combined.
- Shape the Dough: Roll the peanut butter dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheets. Flatten each ball slightly.
- Add the Chocolate Dough: Top each peanut butter dough ball with a spoonful of chocolate dough. Swirl the two together using a toothpick or fork.
- Bake: Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are set and the tops are slightly cracked.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Servings and Timing:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
- Total Time: 25-27 minutes
- Servings: 24 cookies
Variations:
- Nut Add-ins: Add chopped peanuts or chocolate chips to the dough for extra texture and flavor.
- Peanut Butter Alternatives: If you’re allergic to peanuts, substitute with almond butter or sunflower seed butter for a similar effect.
- Swirl Technique: For a more defined swirl, use a spoon to carefully swirl the two doughs together rather than mixing too much.
- Frosting Option: Once baked and cooled, drizzle with melted chocolate or peanut butter for extra sweetness and decoration.
Storage/Reheating:
- Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Freeze the dough (before baking) by rolling it into balls and placing them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a zip-top bag and store for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen for about 12-15 minutes.
- Reheating: Reheat in the microwave for a few seconds for a soft, warm treat.
10 FAQs:
- Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
- Yes, you can use crunchy peanut butter, but it may affect the texture slightly by adding extra crunch.
- What if I don’t have parchment paper?
- You can grease the baking sheets or use a silicone baking mat instead of parchment paper.
- Can I use dark chocolate cocoa powder instead of regular cocoa powder?
- Yes, dark chocolate cocoa powder can be used for a richer chocolate flavor.
- How can I make these cookies more chocolaty?
- Add chocolate chips to the chocolate dough or mix cocoa powder into both doughs for an extra chocolatey taste.
- Can I freeze these cookies?
- Yes, freeze the dough or the baked cookies. Just store them in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
- Do I need to chill the dough before baking?
- No, there’s no need to chill the dough. These cookies bake perfectly without chilling.
- Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
- Yes, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make these cookies gluten-free.
- How do I get the perfect swirl?
- Don’t overmix the two doughs. Gently swirl with a toothpick to create a marbled effect.
- Can I use different sweeteners?
- You can substitute the granulated sugar with a sugar alternative like coconut sugar or monk fruit, but the texture may vary slightly.
- How can I make the cookies softer?
- To make them softer, reduce the baking time slightly or add a tablespoon of milk to the dough.
Conclusion:
These Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies are a fun and indulgent treat for anyone who loves the combination of peanut butter and chocolate. With their soft, chewy texture and beautiful swirl design, they are sure to impress at any gathering or satisfy your sweet tooth at any time. Whether you’re baking for yourself or sharing with others, these cookies are guaranteed to be a hit!