Oh boy, let me tell you about my love affair with these Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies! If you can imagine a warm, gooey brownie meeting a soft, buttery peanut butter cookie, then you’re already envisioning the deliciousness that is about to unfold. 😊 These cookies are my go-to treat when I want to impress friends or just indulge myself after a long day. They remind me of cozy afternoons spent in the kitchen with my grandmother, who always said that a little chocolate and peanut butter could cure just about anything.
The beauty of these cookies is how versatile they are. You can whip them up for a birthday party, bake them for a movie night, or even make a batch to share with your neighbors—although let’s be honest, you might want to keep a few for yourself! With every bite, you get that rich chocolate flavor mixed with the nutty creaminess of peanut butter, and who doesn’t want that? So, grab your apron and let’s dive into this scrumptious recipe!
What’s in Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies?
All-purpose flour: The backbone of our cookies! This helps give them structure. I usually go for unbleached all-purpose flour, but any brand works fine.
Baking soda: A leavening agent that gives the cookies a little lift. Just a teaspoon does the trick, and I like to use aluminum-free for a healthier option.
Unsweetened cocoa powder: This adds that rich chocolate flavor to the brownie part. Look for a good quality Dutch-processed cocoa powder for a deeper taste.
Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the flavors in the cookies. Don’t skip it!
Unsalted butter: The creaminess from the butter makes these cookies melt-in-your-mouth. Always ensure it’s softened at room temperature for easy mixing.
Granulated sugar: Adding sweetness and a little crunch to the texture. I recommend using organic sugar if you can, it really makes a difference.
Brown sugar: For that chewy texture and caramel-like flavor. Dark brown sugar gives more depth, but light works too!
Eggs: They help bind everything together and add moistness. I always prefer using large eggs for baking.
Peanut butter: The star of the show! Creamy peanut butter works best for this recipe, but chunky can add a fun texture if you’re feeling adventurous.
Vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla rounds out the flavors beautifully. Always go for pure vanilla extract; it’s worth it!
Chocolate chips: Because more chocolate is always better! I usually use semi-sweet chips, but dark chocolate can be a great alternative.
Is Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies Good for You?
Now, these cookies are definitely a treat; they’re not your everyday snack! However, they do offer some benefits.
Peanut butter: Packed with protein and healthy fats, it provides energy and keeps you feeling full longer. Just make sure to choose natural peanut butter without added sugars or oils.
Dark chocolate (in chocolate chips): It can be quite beneficial for your heart and is loaded with antioxidants. Moderation is key here, of course, since it can also be high in calories.
On the flip side, these cookies can be a calorie bomb if you’re not careful. If you find yourself reaching for a second, or dare I say third cookie, just keep in mind that balance is everything!
Ingredients List
– 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking soda
– ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– ¼ tsp salt
– ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
– ¾ cup granulated sugar
– ½ cup brown sugar, packed
– 1 large egg
– 1 cup creamy peanut butter
– 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
– 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
This recipe makes about 2 dozen cookies, depending on how big you decide to make them!
How to Make Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies?
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, cocoa powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add the egg, creamy peanut butter, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, mixing until well combined.
5. Gradually stir in the dry ingredients until just combined.
6. Add in the chocolate chips and mix until evenly distributed.
7. Use a spoon or cookie scoop to drop dough onto the prepared baking sheets, making sure to leave some space between each cookie.
8. With a spoon, swirl a bit of remaining peanut butter on top of each cookie dough mound for that beautiful marbled effect.
9. Bake for about 10-12 minutes or until the edges are firm but the centers are still soft. They will harden as they cool!
10. Once baked, let them sit on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.
Sweet Tips and Variations
– If you’re a fan of adding a little something extra, try incorporating some crushed nuts or even a sprinkle of sea salt on top right before baking.
– These cookies are fantastic served warm, but they keep well in a sealed container for up to a week. Just pop them in the microwave for a few seconds if you want to warm them up again.
– Feel free to mix and match your favorite types of chocolate chips or add in some peanut butter chips for an extra punch!
I promise you, once you bite into these Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies, you’ll be hooked! It’s a delightful combination that is sure to impress anyone lucky enough to have a taste. So go ahead, give this recipe a try—I can’t wait to hear how they turn out for you! Happy baking!
