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There’s a certain joy that fills the kitchen when the rich smell of chocolate mixes with the nutty aroma of peanut butter—it’s pure magic. While rummaging through my pantry one lazy afternoon, I stumbled upon a half-empty jar of creamy peanut butter just waiting to take center stage. Inspired to create something delicious, I decided to swirl it into a brownie batter, leading me to craft these unforgettable Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies.

Each bite offers a delightful fusion of soft, chewy cookie and fudgy brownie, making them a crowd-pleasing treat for any occasion. Whether you’re vegan, gluten-free, or simply craving something indulgent, this recipe is adaptable to fit your dietary needs without compromising on flavor. So, grab that jar of peanut butter and let’s bake together—these cookies are sure to elevate your dessert game!

Why are Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies a Must-Try?

Irresistible flavors: Combining fudgy brownie and creamy peanut butter creates a delightful taste explosion.

Easy to make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have these cookies ready in no time.

Diet-friendly options: This recipe accommodates gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan diets, making it a versatile choice for everyone.

Perfect for sharing: Their marbled appearance and deliciousness make them a hit at gatherings or family events.

Quick storage: Keep them in an airtight container for up to a week, or freeze for long-lasting indulgence.

Experience the heavenly union of flavors with these cookies, and for more dessert inspiration, check out our collection of easy cookie recipes!

Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies Ingredients

• Dive into a delightful world of flavors with the essential ingredients for these irresistible cookies!

For the Peanut Butter Dough

Creamy Peanut Butter – Adds a rich, nutty flavor; almond butter works for nut allergies.
Butter – Provides moisture for a tender texture; substitute with vegan butter for dairy-free.
Brown Sugar – Delivers sweetness with hints of molasses; coconut sugar can be used for a refined sugar-free option.
Egg – Binds it all together; a flax egg can replace it for a vegan version.
Vanilla Extract – Enhances the sweetness and flavor; no substitute needed.
All-Purpose Flour – Gives structure and texture; swap with a gluten-free blend for gluten-free cookies.
Baking Soda – Leavens the dough for a lighter cookie; no substitutes.
Salt – Balances out the sweetness and enhances flavor; no substitutes needed.

For the Brownie Dough

Melted Butter – Ensures moisture in the brownie batter; can substitute with a dairy-free option.
White Sugar – Adds sweetness and contributes to cookie texture; coconut sugar is a suitable alternative.
Cocoa Powder – Provides the rich chocolate flavor you crave; avoid substitutes for the best results.
Chocolate Chips – Infuses an extra chocolatey delight; use dairy-free chips to stay on track with dietary needs.

Now that you’re ready with your ingredients, let’s swirl them into something truly scrumptious!

How to Make Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies

Make Peanut Butter Dough: In a mixing bowl, beat together the creamy peanut butter, softened butter, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add in the egg and vanilla, mixing until well combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt, then gradually incorporate this dry blend into the wet ingredients until just combined.
Make Brownie Dough: In another bowl, whisk together the melted butter, white sugar, and cocoa powder until smooth. Next, add the egg and vanilla, stirring until fully combined. Carefully fold in the flour, baking powder, salt, and chocolate chips until there are no dry streaks visible.
Chill Both Doughs: Cover both doughs and refrigerate for 30 minutes. This step helps firm up the dough for easier handling and better swirling.
Scoop and Swirl: Remove the dough from the refrigerator. On a lined baking sheet, use a cookie scoop to drop 1-2 tablespoons of each dough side by side. With a toothpick, gently swirl the doughs together for a beautiful marbled effect.
Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cookies for 9-11 minutes. Look for lightly crackly tops and set edges, while the centers remain soft for that perfect texture.
Cooling: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5-10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them set up beautifully!

Optional: Drizzle with melted dairy-free chocolate for an extra indulgent touch!

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Make Ahead Options

These Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies are a fantastic choice for meal prepping, saving you valuable time on busy days! You can prepare both the peanut butter and brownie doughs up to 24 hours in advance. Simply mix the doughs as instructed, then cover them tightly and refrigerate. This allows the flavors to meld and helps maintain optimal texture. When you’re ready to bake, take them out of the fridge, scoop, and swirl onto a baking sheet, then bake according to the recipe instructions. By prepping ahead, you not only reduce your workload but also ensure a fresh, delicious treat that’s just as delightful straight from the oven!

What to Serve with Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies?

Pair these delightful cookies with complimentary flavors and textures for an unforgettable dessert experience.

Glass of Milk: A classic pairing that wonderfully balances the rich sweetness of the cookies, making every bite even more satisfying.
Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve warm cookies alongside a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream to create a heavenly contrast of warm and cold.
Fresh Berries: Bright, juicy berries like raspberries or strawberries offer a refreshing tartness that cuts through the sweetness perfectly.
Espresso or Coffee: A strong, rich cup of espresso or coffee accentuates the chocolatey notes while providing a caffeine kick.
Chocolate Sauce Drizzle: Elevate your cookies indulgently with a drizzle of warm chocolate sauce that adds extra richness.
Nut Butter Dip: Whip up a simple nut butter dip—mix peanut butter with a touch of maple syrup for dipping your cookies.
Coconut Whipped Cream: Lighter than traditional whipped cream, this adds a fluffy, tropical twist that pairs beautifully with each cookie.
Dark Chocolate Shavings: Sprinkle dark chocolate shavings over your cookies for an elegant touch and intense chocolate flavor burst.
Fruit Sorbet: A refreshing fruit sorbet, like mango or raspberry, provides a cool, fruity contrast to the warm cookies.
Almond Milk: A creamy glass of almond milk offers a nutty complement to the peanut butter while keeping it dairy-free.

Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies Variations

Feel free to get creative and customize these cookies to match your taste and dietary needs!

Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend for a delightful gluten-free version.
Dairy-Free: Swap regular butter and chocolate for plant-based butter and dairy-free chocolate chips to enjoy them without dairy.
Vegan: Replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) for a completely vegan cookie.
Nut-Free: Use sun butter instead of peanut butter to make these cookies nut-free, perfect for school lunches.
Coconut Sugar: Switch out brown and white sugars for coconut sugar to achieve a refined sugar-free sweetness.
Add-Ins: Toss in some chopped nuts or dried fruit like cranberries for added texture and a fruity twist.
Minty Fresh: Add a few drops of peppermint extract to the brownie dough for a refreshing mint flavor.
Spicy Kick: For those who enjoy a little heat, incorporate a pinch of cayenne pepper into the cookie batter for a surprising spicy twist.

How to Store and Freeze Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies

Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week to maintain their chewy texture and flavor.

Fridge: For extended freshness, you can refrigerate the cookies, but they may lose some of their soft chewiness; consume within 1-2 weeks.

Freezer: Freeze cookies by placing them in a single layer in an airtight container or freezer bag, up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or microwave steadily until soft.

Reheating: To enjoy warm cookies again, reheat in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This will bring back their fresh-baked taste and gooey texture.

Expert Tips for Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies

• Dough Consistency: Make sure both doughs are of similar thickness. If one is too soft, it may not swirl well, leading to an uneven appearance.

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Use room temperature butter and eggs to ensure they blend smoothly. Cold ingredients can cause a lumpy texture and hinder the mixing process.

• Gentle Swirling: When swirling the doughs together, use a toothpick to gently create a marbled effect. Overmixing can muddy the beautiful layers of Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies.

• Watch the Bake Time: Keep an eye on the cookies as they bake. Look for a lightly crackly top and set edges—this signifies they are done while the centers remain soft.

• Chill for Flavor: Don’t skip the chilling step! It helps enhance the flavors and makes the dough easier to handle, resulting in a delightful cookie that holds its shape.

Enjoy these tips to achieve the best Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies and make every batch a memorable treat!

Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies Recipe FAQs

How do I choose the right peanut butter for this recipe?
Absolutely! Look for a creamy peanut butter that has minimal added ingredients—just peanuts and salt is ideal. Avoid natural peanut butter that separates if you want a smoother texture in your cookies. If you have nut allergies, almond butter is a fantastic substitute!

What’s the best way to store leftover cookies?
To keep your Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If you’d like them to last longer, refrigerate them, but they may become a bit firmer.

Can I freeze my cookies, and if so, how?
Absolutely! To freeze your cookies, let them cool completely, then place them in a single layer in an airtight freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. You can freeze them for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them at room temperature or microwave them for about 10-15 seconds to regain their gooey goodness!

What should I do if my cookie dough is too soft?
If you find your dough is too soft to handle or swirl, try chilling it in the refrigerator for an additional 30 minutes. This will firm it up, making it easier to scoop and swirl without losing definition.

Are these cookies safe for kids and those with allergies?
While these Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies are delectable, be sure to check for allergies! The recipe includes peanut butter, which can be a common allergen. There are also options for gluten-free (using gluten-free flour) and vegan modifications, but make sure to check the labels on your ingredients, especially the chocolate chips for dairy content.

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time! Make it, then store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before baking. Just remember to allow the dough to soften slightly at room temperature before scooping and swirling.

Enjoy these helpful tips for crafting perfect Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies, and happy baking!