Name: Peanut Butter Swirl Brownie Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 53 min
Yield: 12
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup (190g) chocolate chips; 2 large eggs; 3/4 cup (171g) unrefined cane sugar; 3/4 cup + 2 tablespoons (114g) all purpose flour; 1/4 cup (20g) Dutched cocoa powder; 1/3 cup (74g) plant based butter; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon instant coffee granules or espresso powder; 1/4 cup (64g) runny, natural peanut butter; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

Chocolate and peanut butter create pure magic in these decadent peanut butter swirl brownie cookies that dance between fudgy and crisp.

Rich cocoa mingles with creamy peanut butter in a delightful cookie that promises pure indulgence.

Each bite delivers a swirled masterpiece of intense chocolate depth and nutty smoothness.

The cookie’s edges crisp perfectly while maintaining an incredibly soft center that melts in your mouth.

These treats blend the best qualities of brownies and cookies into one irresistible dessert.

Chocolate lovers and peanut butter fans will discover their new favorite sweet sensation with this simple yet spectacular recipe.

Prepare to elevate your baking game with these show-stopping cookies that are sure to impress.

Why Peanut Butter Brownie Cookies Hit the Spot

These peanut butter swirl brownie cookies are surprisingly simple to make, even for novice bakers. The step-by-step process breaks down complex techniques into manageable actions anyone can master.
Combining the rich, chewy brownie base with silky peanut butter swirls creates an irresistible contrast that'll make taste buds dance. Each bite delivers a perfect balance of decadent chocolate and creamy peanut butter.
Perfect for casual gatherings, potlucks, or weekend treat sessions, these cookies appeal to both kids and adults. Their elegant swirled appearance makes them look more sophisticated than typical homemade cookies, while tasting absolutely delicious.
With minimal ingredients and straightforward preparation, these cookies transform ordinary moments into special experiences. Whether you're craving a sweet pick-me-up or want to impress friends, this recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Core Ingredients:

Chocolate Chips: Rich, dark chocolate that provides the deep, intense flavor base for the brownie cookies.
Butter: Adds richness and helps create a smooth, tender texture in the cookies.
Sugar: Provides sweetness and contributes to the cookies' soft, chewy structure.
Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and help create a light, airy texture.

Flour Mixture:

All-Purpose Flour: Gives structure and body to the cookie dough.
Cocoa Powder: Enhances the chocolate flavor and deepens the dark, rich color of the cookies.
Baking Powder: Helps the cookies rise and creates a soft, tender crumb.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor profile.

Flavor Enhancers:

Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, classic flavor that complements the chocolate.
Instant Coffee or Espresso Powder: Intensifies the chocolate flavor with a subtle depth.
Peanut Butter: Creates a delightful swirl and adds a creamy, nutty contrast to the chocolate base.

Step 1: Prep the Egg Bath

Place eggs in a glass of warm water for 10 minutes to bring them to room temperature.

This helps them blend smoothly with other ingredients.

Step 2: Whip Sugar and Eggs

Use a stand mixer with a whisk attachment to combine eggs and sugar.

Beat at medium-high speed until the mixture becomes light, foamy, and thick, which takes about 5 minutes.

Step 3: Melt Chocolate Mixture

Combine in a microwave-safe bowl:

Chocolate chips
Butter

Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each burst.

Optional: Add instant coffee or espresso powder for extra depth.

Let the mixture cool slightly.

Step 4: Introduce Vanilla

Gently mix vanilla extract into the sugar-egg mixture, infusing a rich aroma and flavor.

Step 5: Create Brownie Cookie Base

Fold the cooled chocolate mixture into the sugar-egg blend.

Add:

Salt
Baking powder

Sift in cocoa powder and flour, mixing gently until just combined.

The dough should look smooth and inviting.

Step 6: Rest the Dough

Allow the batter to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes.

This resting period helps thicken the mixture for perfect cookie texture.

Step 7: Prepare Baking Station

Line baking sheets with parchment paper.

Preheat the oven to 350°F.

Step 8: Scoop Cookie Dough

Use a 1.5 tablespoon scoop to portion dough onto prepared sheets.

Place 8 dough balls per sheet, leaving space for spreading.

Step 9: Craft Peanut Butter Swirls

Dollop about half a teaspoon of runny peanut butter onto each dough ball.

Use a chopstick to create delicate swirl patterns, being careful not to overmix.

Step 10: Bake to Chewy Perfection

Bake at 350°F for 5-6 minutes.

The centers should look slightly wet for a chewy texture.

If cookies spread unevenly, gently reshape with the back of a spoon.

Step 11: Cool and Transfer

Let cookies rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes before moving to a cooling rack.

Repeat baking process for remaining dough.

Step 12: Store and Enjoy

Store cooled cookies in a single layer in an airtight container at room temperature.

Skip additional wrapping to preserve the beautiful peanut butter swirls.

Helpful Tips for Peanut Butter Brownie Cookies

Warm eggs blend more smoothly, creating a better cookie texture and ensuring even ingredient distribution.
Beat eggs and sugar until light and foamy, which aerates the mixture and helps create a softer, more delicate cookie.
Use short microwave bursts and stir between each to prevent burning, maintaining a smooth chocolate base for your cookies.
Use a chopstick to create delicate peanut butter patterns, avoiding over-mixing to keep distinct swirls visible in the final cookie.
Allow the cookie dough to rest at room temperature, which helps thicken the batter and improves overall cookie consistency and flavor development.

Save and Reheat Brownie Cookies

Seal cooled cookies in an airtight container and store for up to 5 days. Keep them in a single layer to prevent sticking and maintain their delightful swirl pattern.
Carefully stack cookies between wax paper sheets inside a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months, ensuring they're completely cooled before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
Warm refrigerated or thawed frozen cookies at 300°F for 3-4 minutes. This gentle heat restores their soft, chewy texture without compromising the peanut butter swirls.
Heat cookies for 10-15 seconds on a microwave-safe plate. Watch carefully to prevent overcooking, which can make them tough and dry.

What to Pair with Brownie Cookies

Pair Chocolate-Rich Dessert Wine: Select a sweet Port or Madeira wine that complements the deep chocolate notes, enhancing the brownie cookie's rich flavor profile.
Brew Bold Coffee Companion: Prepare a strong espresso or dark roast coffee to cut through the cookies' sweetness and highlight the intense chocolate undertones.
Match Creamy Milk Beverage: Serve cold whole milk or a thick milkshake alongside the cookies, creating a classic combination that balances the rich, decadent texture.
Complement with Nutty Liqueur: Pour a small glass of hazelnut or almond liqueur to echo the peanut butter swirl and add sophisticated depth to the dessert experience.

Gluten-Free Variation: Replace all-purpose flour with a blend of almond flour and gluten-free flour mix to create a celiac-friendly version of the cookies.
Vegan Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies: Swap eggs with flax eggs, use dairy-free chocolate chips, and choose a plant-based butter alternative to make a completely vegan recipe.
Low-Sugar Option: Substitute regular sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, and use dark chocolate with 70% cocoa content to reduce overall sugar while maintaining rich flavor.
Almond Butter Swap: Replace peanut butter with smooth almond butter for a different nutty profile, perfect for those seeking an alternative nut butter experience or managing peanut allergies.

FAQs

What makes the peanut butter swirl in these cookies special?

The swirl is created by gently adding a half teaspoon of runny peanut butter onto each cookie dough ball and using a chopstick to create delicate patterns without fully mixing the peanut butter into the dough.

Can I use natural peanut butter for this recipe?

Use a runny, smooth peanut butter for the best swirl effect. Natural peanut butters that are more liquid and less thick work best to create those beautiful marbled patterns on the cookies.

Why do I need to let the batter rest for 30 minutes?

Letting the batter rest helps thicken it, which is crucial for achieving the perfect cookie texture. This resting period allows the ingredients to settle and develop a more consistent consistency.

How do I know when the cookies are perfectly baked?

Look for slightly wet centers when you take the cookies out of the oven. They should bake for about 5-6 minutes at 350F, which ensures a chewy texture while maintaining a soft, slightly underbaked center.

Clara Thompson

Recipe Developer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Developing accessible single-serving recipes, Food writing and content creation, Plant-based and allergen-friendly cooking, Culinary education and workshop facilitation

Education

Oregon Culinary Institute (Portland, OR)
Diploma in Culinary Arts

Specialized in plant-based cooking and sustainable kitchen practices.

Portland Community College
Certificate in Food Writing and Media

Focused on recipe writing, food photography, and digital content creation.

Clara’s food journey began with a curiosity for color, texture, and ingredients pulled straight from the garden. Her background in plant-forward cooking and creative writing gives her a unique edge – she makes healthy, flavorful food feel inviting, not intimidating.
She specializes in meals that work for busy lives and different diets, all without sacrificing taste. Clara’s voice comes through in every recipe she writes – clear, kind, and encouraging.

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