Get ready to embark on a journey of indulgence with our delectable Buckeye Brownie Cookies recipe. Combining the timeless duo of chocolate and peanut butter, these cookies offer a rich brownie-like base, a creamy peanut butter filling, and a luscious chocolate topping. Perfect for any occasion, from casual gatherings to special celebrations, these cookies are sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire.
Ingredients:
- 8 oz bittersweet chocolate, chopped
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup + 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 4 oz semisweet chocolate
Directions:
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Melt Chocolate: In a heatproof bowl set over a saucepan of barely simmering water, melt the bittersweet chocolate and butter together, stirring occasionally until smooth. Set aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare Wet Ingredients: In a medium bowl, stir together the eggs, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until well combined. Set aside.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder until evenly distributed.
- Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Add the melted chocolate mixture to the egg mixture and stir until thoroughly combined. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until a smooth batter forms.
- Prepare Peanut Butter Filling: In a separate bowl, mix together the peanut butter and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. Roll the mixture into 24 balls and set aside.
- Form Cookie Dough: Scoop about 1 1/2 tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them a few inches apart. If the batter is too thin, chill it in the refrigerator until firm enough to handle.
- Bake: Bake the cookies for 10 minutes or until they are firm around the edges, being careful not to overbake.
- Add Peanut Butter Centers: Remove the cookies from the oven and immediately press a peanut butter ball lightly into the center of each cookie. Allow the cookies to cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheets before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Top with Chocolate: Melt the semisweet chocolate and spoon it over the peanut butter centers of the cookies. Allow the chocolate to set before serving.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once the chocolate has set, serve these decadent Buckeye Brownie Cookies and delight in every bite of their irresistible flavor.
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 24
Serving and Storage Tips:
Serving Suggestions:
- Enjoy Buckeye Brownie Cookies warm with a glass of cold milk for the ultimate indulgent treat.
- Serve them at parties or gatherings as a decadent dessert option that will impress guests of all ages.
- Package them in decorative bags or boxes to give as homemade gifts for birthdays, holidays, or special occasions.
Storage Tips:
- Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days to maintain their freshness.
- For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2-3 months.
- Thaw frozen cookies at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving, or reheat them in the microwave for a few seconds to enjoy them warm.
Variations:
1. Nutella Swirl: Swirl a spoonful of Nutella into the peanut butter filling for an extra layer of chocolate hazelnut goodness.
2. Salted Caramel: Drizzle homemade or store-bought salted caramel sauce over the chocolate topping for a sweet and salty flavor contrast.
3. Almond Joy Inspired: Top each cookie with a whole almond before adding the chocolate topping for a nod to the classic candy bar.
4. Espresso Infusion: Add a teaspoon of instant espresso powder to the cookie dough for a subtle coffee flavor that enhances the chocolate.
5. White Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted white chocolate over the cooled cookies for a decorative touch and a hint of sweetness.
6. Mint Chocolate Chip: Fold chopped mint chocolate or add a drop of peppermint extract to the cookie dough for a refreshing twist.
7. Raspberry Ripple: Place a dollop of raspberry jam on top of the peanut butter filling before adding the chocolate topping for a fruity burst of flavor.
8. Coconut Crunch: Mix shredded coconut into the peanut butter filling or sprinkle it over the chocolate topping for added texture and tropical flair.
9. S’mores Variation: Place a toasted marshmallow on top of the peanut butter filling before adding the chocolate topping for a campfire-inspired treat.
10. Oreo Delight: Crush Oreo cookies and sprinkle them over the chocolate topping for a cookies and cream twist on classic Buckeye Brownie Cookies.
11. Maple Pecan: Replace the peanut butter filling with maple cream and top with chopped pecans for a sweet and nutty variation.
12. Dark Chocolate Orange: Add orange zest to the cookie dough and top with candied orange peel for a sophisticated flavor combination.
13. Chili Chocolate: Stir a pinch of chili powder into the chocolate topping for a spicy kick that pairs perfectly with the rich chocolate and peanut butter.
14. Lemon Raspberry: Add lemon zest to the cookie dough and top with a dollop of raspberry preserves for a refreshing citrusy twist.
15. Cinnamon Roll Inspired: Swirl cinnamon sugar into the cookie dough and top with a drizzle of cream cheese frosting for a decadent cinnamon roll-inspired treat.
FAQs:
1. Can I use natural peanut butter instead of creamy peanut butter? Yes, you can use natural peanut butter, but the consistency may be slightly different. Make sure to stir the natural peanut butter well before using it in the recipe.
2. Can I omit the peanut butter filling and just make the brownie cookies? Absolutely! You can skip the peanut butter filling and simply bake the brownie cookies without it for a delicious chocolatey treat.
3. Can I use different types of chocolate for the topping? Yes, feel free to use milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate for the topping, depending on your preference.
4. Can I make these cookies gluten-free? Yes, you can use gluten-free all-purpose flour in place of regular flour to make gluten-free Buckeye Brownie Cookies.
5. Can I use almond butter or another nut butter instead of peanut butter? Yes, you can substitute almond butter or any other nut butter for the peanut butter in the filling if you prefer a different flavor.
6. How can I prevent the chocolate topping from cracking when I slice the cookies? Make sure the cookies are completely cooled before adding the chocolate topping, and use a sharp knife to slice them gently to prevent cracking.
7. Can I double the recipe to make more cookies? Yes, you can easily double or triple the recipe to make a larger batch of cookies for a crowd.
8. Can I add chopped nuts to the cookie dough for extra crunch? Absolutely! Chopped peanuts, walnuts, or pecans would be a delicious addition to the cookie dough for added texture and flavor.
9. Can I make these cookies smaller for bite-sized treats? Yes, you can use a smaller scoop or tablespoon to portion out the cookie dough for smaller, bite-sized cookies.
10. Can I use store-bought cookie dough instead of making it from scratch? Yes, you can use store-bought brownie or cookie dough as a shortcut if you’re short on time, but homemade dough will yield the best results in terms of flavor and texture.
With their rich chocolatey base, creamy peanut butter filling, and decadent chocolate topping, these Buckeye Brownie Cookies are a true delight for the senses. Whether you’re satisfying a sweet craving or impressing guests at a gathering, these cookies are guaranteed to be a hit. Indulge in the irresistible combination of flavors and treat yourself to a taste of pure bliss with each heavenly bite.
