Description

Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies are the perfect blend of two classic flavors—rich chocolate brownies and creamy peanut butter cookies. These cookies are soft, chewy, and packed with a marbled swirl of deliciousness that makes them a hit at any gathering. Whether you’re a peanut butter lover or a brownie enthusiast, this recipe offers the best of both worlds in a single bite.

Ingredients

For the Peanut Butter Cookie Dough:

1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/3 cup creamy peanut butter
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
1 large egg
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/8 teaspoon salt

For the Brownie Cookie Dough:

1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/8 teaspoon baking powder
1/8 teaspoon salt

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Peanut Butter Cookie Dough

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 3-4 minutes.
Add the egg and vanilla extract, beating until fully incorporated.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix. Once combined, set the dough aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Brownie Cookie Dough

In another large bowl, combine the melted butter with granulated sugar and whisk until well-mixed.
Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly.
Sift together the cocoa powder, flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually stir these dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until the dough is smooth and uniform.

Step 3: Assemble the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Take about 1 tablespoon of each dough (peanut butter and brownie) and roll them together into a ball. Gently twist the doughs together to create a marbled effect, but avoid overmixing to maintain distinct swirls in the cookies.

Step 4: Bake the Cookies

Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are just set but the centers are still soft. This ensures that the cookies are fully cooked while remaining soft and chewy in the middle.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This resting period helps the cookies set without becoming too hard, ensuring they stay soft and delicious.

Notes

Serving Tips

Warm and Fresh: Serve these cookies warm to fully enjoy their gooey centers and rich flavors. A few seconds in the microwave can help reheat them if they’ve cooled down.
With Ice Cream: Pair the cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert. The warm cookies and cold ice cream create a delicious contrast.
Dipped in Milk: These cookies are perfect for dunking in a glass of cold milk, which complements the richness of the chocolate and peanut butter.
Cookie Sandwiches: Spread a layer of peanut butter, chocolate frosting, or even Nutella between two cookies to create a decadent cookie sandwich.
Crumbled Topping: Crumble the cookies over yogurt, ice cream, or a bowl of fresh fruit for a quick and tasty dessert topping.

Storage Tips

Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to 5 days, maintaining their soft and chewy texture.
Refrigeration: If you prefer a firmer texture, you can store the cookies in the refrigerator. Just make sure they are in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out. Refrigerated cookies can last up to 7-10 days.
Freezing: To extend the shelf life, freeze the cookies. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. Frozen cookies can last up to 3 months. To enjoy, thaw at room temperature or warm them in the microwave for a few seconds.
Preventing Sticking: If stacking the cookies in storage, place a piece of parchment or wax paper between the layers to prevent them from sticking together.
Reheating: For the best taste, reheat frozen or refrigerated cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for a few minutes. This will restore their softness and enhance the flavors.

By following these serving and storage tips, you can ensure that your Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies remain delicious and ready to enjoy whenever you crave a sweet treat.