Peanut Butter Swirl Brownie Cookies fresh from oven
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Peanut Butter Swirl Brownie Cookies – The Ultimate Dessert to Savor Every Bite

ByAnna

Welcome to homeasyrecipes.com, where every recipe tells a story and every bite feels like a warm hug. I’m Anna—the voice, baker, and memory-keeper behind HomeasyRecipes. This space was born out of countless afternoons spent in my grandmother Mary’s kitchen, where the scent of fresh-baked cookies and her gentle laughter made even the gloomiest days brighter. She believed food wasn’t just about eating; it was about connection, comfort, and love.

That philosophy lives on here. I created HomeasyRecipes to make cooking approachable, fun, and delicious for everyday life. Whether you’re juggling work, wrangling kids, or just want something sweet after dinner, these are real recipes for real people. Expect meals you can actually pull off, desserts that spark joy (like today’s irresistible treat), and the occasional surprise that might just become your new family favorite.

Today’s recipe? It’s one of my all-time obsessions—Peanut Butter Swirl Brownie Cookies. Imagine the rich, fudgy goodness of a brownie colliding with the chewy, buttery bite of a cookie, all laced with luscious swirls of creamy peanut butter. These aren’t just cookies. They’re nostalgia in a bite.

If you’re tired of overcomplicated recipes and endless dirty dishes, you’ll love how easy these are to whip up. No fancy tools, no hard-to-find ingredients—just simple steps that deliver bakery-quality results. So, preheat that oven. You’re about to create a dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.

Before we dive in, don’t miss our Cheesecake Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies for another over-the-top dessert mashup.

Table of Contents

Why Peanut Butter Swirl Brownie Cookies Are a Must-Try

The Perfect Mashup of Brownies and Cookies

When you hear Peanut Butter Swirl Brownie Cookies, you’re already imagining rich, chocolatey decadence meeting creamy, nutty bliss. These cookies aren’t just a dessert—they’re an experience. Fudgy brownie centers combine with the chewy edges of a cookie, giving you the best of both worlds in one bite.

What makes them so irresistible is the contrast. Each bite delivers soft, gooey chocolate with swirls of peanut butter that melt perfectly into the dough. This isn’t your average cookie; it’s the one you dream about at midnight.

Looking for inspiration? Try Cheesecake Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies if you’re obsessed with dessert mashups.

Peanut Butter: The Star of the Show

Peanut butter brings more than flavor—it brings balance. The natural saltiness of peanut butter cuts through the sweetness of the brownie base, creating a harmony of flavors. When swirled into the rich, chocolatey dough, it gives these cookies a bakery-style look that’s downright Instagram-worthy.

And here’s the beauty: you don’t need a stand mixer or fancy tools to achieve this. Just a spoon, a bowl, and about 30 minutes of your time. That’s all it takes to bring Peanut Butter Swirl Brownie Cookies into your life.

Don’t miss our Apple Cinnamon Roll Lasagna for another cozy, crowd-pleasing dessert.

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Peanut Butter Swirl Brownie Cookies fresh from oven

Peanut Butter Swirl Brownie Cookies – The Ultimate Dessert to Savor Every Bite

  • Author: Anna
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6 minutes per batch
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 18–20 cookies 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian
Print Recipe

Description

My favorite fudgy brownie cookies elevated with a simple peanut butter swirl! These delightful cookies are perfect for weekend snacking or taking along to your next get-together.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 3/4 cup (171g) unrefined cane sugar (or 3/4 cup/175g white granulated sugar)
  • 1 cup (190g) chocolate chips (dairy-free if needed)
  • 1/3 cup (74g) plant-based butter
  • 1/2 tsp instant coffee granules or espresso powder (optional)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 cup (20g) Dutched cocoa powder
  • 3/4 cup + 2 Tbsp (114g) all-purpose flour
  • ~1/4 cup (64g) runny, natural peanut butter

Instructions

  1. Bring your eggs to room temperature by placing them in a glass of warm water for around 10 minutes.
  2. Add the room temp eggs and sugar to a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment. Beat on medium-high speed until the mixture is light in color and looks foamy and thick (about 3-5 minutes).
  3. Meanwhile, melt chocolate chips and butter together in a microwave-safe bowl using 30-second intervals, stirring in between. Stir in the instant coffee or espresso powder, then set aside to cool slightly.
  4. Stir vanilla extract into the thick, foamy sugar and egg mixture.
  5. Gently fold the cooled chocolate mixture into the sugar and egg mixture until fully combined.
  6. Sift in the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder. Gently mix until no streaks of dry ingredients remain.
  7. Allow the dough to rest at room temperature for 30 minutes to thicken.
  8. Preheat oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  9. Scoop cookie dough using a 1.5 Tbsp scoop, placing 8 per sheet.
  10. Spoon 1/2 teaspoon of peanut butter onto each dough ball and swirl it gently with the small end of a chopstick to create marbled patterns.
  11. Bake for 5-6 minutes until the centers look slightly wet. Avoid over-baking.
  12. Cool cookies on the baking sheet for 2 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
  13. Repeat with remaining dough. Store in a single layer in an airtight container at room temperature.

Notes

  • Note 1: Plant-based butter can be substituted with regular unsalted butter.
  • Note 2: Espresso powder enhances chocolate flavor without adding a coffee taste.
  • Note 3: Dutched cocoa powder gives a richer color and smoother flavor.
  • Note 4: Use natural, runny peanut butter for best swirling results.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cookie
  • Calories: 160
  • Sugar: 12g
  • Sodium: 90mg
  • Fat: 8g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 15mg

Keywords: Peanut Butter Swirl Brownie Cookies, fudgy brownie cookies, peanut butter cookies, easy dessert recipes, chocolate and peanut butter cookies

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Essential Ingredients for Peanut Butter Swirl Brownie Cookies

Why Each Ingredient Matters

The magic of Peanut Butter Swirl Brownie Cookies lies in their simple yet powerful ingredients. Every component plays a role in creating that perfect balance of fudgy richness and nutty creaminess.

  • Large eggs (room temperature): Whipped with sugar, they add volume and structure to the cookies.
  • Unrefined cane sugar: Brings a caramel-like depth of sweetness, but you can use white granulated sugar for a more traditional flavor.
  • Chocolate chips: Melted down, they create the base of the brownie dough, infusing each cookie with deep chocolate flavor.
  • Plant-based butter: Keeps the texture moist and tender while making the recipe dairy-free friendly.
  • Natural peanut butter: Runny peanut butter swirls melt into the batter, creating those beautiful marbled patterns and a nutty contrast.
  • Espresso powder (optional): Intensifies the chocolate flavor without adding a coffee taste.
  • Vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors, rounding out the sweetness.
  • All-purpose flour & Dutched cocoa powder: The dry ingredients that give these cookies their body and signature brownie-like fudginess.

Looking for inspirat

ion? Try Honey Butter Skillet Corn if you love recipes with simple pantry staples that deliver big flavor.
Ingredients for Peanut Butter Swirl Brownie Cookies
Simple ingredients for fudgy Peanut Butter Swirl Brownie Cookies

Substitutions to Fit Every Kitchen

One of the best things about these cookies is how flexible the recipe is:

  • Swap in gluten-free flour for a celiac-friendly version.
  • Use sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter for a nut-free option.
  • Replace cane sugar with coconut sugar for a deeper, more caramel-like flavor.

No matter how you cu

stomize them, Peanut Butter Swirl Brownie Cookies remain indulgent, chewy, and beautifully swirled every time.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Peanut Butter Swirl Brownie Cookies

Preparing Your Ingredients Like a Pro

Before diving into the recipe, make sure all your ingredients are ready. Trust me—this small step makes a huge difference. Room temperature eggs whip up better, and slightly warm peanut butter swirls more easily into the dough.

  1. Bring eggs to room temperature: Place them in a bowl of warm water for about 10 minutes.
  2. Measure out ingredients precisely: Baking is a science, so accuracy matters.

ding" id="creating-the-fudgy-brownie-base">Creating the Fudgy Brownie Base

Start by making the luscious brownie batter that forms the heart of these cookies.

  • Combine the chocolate chips and plant-based butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second bursts, stirring between each until smooth.
  • Add in the espresso powder if using—this step enhances the chocolate flavor.
  • Set aside to cool slightly so it doesn’t scramble your eggs later.

In a stand mixer or large bowl:

  • Whisk the eggs and sugar on medium-high until pale, thick, and foamy. This step is crucial for the signature crackly tops of Peanut Butter Swirl Brownie Cookies.
  • Stir in the vanilla extract gently.

ding" id="mixing-it-all-together">Mixing It All Together

Now it’s time to bring the elements together.

  • Fold the cooled chocolate mixture into the eggs and sugar.
  • Sift in the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder. Gently mix until just combined—overmixing can toughen your cookies.
  • Let the dough rest at room temperature for 30 minutes. This thickens it for easier scooping.

Swirling in the Peanut Butter Magic

Here’s where the magic happens.

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  • Using a 1.5 tablespoon cookie scoop, portion out dough balls, spacing them well apart.
  • Spoon ½ teaspoon of natural peanut butter over each dough ball.
  • With a chopstick or toothpick, swirl the peanut butter gently into the tops. Think “C” and “S” patterns rather than over-mixing—you want visible, luscious ribbons of peanut butter.

Baking to Perfection

Bake at 350°F for 5–6 minutes. Keep an eye on them—the centers should look slightly wet when you pull them out. This ensures they stay gooey after cooling.

Once out of the oven

:
  • Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
  • Repeat until all dough is used.

For best results, avoid stacking them during storage. Place in a single layer in an airtight container at room temperature.

Tips for Perfect Peanut Butter Swirl Brownie Cookies

Master the Swirl Without Overdoing It

The beauty of Peanut Butter Swirl Brownie Cookies lies in their signature marbled tops. To achieve that:

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  • Use runny, natural peanut butter for effortless swirling.
  • Don’t over-mix the swirl. Aim for thick, visible ribbons instead of blending it entirely into the dough.

    • Avoid Overbaking at All Costs

    One common mistake with brownie-based cookies is overbaking. You’re looking for cookies with slightly wet centers when you pull them from the oven. Remember—they’ll continue to set as they cool. Overbaking leads to a dry, cakey texture that’s the opposite of fudgy bliss.

    For even baking:

    • Rotate your baking sheet halfway through.
    • Use light-colored baking sheets to prevent over-browning on the bottom.