Peanut Butter Brownie Cookies Recipe

If you’re a fan of both peanut butter and brownies, then you’re in for a treat. These Peanut Butter Brownie Cookies are the best of both worlds—rich, fudgy brownies combined with the creamy, nutty goodness of peanut butter, all wrapped up in a chewy, indulgent cookie. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just craving something sweet, these cookies will surely satisfy your taste buds.

Introduction

Peanut Butter Brownie Cookies are a rich, flavorful fusion of two beloved treats: peanut butter and brownies. Imagine a chewy cookie with the fudgy consistency of a brownie and the creamy, nutty flavor of peanut butter. These cookies are everything you could want in a dessert—soft, gooey in the center, with crispy edges and a delightful contrast of textures.

Benefits of Peanut Butter Brownie Cookies

While cookies may not always be considered a “health food,” there are still several benefits to making your own homemade Peanut Butter Brownie Cookies:

• Customizable: You control the ingredients, so you can adjust the sweetness, use alternative flours, or substitute other nut butters (like almond butter) to meet dietary needs.
• Delicious Fusion of Flavors: Combining peanut butter with chocolate creates a delightful flavor profile. The rich, fudgy texture of the brownie mixes perfectly with the creamy, salty notes of peanut butter.
• Filling and Satisfying: The combination of peanut butter and chocolate provides a filling, energy-boosting treat. Peanut butter is a great source of protein and healthy fats, while the chocolate adds a dose of antioxidants.
• Versatile: You can use these cookies for different occasions, whether it’s a quick snack, a dessert at a gathering, or a homemade gift for friends and family.

How to Make Peanut Butter Brownie Cookies

Making Peanut Butter Brownie Cookies is easier than you might think. Follow these step-by-step instructions for perfect cookies every time:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent the cookies from sticking and to ensure they bake evenly.

Step 2: Cream Together the Butter and Peanut Butter

In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream together the butter and peanut butter until smooth and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.

Step 3: Add Sugar, Eggs, and Vanilla

Add the granulated sugar to the creamed butter and peanut butter mixture, and mix until smooth. Then, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 4: Mix in Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough cookies.

Step 5: Add Chocolate Chips and Optional Add-ins

Once the dough is well-combined, fold in the chocolate chips, chopped peanuts, and any other add-ins you desire. If you’re adding marshmallows, fold them in gently at the end.

Step 6: Shape the Cookie Dough

Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough using a cookie scoop or two spoons. Roll each portion into a ball and place it on the prepared baking sheets, spacing the cookies about 2 inches apart.

Step 7: Bake the Cookies

Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers are slightly soft. The cookies will continue to cook as they cool on the baking sheet, so be careful not to overbake them.

Step 8: Cool the Cookies

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps the cookies firm up and maintain their chewy texture.

Creative Variations and Customizations

One of the best things about Peanut Butter Brownie Cookies is how easy they are to customize. Here are a few fun ideas to try:

1. Peanut Butter Swirl Cookies

For a fun visual effect, create a swirl of peanut butter by adding a spoonful of peanut butter to the center of each cookie dough ball. Then, use a toothpick or knife to swirl the peanut butter into the dough before baking.

2. Nutella Peanut Butter Cookies

If you’re a fan of hazelnut spread, try incorporating Nutella into the dough for a chocolate-hazelnut twist. Replace some of the peanut butter with Nutella for a creamy, indulgent flavor.

3. Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookies

For a nostalgic twist, top each cookie with a spoonful of your favorite jam or jelly (such as strawberry or grape) after baking. The combination of peanut butter, chocolate, and jelly will remind you of a classic PB&J sandwich.

4. Oatmeal Peanut Butter Brownie Cookies

Add a cup of rolled oats to the dough to create a chewy, hearty texture. The oats will complement the peanut butter and chocolate, making for a filling snack.

Storage and Shelf Life

Properly storing your Peanut Butter Brownie Cookies will help maintain their freshness. Here are some tips:

• Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If you prefer a softer cookie, place a slice of bread in the container with the cookies to help retain moisture.
• Refrigeration: For longer storage, you can refrigerate the cookies for up to 2 weeks. Allow them to come to room temperature before serving, or heat them in the microwave for a few seconds for that freshly-baked taste.
• Freezing: These cookies freeze well, making them great for meal prep or future cravings. Place the cookies in a freezer-safe container or bag, separating them with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm in the microwave before serving.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

If your cookies don’t turn out as expected, don’t worry! Here are a few common problems and how to fix them:

• Cookies Are Too Dry: If your dough is dry, it may need more moisture. Add a tablespoon of milk or water at a time until the dough reaches the right consistency.
• Cookies Are Too Soft: If the cookies are too soft and fall apart easily, try chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking to firm it up.
• Cookies Are Spreading Too Much: To prevent excessive spreading, make sure your dough isn’t too warm before baking. You can also add a little extra flour to the dough for a firmer texture.

Pairing Ideas for Peanut Butter Brownie Cookies

These cookies are delicious on their own, but they also pair well with a variety of drinks and treats:

• Milk: The classic pairing for peanut butter and chocolate, milk helps balance the richness of the cookies.
• Coffee: The bitterness of coffee complements the sweetness of the cookies, making for a perfect afternoon snack.
• Ice Cream: Serve your cookies with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
• Fruit: For a lighter side, pair the cookies with fresh berries or a fruit salad to balance out the richness.

Conclusion

Peanut Butter Brownie Cookies are an indulgent and satisfying treat that combines the best of both worlds: fudgy brownies and creamy peanut butter. These cookies are sure to be a hit with anyone who loves peanut butter and chocolate, and they can easily be customized to suit different tastes. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion, or just satisfying a sweet tooth, this recipe will leave you craving more. Try it out, and enjoy the deliciousness that these cookies bring to the table!

Yield: 15

Peanut Butter Brownie Cookies Recipe

Print

If you’re a fan of both peanut butter and brownies, then you’re in for a treat. These Peanut Butter Brownie Cookies are the best of both worlds—rich, fudgy brownies combined with the creamy, nutty goodness of peanut butter, all wrapped up in a chewy, indulgent cookie. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just craving something sweet, these cookies will surely satisfy your taste buds.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 12 minutes

Total Time 27 minutes

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup peanut butter (creamy or crunchy)
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional, for extra fudginess)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
   
2. Cream the butter and peanut butter: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat together the softened butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
   
3. Add egg and vanilla: Add the egg and vanilla extract, then mix until fully combined.
   
4. Dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
   
5. Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
   
6. Fold in chocolate chips (optional): If you're using chocolate chips, fold them into the dough.
   
7. Form cookies: Use a tablespoon or a cookie scoop to drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
   
8. Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are set and the centers are soft but no longer shiny. They will firm up as they cool.
   
9. Cool and enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Texture: These cookies have a chewy, fudgy texture thanks to the cocoa and peanut butter. If you prefer a slightly crispier cookie, you can bake for an extra minute or two.

Peanut Butter Variation: For an added twist, you can use chunky peanut butter to add texture to the cookies.