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These Buckeye Brownie Cookies combine my two greatest dessert loves into one irresistible treat. The fudgy brownie base creates the perfect foundation for a creamy peanut butter center, all crowned with glossy chocolate for that classic buckeye finish. They've become my signature dessert for potlucks where I'm guaranteed to leave with an empty container.
I first created these during a snow day when my kids were begging for something sweet but I didn't want to make a full batch of brownies. Now they specifically request these cookies instead of traditional buckeyes during the holidays.
Ingredients
- Brownie mix: provides the perfect chocolate base and simplifies the recipe tremendously
- Cream cheese: adds richness and helps create that perfect chewy brownie texture
- Creamy peanut butter: delivers the signature buckeye flavor use a commercial brand like Jif or Skippy for best results
- Powdered sugar: balances the peanut butter and creates the proper consistency for the centers
- Semisweet chocolate chips: create the perfect topping with balanced sweetness look for quality chips with real cocoa butter
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Pan:
- Set your oven to 350°F and prepare your baking sheets with parchment paper. This temperature creates the perfect environment for developing fudgy centers while still setting the edges properly.
- Mix the Cookie Base:
- Beat together the brownie mix, melted butter, softened cream cheese, and egg until completely combined. The dough will be thicker than regular brownie batter but still slightly sticky. Take your time mixing to ensure all dry ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Form and Bake the Cookies:
- Scoop the dough onto your prepared sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Use your fingers to gently shape each mound into a smooth circle. Bake for exactly 12 minutes they will seem slightly underdone in the center which is perfect for a chewy brownie cookie.
- Create the Peanut Butter Centers:
- While cookies bake, thoroughly combine the peanut butter and powdered sugar. The mixture should be firm enough to roll into balls but not crumbly. Form 24 evenly sized balls, keeping them ready for the hot cookies.
- Assemble the Buckeye Components:
- Immediately after removing cookies from the oven, press a peanut butter ball gently into the center of each cookie. The heat will slightly soften the peanut butter creating a perfect bond with the cookie base. Allow them to cool for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
- Add the Chocolate Topping:
- Melt chocolate chips slowly and carefully, stirring often to prevent scorching. Spoon the melted chocolate over each peanut butter center, allowing it to naturally spread and create that classic buckeye appearance. Let the chocolate set completely before storing.
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My family fights over these cookies every holiday season. My son once hid the container in his room claiming they had all been eaten just so he could enjoy them by himself after everyone went to bed. The perfect blend of fudgy, creamy, and sweet makes them absolutely irresistible.
Make Ahead Options
Prepare these cookies up to 3 days before serving, as the flavors actually improve after the first day. The brownie base becomes more fudgy and the peanut butter center develops a deeper flavor. For longer storage, freeze the finished cookies in a single layer until solid, then transfer to a freezer container with parchment between layers. They thaw beautifully at room temperature in about 30 minutes.
Ingredient Substitutions
For those with peanut allergies, almond butter or sunflower seed butter work wonderfully in the filling. Simply increase the powdered sugar by 2 tablespoons as these alternatives tend to be runnier than peanut butter. Gluten free brownie mix can be substituted with excellent results, though the cookies may spread slightly more during baking. White chocolate or butterscotch chips can replace semisweet chocolate for the topping if you prefer a sweeter finish.
Serving Suggestions
These cookies make an excellent dessert served slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. For an elevated presentation, place them on a tiered serving tray alternating with fresh strawberries or raspberries. The combination of chocolate and fruit creates a gorgeous display for special occasions. These also pack beautifully in gift boxes with parchment paper between layers for holiday gifting.
Common Queries
- → How do I get the brownie cookie base to stay soft?
Bake the cookies just until set, about 12 minutes. Avoid overbaking for a fudgy, tender texture.
- → Can I use different chocolate for the topping?
Yes, you can use dark, milk, or white chocolate chips to adjust the sweetness and flavor of the topping.
- → How should these cookies be stored?
Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for a week.
- → Can I freeze these cookies?
Absolutely. Place cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container and thaw at room temperature before serving.
- → What can I add for extra flavor?
Try sprinkling sea salt on top of the melted chocolate or adding a touch of vanilla to the peanut butter filling.