Swirled Brownie Peanut Butter Cookies

As seen in: Desserts That Transform Moments

Experience the ultimate treat in every bite with these swirled brownie cookies featuring a velvety peanut butter twist. Melted chocolate and butter create a glossy, fudge-like batter, while creamy peanut butter swirled through the dough adds irresistible flavor and visual appeal. The cookies bake up with signature crackly tops and tender, chewy centers. Enjoy them warm for gooey richness, or let them cool for perfectly textured bites. Ideal for sharing at gatherings or indulging your own sweet tooth, these cookies combine classic brownie depth with a creamy peanut butter finish.

Sarah Crisp
Contributed By Sarah Crisp
Last modified on Thu, 10 Jul 2025 03:42:39 GMT
A plate of swirled brownies with peanut butter on top. Save This
A plate of swirled brownies with peanut butter on top. | cookrisp.com

This decadent brownie cookie recipe transforms two classic favorites into one irresistible treat. The fudgy chocolate base with a swirl of peanut butter creates the perfect balance between rich chocolate intensity and nutty sweetness, all in a convenient cookie form that satisfies both brownie and cookie cravings simultaneously.

I first created these for my nephew's birthday when he couldn't decide between brownies or peanut butter cookies. The look on his face when he bit into that first cookie convinced me these needed to become part of our family's dessert rotation.

Ingredients

  • Unsalted butter: provides the rich foundation without adding extra salt to the recipe
  • Semisweet chocolate: offers the perfect balance of sweetness and intensity look for high quality bars rather than chips for better melting
  • Granulated sugar: creates the classic crisp exterior while light brown sugar adds moisture and chewiness
  • Large eggs: provide structure and that quintessential crackly brownie top
  • Vanilla extract: enhances the chocolate flavor choose pure rather than imitation for best results
  • All purpose flour: keeps the cookies tender use a light hand when measuring to avoid dense results
  • Unsweetened cocoa powder: intensifies the chocolate flavor Dutch processed works beautifully here
  • Baking powder: gives just enough lift without making them cakey
  • Salt: balances the sweetness and enhances flavor
  • Creamy peanut butter: creates the perfect swirl use commercial brands for consistent results
  • Powdered sugar: stabilizes the peanut butter and adds sweetness

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare Baking Sheets and Oven:
Preheat your oven to exactly 350°F ensuring it reaches full temperature before baking. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper leaving a slight overhang for easy removal later. Position oven racks in the upper and lower thirds of your oven.
Melt Chocolate Mixture:
In a medium heatproof bowl suspended over barely simmering water melt the butter and chopped chocolate together stirring frequently with a silicone spatula until completely smooth. Ensure no water splashes into your mixture. Remove from heat and allow to cool for about 5 minutes until warm but not hot.
Prepare Egg Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl vigorously whisk together granulated sugar brown sugar eggs and vanilla extract for a full 2 minutes until the mixture becomes noticeably lighter in color and slightly thickened. This incorporates air which helps create that crackly brownie top.
Combine Wet Ingredients:
Pour the cooled chocolate mixture in a steady stream into the egg mixture while continuously stirring. Use a gentle folding motion to thoroughly incorporate the chocolate until no streaks remain and the batter looks glossy and uniform.
Add Dry Ingredients:
Sift the flour cocoa powder baking powder and salt directly over the wet ingredients. This removes any lumps and aerates the dry ingredients. Using a rubber spatula fold everything together with about 15 to 20 strokes just until no dry spots remain. The batter will be thick glossy and similar to brownie batter.
Prepare Peanut Butter Swirl:
In a small bowl thoroughly mix the creamy peanut butter with powdered sugar until completely smooth. This sweetened peanut butter mixture holds its shape better during baking and provides a more distinct swirl pattern.
Form and Swirl Cookies:
Using a tablespoon measure or cookie scoop drop tablespoons of brownie batter onto the prepared baking sheets spacing them about 2 inches apart. Add a small half teaspoon dollop of the peanut butter mixture on top of each cookie. With a toothpick or the tip of a paring knife gently swirl the peanut butter into the chocolate batter using a figure eight motion without overmixing.
Bake to Perfection:
Bake for exactly 10 to 12 minutes rotating pans halfway through. The cookies are done when the edges appear set and the tops have a crackly appearance but centers still look slightly underdone. This ensures they remain fudgy after cooling.
Cool Properly:
Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for precisely 5 minutes. They will continue cooking from residual heat and firm up slightly. Then carefully transfer to a wire cooling rack to cool completely.
A plate of swirled brownie cookies with a peanut butter twist. Save This
A plate of swirled brownie cookies with a peanut butter twist. | cookrisp.com

My absolute favorite part of making these cookies is watching the magical transformation in the oven. I remember the first time I made them with my daughter she pressed her face against the oven door glass watching the peanut butter swirls set and the tops crackle. Now she insists on being the official swirl maker whenever we bake these together.

Storage and Freshness

These brownie cookies maintain their fudgy texture best when stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. For longer storage freeze the cooled cookies in a single layer then transfer to a freezer safe container with parchment between layers. When ready to enjoy thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes or warm in the microwave for 10 seconds for that just baked texture.

Troubleshooting Tips

If your cookies spread too much during baking the batter may be too warm. Try chilling the cookie dough for 15 minutes before scooping and baking. For cookies that appear too cakey you may have overmeasured the flour. Remember to spoon flour into your measuring cup rather than scooping directly from the container which compacts it. And if your peanut butter swirls disappear completely try chilling the peanut butter mixture for 10 minutes before swirling to help it maintain definition during baking.

A plate of swirled brownie cookies with a peanut butter twist. Save This
A plate of swirled brownie cookies with a peanut butter twist. | cookrisp.com

Serving Suggestions

Transform these already incredible cookies into spectacular desserts by serving them slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. The contrast between the warm fudgy cookie and cold creamy ice cream creates an unforgettable texture experience. For special occasions arrange them on a dessert platter with fresh berries and a drizzle of warm chocolate sauce. They also make an excellent base for ice cream sandwiches just place a small scoop of your favorite flavor between two completely cooled cookies and freeze until firm.

Common Queries

→ What creates the marbled swirl effect in these cookies?

The swirl is achieved by dolloping sweetened peanut butter over the brownie batter and gently swirling with a toothpick before baking.

→ Can I substitute a different nut butter?

Yes, almond or cashew butter can be used in place of peanut butter, but flavor and texture may vary slightly.

→ How can I achieve fudgy centers?

Bake just until the edges are set and the centers are slightly soft; avoid overbaking for chewy, moist centers.

→ Are these cookies suitable for storing?

Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days to maintain freshness.

→ Should I use natural or regular peanut butter?

Creamy regular peanut butter is recommended for the best texture and swirl, as natural varieties may be too runny.

Swirled Brownie Peanut Butter Cookies

Chocolate cookies with peanut butter swirl, crackly tops, and a soft, fudge-like center for sweet cravings.

Preparation Time
15 Minutes Required
Cooking Duration
12 Minutes Required
Overall Time
27 Minutes Required
Contributed By: Sarah Crisp

Recipe Type: Sweet Comfort

Skill Level: Moderate

Cuisine Type: American

Serving Size: 18 Number of Servings (18 cookies)

Dietary Preferences: Suitable for Vegetarians

What You’ll Need

→ Cookie Base

01 1/2 cup unsalted butter
02 8 oz semisweet chocolate, chopped
03 3/4 cup granulated sugar
04 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
05 2 large eggs
06 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

→ Dry Ingredients

07 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
08 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
09 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
10 1/4 teaspoon salt

→ Peanut Butter Filling

11 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
12 2 tablespoons powdered sugar

Steps to Follow

Step 01

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 02

In a heatproof bowl over simmering water or in the microwave, melt the butter and chopped chocolate. Stir until smooth, then let it cool slightly.

Step 03

In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until thick and pale.

Step 04

Slowly pour the cooled chocolate mixture into the egg mixture and stir until well combined.

Step 05

Sift in the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Fold gently with a spatula until a thick, glossy batter forms.

Step 06

In another bowl, mix the peanut butter with powdered sugar until smooth.

Step 07

Scoop tablespoons of brownie batter onto the prepared baking sheets. Drop half a teaspoon of peanut butter mixture on each and swirl gently with a toothpick.

Step 08

Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until tops are crackly and centers are soft.

Step 09

Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Enjoy warm or store in an airtight container.

Tools to Have

  • Heatproof bowl
  • Microwave or double boiler
  • Mixing bowl
  • Spatula
  • Wire rack
  • Toothpick
  • Parchment paper

Allergen Information

Double-check ingredients for allergens, and seek medical guidance if necessary.
  • Contains peanuts
  • Contains eggs
  • Contains gluten
  • Contains dairy

Nutrition Info (Per Serving)

These figures are estimates and shouldn’t replace professional health advice.
  • Calories Per Serving: 190
  • Fat Content: ~
  • Carbohydrates: ~
  • Protein Amount: ~