Swirled Brownie Cookies with a Peanut Butter Twist

These swirled brownie cookies with a peanut butter twist are a delicious mash-up of two of my favorite desserts: rich, fudgy brownies and chewy cookies. Every bite delivers gooey chocolate with ribbons of creamy peanut butter that melt right in my mouth. They’re soft in the center, slightly crisp on the edges, and totally irresistible.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it blends the decadence of a brownie with the convenience and portability of a cookie. The peanut butter swirl adds a salty-sweet balance that pairs perfectly with the deep chocolate flavor. I also like that these cookies look as good as they taste—those golden swirls give them a bakery-style appearance without much effort. Whether I’m baking for a gathering or just for myself, these always disappear fast.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Unsalted butter

• Semi-sweet chocolate chips or chunks

• Granulated sugar

• Brown sugar

• Large eggs

• Vanilla extract

• All-purpose flour

• Unsweetened cocoa powder

• Baking powder

• Salt

• Creamy peanut butter

Directions

1. I start by melting the butter and chocolate together until smooth and glossy. I let it cool slightly before adding the sugars.

2. I whisk in the granulated and brown sugar until fully combined, then beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.

3. In a separate bowl, I whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt, then gradually stir it into the chocolate mixture until just combined.

4. I let the dough chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes—it helps the cookies hold their shape.

5. I scoop the dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, then gently swirl a small spoonful of peanut butter into the top of each dough mound using a toothpick or skewer.

6. I bake the cookies in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes, until the edges are set but the centers still look slightly soft.

7. I let them cool on the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 18–20 cookies. It takes around 15 minutes to prepare the dough (plus 30 minutes chill time) and about 10–12 minutes to bake each batch. In total, I can have them ready in under an hour.

Variations

Sometimes I like to change things up by adding chopped peanuts or mini chocolate chips to the dough for added texture. If I’m in the mood for something even richer, I use dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet. For a nut-free version, I replace the peanut butter with a swirl of cookie butter or a nut-free spread.

Storage/Reheating

I store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. If I want them to last longer, I freeze them—either baked or as cookie dough balls. When I want to reheat a baked cookie, I pop it in the microwave for 10–15 seconds to bring back that gooey texture.

FAQs

How do I get the perfect peanut butter swirl?

I use a toothpick or skewer to gently swirl the peanut butter into the top of the dough without mixing it in completely. That gives me a defined swirl that looks great after baking.

Can I use natural peanut butter?

I’ve tried it, but natural peanut butter tends to be too runny. I get the best results with a creamy, no-stir variety.

Why do my cookies come out too flat?

This usually happens if the dough isn’t chilled. I always chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking so the cookies hold their shape better.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, I often make the dough a day ahead and keep it covered in the fridge. I let it sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before scooping and baking.

What’s the best way to freeze these cookies?

I freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a zip-top bag. That way, they don’t stick together. When I’m ready to eat, I thaw at room temp or warm gently in the oven.

Conclusion

These swirled brownie cookies with a peanut butter twist hit all the right notes—rich chocolate, creamy peanut butter, and that perfect chewy texture. Whether I’m making them for a crowd or keeping a stash for myself, they never last long in my kitchen. I love how easy they are to make and how beautiful they look with those golden swirls.

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