Name: Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 14 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; ½ cup creamy peanut butter; ½ cup granulated sugar; ½ cup brown sugar; 1 egg; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1¼ cups all-purpose flour; ½ tsp baking soda; ¼ tsp salt; 4 oz semi-sweet chocolate, melted; ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder; ¾ cup all-purpose flour; ½ tsp baking powder; ¼ tsp salt; ½ cup unsalted butter, melted; ½ cup brown sugar; ¼ cup granulated sugar; 1 egg; 1 tsp vanilla extract

Jump to Recipe·Leave a Review

Decadent, fudgy brownie-cookie hybrids swirled with creamy peanut butter—a stunning treat that’s both visually impressive and irresistibly tasty.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Combines rich brownie texture with peanut butter flavor
Marbled appearance adds wow factor
Soft and chewy with crisp edges
Great for bakers seeking flavor and presentation

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Peanut Butter Dough:

½ cup unsalted butter, softened
½ cup creamy peanut butter
½ cup granulated sugar
½ cup brown sugar
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
1¼ cups all-purpose flour
½ tsp baking soda
¼ tsp salt

Brownie Dough:

4 oz semi-sweet chocolate, melted
¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
¾ cup all-purpose flour
½ tsp baking powder
¼ tsp salt
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
½ cup brown sugar
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla extract

Directions

Make the peanut butter dough: Cream together butter, peanut butter, both sugars. Mix in egg and vanilla. Stir in flour, baking soda, and salt until a dough forms.
Make the brownie dough: Combine melted chocolate and butter, mix in sugars, egg, and vanilla. Stir in cocoa, flour, baking powder, and salt until blended.
Chill both doughs for at least 30 minutes until firm enough to handle.
Form cookies: Take a tablespoon of each dough, press together, and gently roll or twist into a ball to form a swirl. Do not overmix.
Bake at 350 °F for 10–14 minutes until edges are set and tops begin to crack.
Cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a rack.

Servings and timing

Yield: About 24 cookies
Prep time: 30 minutes (plus chill time)
Cook time: 10–14 minutes
Total time: 40–60 minutes

Variations

Use crunchy peanut butter for added texture
Add mini chocolate chips or chopped nuts for extra crunch
Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top before baking
Add a dash of espresso powder to intensify the chocolate flavor
Use almond butter or Nutella as a twist

Storage/Reheating

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months or freeze dough balls to bake fresh later. Reheat briefly in a 300 °F oven to restore edges’ crispness.

Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies

FAQs

Why chill the dough?

Chilling firms up the doughs for easier swirling and prevents cookies from spreading too much.

Can I freeze the dough?

Yes—roll into balls, freeze on a tray, then store in bags. Bake directly from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes to bake time.

What’s the best chocolate to use?

Semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate melts smoothly and balances the sweetness of the peanut butter.

How do I get a good swirl?

Gently roll the two doughs together—don’t overmix or the colors will blend too much.

Can I use natural peanut butter?

It’s best to use regular creamy peanut butter. Natural versions can be oily or dry, affecting texture.

Are these chewy or crisp?

They’re soft and chewy in the center with slightly crisp edges.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes—just double all ingredients and bake in multiple batches.

Do I need to glaze or frost them?

Not at all—they’re perfect as-is, but a drizzle of melted chocolate is a nice touch.

Are they kid-friendly?

Yes—chocolate and peanut butter are always a hit with all ages.

Can I add cocoa nibs or chopped candy?

Yes—fold in extras like mini Reese’s or cocoa nibs for added fun.

Conclusion

Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies are the ultimate treat for anyone who loves the classic chocolate and peanut butter combo. With a beautifully marbled look, soft texture, and rich flavor, they’re perfect for holidays, gifting, or everyday indulgence. Enjoy every decadent bite!