Peanut Butter-Filled Brownie Cookies are the perfect indulgence for any dessert lover! These soft and chewy brownie-like cookies are filled with a creamy peanut butter center, creating the ultimate combination of chocolate and peanut butter in every bite. Rich, decadent, and irresistible, these cookies are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and become a new favorite treat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you love chocolate and peanut butter, these Peanut Butter-Filled Brownie Cookies are the dream combination you’ve been waiting for. The brownie-like texture of the cookie is perfectly soft and fudgy, and the peanut butter filling adds a smooth, nutty sweetness that takes these cookies to the next level. They’re easy to make, yet they feel special and indulgent. Whether you’re making them for a party, a special treat, or just because, these cookies are sure to impress anyone who tries them.

Ingredients

For the cookie dough:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

• 1/2 tsp baking powder

• 1/4 tsp salt

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 3/4 cup granulated sugar

• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed

• 1 large egg

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (melted)

For the peanut butter filling:

• 1/2 cup peanut butter (creamy or chunky)

• 1/4 cup powdered sugar

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

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

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

3. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.

4. Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and beat until smooth.

5. Stir in the melted chocolate chips until fully incorporated.

6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined. Do not overmix.

7. In a separate small bowl, mix the peanut butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.

8. Scoop out 1 tablespoon of cookie dough and flatten it into a disk in the palm of your hand.

9. Place about 1 teaspoon of the peanut butter filling in the center of the dough, then top with another tablespoon of dough to form a ball, sealing the peanut butter inside.

10. Place the dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

11. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are set and the tops are slightly cracked. The centers may still look soft, but they will firm up as they cool.

12. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and timing

Servings: 12-14 cookies
Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Add Chocolate Chips: For an extra chocolatey kick, fold some mini chocolate chips into the cookie dough.

• Nutty Twist: Try using crunchy peanut butter or adding chopped peanuts to the peanut butter filling for added texture.

• White Chocolate Filling: Swap the peanut butter for white chocolate or Nutella for a different filling flavor.

• Salted Caramel Filling: Add a caramel filling instead of peanut butter for a sweet and salty twist.

Storage/reheating

Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply warm in the microwave for a few seconds or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use natural peanut butter for the filling?

Yes, you can use natural peanut butter, but it may be a little more runny than regular peanut butter, so make sure to add a little more powdered sugar to help thicken the filling.

Can I make these cookies without cocoa powder?

If you don’t have cocoa powder, you can omit it and make regular brownie cookies. They will be a little lighter in color, but still delicious!

Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough. Scoop the dough into balls, place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, and then store them in an airtight container or freezer bag. When ready to bake, just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Can I use almond butter instead of peanut butter?

Yes, almond butter can be used in place of peanut butter if you’re looking for a different nut butter or if you have a peanut allergy.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

To make these cookies gluten-free, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check the consistency of the dough and adjust if necessary.

How can I make these cookies more chewy?

For chewier cookies, you can add an extra tablespoon of butter or increase the brown sugar slightly. The brown sugar helps create a chewier texture due to its moisture content.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! You can double the ingredients to make a larger batch. Just be sure to adjust the baking times accordingly, as they may vary slightly when baking more cookies at once.

How do I know when these cookies are done?

The cookies are done when the edges are set, and the tops have slightly cracked. They may still look soft in the center, but they will continue to firm up as they cool.

Can I use a different filling for these cookies?

Yes! You can get creative with the filling and try chocolate ganache, caramel, or even marshmallow fluff for a fun twist.

Can I bake these cookies on parchment paper?

Yes, using parchment paper or a silicone baking mat will help prevent the cookies from sticking and make cleanup much easier.

Conclusion

Peanut Butter-Filled Brownie Cookies are a decadent treat that brings together two classic flavors—chocolate and peanut butter—in the most delightful way. With a soft, chewy brownie texture and a smooth, creamy peanut butter center, these cookies are perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just treating yourself, these cookies are sure to be a hit with anyone who loves rich, indulgent desserts. Enjoy!