If you’re on the hunt for a treat that masterfully combines two beloved desserts, look no further than these Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies. Each bite is a harmony of tender peanut butter cookie, decadently fudgy brownie, and bursts of chocolate chips—swirled together in a rich, marbled masterpiece. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just need a delicious pick-me-up for your cookie jar, these are irresistibly chewy, crowd-pleasing, and packed with that classic chocolate-peanut butter magic.

Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies comes from a handful of everyday ingredients, each one playing a vital role in the final cookie’s taste, texture, and gorgeous swirl. Keeping things simple means the flavors truly shine, and what results is a cookie recipe you’ll want to revisit again and again.

Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened): Gives these cookies a tender, melt-in-your-mouth crumb and rich flavor.
Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Sweetens the dough and helps create a light texture.
Packed brown sugar (1/2 cup): Adds a lovely caramel depth and keeps the cookies extra chewy.
Large egg (1): Binds everything together while adding moisture and richness.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Pops in just the right background note of warmth and complexity.
Creamy peanut butter (1/2 cup): Brings that iconic nutty flavor and creamy texture the cookies are known for.
All-purpose flour (1 1/4 cups): The backbone of the cookies, giving them structure without heaviness.
Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): Ensures these cookies rise just right and get a tender center.
Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances out all the sweetness and intensifies both peanut butter and chocolate flavors.
Semi-sweet chocolate chips (1/2 cup): For melty pockets of chocolate in every bite.
Brownie mix (1/2 cup, dry from a boxed mix): Swirled into the dough for fudgy ribbons and a true brownie cookie experience.

How to Make Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheets

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), and line two baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup. This sets the stage for even baking and guarantees that your cookies will lift right off without sticking.

Step 2: Cream the Wet Ingredients

In your largest mixing bowl, cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process introduces air, making your cookies delightfully tender. Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and creamy peanut butter until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This helps distribute the baking soda and salt evenly, so your cookies bake up perfectly every time.

Step 4: Bring the Dough Together

Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet, mixing just until combined—overmixing can toughen the cookies. Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips for that burst of chocolate you’ll crave in every bite.

Step 5: Make and Swirl the Brownie Dough

Scoop out about one-third of the dough into a separate small bowl. Add the dry brownie mix to this portion and stir until you have a chocolatey, fudgy dough—your kitchen will already start to smell irresistible!

Step 6: Swirl and Shape the Cookies

Randomly drop spoonfuls of both the peanut butter dough and the brownie dough onto a clean, parchment-lined surface. Gently press them together, then lightly fold and swirl with a spatula or your hands, being careful not to overmix—the swirls are the highlight! Scoop out heaping tablespoons of the swirled dough and place them 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheets.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 10–12 minutes until the edges turn lightly golden and the centers are just set (a tiny bit underbaked in the middle is perfect for chewy cookies). Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to finish cooling—if you can resist sneaking one warm!

How to Serve Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies

Garnishes

Take your Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies over the top with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt before baking, or once cooled, drizzle them with a little melted chocolate. Both add an irresistible finish and that bakery-style wow factor.

Side Dishes

For a truly comforting dessert experience, serve these cookies with a tall glass of cold milk or a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream. For grown-ups, pairing with a rich hot chocolate or espresso makes the flavors shine even brighter.

Creative Ways to Present

Bundle a few cookies in a parchment pouch tied with twine for delightful homemade gifts, stack them in a mason jar for a pantry treat, or create a cookie platter with berries and more brownie bites for parties. These swirls always steal the show!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your leftover Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay perfectly soft and chewy for up to 5 days—if they last that long!

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze fully cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag or container. They’ll keep their flavor and texture for up to 2 months, making it easy to grab a homemade treat anytime you need one.

Reheating

To enjoy that fresh-from-the-oven magic, warm your Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies in the microwave for about 10 seconds. You’ll get soft centers and melty chocolate chips—just like the day they were baked.

FAQs

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter will add extra bits of peanut throughout the cookies, giving them a fun texture and nutty crunch. The recipe works great with either style—just make sure to use the same amount.

Do I need to prepare the brownie mix before adding it?

No need to add eggs, oil, or water; you’ll use the dry brownie mix straight from the box. Mixing it directly into part of the dough gives you that fudgy swirl without extra fuss.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes! Try substituting a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour, and use a gluten-free brownie mix. The cookies turn out just as delicious and chewy.

How do I avoid overmixing the swirl?

Gently fold the peanut butter and brownie doughs together with a spatula just until you see pretty swirls—stop as soon as you achieve the marbled effect. The less you mix, the more striking the pattern will be in your finished cookies.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare and swirl the dough up to 24 hours in advance. Cover it tightly and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. Pull it from the fridge about 15 minutes before scooping and baking for best results.

Final Thoughts

If you love a cookie that brings together the best of both worlds, you’ll adore these Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies. They’re fun and easy to make, impossible to resist, and certain to become a requested favorite in your home. Give them a try, share them with friends, and watch them disappear—one chewy, chocolaty bite at a time!