These Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies are a fun twist on two classic favorites: rich, fudgy brownie and creamy peanut butter. With swirls of chocolate and peanut butter throughout, they’re soft, gooey, and just a little bit chewy—perfect for anyone who loves that mix of chocolate and peanut butter in their treats.
I love making these cookies when I want something a bit special but still easy to whip up. The swirled effect might look fancy, but I promise it’s simple and kind of fun to mix the two batters just right. My favorite part is how each bite gives you a little surprise, sometimes more peanut butter, sometimes more chocolate.
These cookies are best served fresh and slightly warm, right out of the oven. I like to eat them with a cold glass of milk or a cup of coffee—they just make every snack time feel cozy and satisfying. If you ever want to impress friends or just treat yourself, these cookies are a delicious choice that never disappoints.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Using unsalted butter lets you control the salt level better. Softening it before mixing helps create a smooth, creamy dough.
Peanut Butter: Creamy peanut butter works best for smooth swirls. If you prefer, natural peanut butter can be used, but it might make the dough a bit softer. Almond or cashew butter can also be tried as a tasty substitute.
Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa powder adds rich chocolate flavor without extra sweetness. Dutch-processed cocoa will give a deeper flavor and darker color if you want to experiment.
Sugar: Granulated sugar is used in both doughs to balance flavor and texture. For a softer cookie, you can replace half the sugar with brown sugar.
How Do You Get Perfect Swirls Without Mixing the Doughs Too Much?
The key is to gently combine the brownie and peanut butter doughs so they form beautiful swirls instead of blending into one color.
- Scoop equal amounts of each dough side-by-side on the baking sheet.
- Use a toothpick, skewer, or knife to drag through the dough once or twice—don’t overdo it, or the swirls will disappear.
- Keep movements light and quick to maintain distinct patterns.
- If you want more defined swirls, try chilling the dough balls before swirling to make them firmer.
This technique makes the cookies look eye-catching and ensures you get both peanut butter and chocolate flavors in every bite.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheets – flat and even, they help cookies bake evenly without burning.
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mats – these keep cookies from sticking and make cleanup easy.
- Mixing bowls – one for the brownie dough and one for the peanut butter dough, simple and separate.
- Electric mixer or hand whisk – to cream butter and sugar smoothly for a perfect cookie texture.
- Toothpick or skewer – great for creating those pretty swirls without overmixing the dough.
- Measuring cups and spoons – accuracy makes sure your cookies turn out just right.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Add chopped peanuts or pecans for a crunchy contrast; works great if you like extra texture.
- Mix in mini chocolate chips into the brownie dough for more melty chocolate goodness.
- Swap peanut butter for almond or cashew butter for a nutty twist and slightly different flavor.
- Try adding a pinch of cinnamon or chili powder into the brownie dough for a warm or spicy kick.
Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Brownie Cookie Dough:
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For The Peanut Butter Cookie Dough:
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter (natural or classic)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
Optional Toppings:
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips or chopped peanuts for extra texture
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 10-12 minutes to bake. Allow about 5 minutes to cool before transferring the cookies to a wire rack. Altogether, plan for roughly 30 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare The Oven And Baking Sheets:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
2. Make The Brownie Cookie Dough:
In a medium bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1 cup granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. This forms your brownie cookie dough.
3. Make The Peanut Butter Cookie Dough:
In another small bowl, mix the peanut butter, 1/4 cup sugar, and 1 tablespoon flour until well blended to form the peanut butter cookie dough.
4. Create The Swirl Cookies:
Scoop about 1 tablespoon each of the brownie and peanut butter dough onto the prepared baking sheet, side by side. Using a toothpick or skewer, gently swirl the two dollops together just a little—be careful to not overmix so you keep pretty swirls. Repeat with remaining dough, spacing each cookie about 2 inches apart. If you like, sprinkle mini chocolate chips or chopped peanuts on top for added texture.
5. Bake And Cool:
Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, until the edges are set but the centers are still soft. Remove from oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
6. Serve And Store:
These cookies are delicious served slightly warm for a gooey treat or at room temperature. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to five days.
Enjoy every bite of these rich, fudgy brownie and creamy peanut butter swirled cookies!
Can I Use Natural Peanut Butter Instead of Regular Peanut Butter?
Yes, you can! Natural peanut butter works well but may make the dough a bit softer and more delicate. Chill the dough slightly before baking to help it hold its shape better.
Can I Make These Cookies Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare and swirl the dough balls, then refrigerate them on the baking sheet for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a minute or two to the baking time if baking from cold.
How Should I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want to keep them longer, freeze the baked cookies in a sealed container for up to 3 months and thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Can I Add Chocolate Chips or Nuts?
Yes! Mini chocolate chips or chopped peanuts added on top before baking add wonderful texture and flavor. You can also fold a few into the dough if you like.
