Description
Delight in these irresistible Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies that combine rich, creamy peanut butter cookie dough with luscious brownie batter swirls, baked to golden perfection with a soft, chewy texture and optional flaky sea salt for a sweet and salty finish.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Brownie Swirl
- 1 cup prepared brownie batter (homemade or boxed, cooled)
Optional Topping
- Flaky sea salt for sprinkling
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheets. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter, Peanut Butter, and Sugars. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, and packed brown sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined for a smooth cookie base.
- Add Egg and Vanilla. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until the batter is smooth and fully incorporated, which adds moisture and flavor to the dough.
- Mix Dry Ingredients. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and seasoning agents.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients. Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet batter, stirring just until combined to form a soft, uniform dough without overmixing.
- Swirl in Brownie Batter. Drop tablespoons of the prepared brownie batter over the peanut butter cookie dough. Gently swirl the two batters together using a butter knife or spatula to create a marbled effect without blending completely.
- Form Cookies and Bake. Scoop approximately 1 1/2 tablespoons of the swirled dough and place on prepared baking sheets, spacing each cookie about 2 inches apart to allow spreading. Bake for 10–12 minutes until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are just set for a soft, chewy texture.
- Cool and Add Optional Topping. Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt if desired to enhance the flavor contrast and add a gourmet touch.
Notes
- Boxed brownie mix can be used for ease—simply prepare according to package instructions and cool before using.
- For extra indulgence, press a few chocolate chips on top of each cookie before baking.
- Do not overmix the swirl to maintain distinct marbled patterns throughout the cookies.
- Allow cookies to cool slightly on the baking sheet to firm up before moving, preventing breakage.