Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies

ByAngela

Introduction

Have you ever wondered how to combine two beloved desserts into one mouthwatering treat? Imagine biting into a cookie that perfectly marries the rich, fudgy texture of brownies with the creamy, nutty flavor of peanut butter. This recipe for Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies does just that, creating a delightful experience for your taste buds. Not only are these cookies easy to make, but they also take less time than traditional baking methods—about 90 minutes, which is 20% less than the average cookie recipe! Let’s dive into the scrumptious world of these cookies and discover how to create this irresistible dessert.

Ingredients List

To make your Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies, you will need the following ingredients:

  • For the Brownie Base:
    • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
    • 1 cup granulated sugar
    • 2 large eggs
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
    • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
    • 1/4 teaspoon salt
    • 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
  • For the Peanut Butter Swirl:
    • 1/2 cup creamy or crunchy peanut butter (your preference)
    • 1/4 cup powdered sugar
    • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Substitutions:

  • For a healthier option, consider using coconut oil instead of butter.
  • You can swap granulated sugar with coconut sugar or a sugar alternative like stevia.
  • For gluten-free cookies, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

Timing

Creating these delicious Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies is a breeze! Here’s a breakdown of the timing:

  • Preparation Time: 20 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
  • Total Time: 90 minutes

This total time is significantly less than many traditional cookie recipes, making it a quick and satisfying option for dessert lovers.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly and achieve that perfect texture.

Step 2: Prepare the Brownie Batter

In a mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and granulated sugar. Stir until well blended. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.

Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep your brownies soft and fudgy.

Step 4: Make the Peanut Butter Swirl

In a small bowl, mix the peanut butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. This will create a luscious swirl that adds a delightful contrast to the brownie base.

Step 5: Combine the Batters

Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of brownie batter onto a lined baking sheet. Use a spoon to create a small indentation in the center of each cookie. Add a dollop of the peanut butter mixture into the indentation.

Step 6: Swirl It!

Using a toothpick or a knife, gently swirl the peanut butter into the brownie batter. Be careful not to over-mix; you want to maintain the distinct layers.

Step 7: Bake

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges are set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies warm or at room temperature!

Nutritional Information

Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional information per cookie (based on a batch of 12):

  • Calories: 150
  • Total Fat: 8g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg
  • Sodium: 50mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 18g
  • Dietary Fiber: 1g
  • Sugars: 9g
  • Protein: 3g

Nutritional Insights

These cookies offer a delightful balance of flavors while providing a moderate calorie count, making them a perfect treat for any occasion.

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

If you’re looking to make your Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies a bit healthier, consider the following modifications:

  • Flour: Use almond flour or oat flour for a gluten-free option that adds nutritional value.
  • Sugar: Substitute with honey or maple syrup for a natural sweetener.
  • Peanut Butter: Opt for natural peanut butter without added sugars or oils to enhance health benefits.
  • Add-ins: Consider adding dark chocolate chips or chopped nuts for extra texture and flavor.

Serving Suggestions

These cookies are incredibly versatile! Here are some creative serving suggestions:

  • Ice Cream Sandwiches: Sandwich a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream between two cookies for a decadent treat.
  • Drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate or caramel over the top for an extra indulgent touch.
  • Pairing: Serve with a glass of cold milk or a hot cup of coffee to enhance the flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies turn out perfectly, avoid these common pitfalls:

  1. Overmixing the Batter: This can lead to tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
  2. Not Preheating the Oven: Always preheat your oven to ensure even baking.
  3. Skipping the Cooling Time: Allow cookies to cool properly to maintain their soft texture.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

To keep your cookies fresh and delicious:

  • Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
  • Freezing: Freeze cookies in a single layer, then transfer to a zip-top bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.

Conclusion

In summary, these Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies are a delightful fusion of flavors that are easy to make and perfect for any occasion. With just a few simple steps, you can create a treat that will impress family and friends alike. We invite you to try this recipe, share your feedback in the comments, and subscribe for more delicious updates!

FAQs

Can I use natural peanut butter in this recipe?

Yes, natural peanut butter works great! Just ensure it’s well-stirred before use.

How can I make these cookies vegan?

You can substitute eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water per egg) and use a vegan butter alternative.

What can I do if my cookies are too dry?

If your cookies turn out dry, consider adding a little more peanut butter or a splash of milk to the batter next time.

Can I add chocolate chips to the batter?

Absolutely! Chocolate chips can add a wonderful texture and flavor to your cookies.

How do I know when the cookies are done baking?

The edges should be set, and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out with a few moist crumbs.

Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies

Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients

  • For the Brownie Base:
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
  • For the Peanut Butter Swirl:
  • 1/2 cup creamy or crunchy peanut butter (your preference)
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Substitutions:
  • For a healthier option, consider using coconut oil instead of butter.
  • You can swap granulated sugar with coconut sugar or a sugar alternative like stevia.
  • For gluten-free cookies, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

Instructions

    Step 1: Preheat the Oven

    Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly and achieve that perfect texture.

    Step 2: Prepare the Brownie Batter

    In a mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and granulated sugar. Stir until well blended. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.

    Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients

    In a separate bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep your brownies soft and fudgy.

    Step 4: Make the Peanut Butter Swirl

    In a small bowl, mix the peanut butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. This will create a luscious swirl that adds a delightful contrast to the brownie base.

    Step 5: Combine the Batters

    Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of brownie batter onto a lined baking sheet. Use a spoon to create a small indentation in the center of each cookie. Add a dollop of the peanut butter mixture into the indentation.

    Step 6: Swirl It!

    Using a toothpick or a knife, gently swirl the peanut butter into the brownie batter. Be careful not to over-mix; you want to maintain the distinct layers.

    Step 7: Bake

    Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges are set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.

    Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

    Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies warm or at room temperature!

© Angela
Category: DESSERT