Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies

Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies combine two beloved flavors into one beautifully marbled treat. Creamy, nutty peanut butter dough intertwines with rich, fudgy brownie batter to create soft, chewy cookies with striking swirls. Perfect for bake sales, holidays, or everyday indulgence, these cookies deliver bold flavor in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Two Cookies in One – Enjoy peanut butter and brownie flavors together in a single bite.
Beautiful Marbled Effect – Eye-catching swirls make these cookies visually impressive.
Soft and Chewy Texture – Slightly underbaked centers ensure lasting tenderness.
Perfectly Portioned – Makes 24 cookies, ideal for sharing.
Balanced Sweetness – Cocoa richness offsets peanut butter’s natural sweetness.
Beginner-Friendly Technique – Simple mixing and swirling method with no special equipment required.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Peanut Butter Cookie Dough

¼ cup unsalted butter, softened – Adds richness and structure.
⅓ cup creamy peanut butter – Provides nutty flavor and moisture.
¼ cup granulated sugar – Sweetens and helps create light texture.
¼ cup packed light brown sugar – Adds moisture and subtle caramel notes.
½ large egg (lightly beaten and divided) – Binds ingredients and adds structure.
½ teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances overall flavor.
¾ cup all-purpose flour – Forms the dough base.
¼ teaspoon baking soda – Provides gentle lift.
⅛ teaspoon salt – Balances sweetness.

For the Brownie Cookie Dough

¼ cup unsalted butter, melted – Creates fudgy texture.
½ cup granulated sugar – Sweetens and supports brownie structure.
½ large egg (remaining half) – Adds richness and binding.
½ teaspoon vanilla extract – Boosts chocolate flavor.
⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder – Delivers deep chocolate intensity.
½ cup all-purpose flour – Gives structure without making cookies cakey.
⅛ teaspoon baking powder – Provides light lift.
⅛ teaspoon salt – Enhances cocoa flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Peanut Butter Dough

In a large bowl, cream softened butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar for 3–4 minutes until light and fluffy. Beat in egg and vanilla. In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually fold dry ingredients into wet mixture until just combined.

Make the Brownie Dough

In another bowl, whisk melted butter and sugar until smooth. Add egg and vanilla, mixing thoroughly. Sift together cocoa powder, flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir into wet ingredients until smooth and uniform.

Preheat and Prepare

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.

Create the Swirl

Scoop about 1 tablespoon of each dough. Press gently together and twist lightly to create a marbled effect, being careful not to overmix.

Shape and Bake

Place dough balls on prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10–12 minutes, until edges are set and centers remain soft.

Cool Properly

Allow cookies to rest on baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Recipe Notes & Tips

Do Not Overmix Swirls – Gentle twisting preserves distinct marbling.
Measure Half Egg Accurately – Lightly beat one egg and divide evenly.
Avoid Overbaking – Slightly soft centers ensure chewy texture.
Use Room-Temperature Ingredients – Promotes smooth mixing.
Rotate Baking Sheet – Ensures even baking if oven has hot spots.
Cool Before Storing – Prevents condensation inside containers.

Nutritional Information

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies
Calories: 121 kcal per cookie

Per Cookie (Approximate):
Total Fat: 6g | Carbohydrates: 15g | Protein: 2g | Sugar: 8g

Perfect Pairings

Cold Milk – Classic complement to rich cookies.
Vanilla Ice Cream – Turns cookies into an indulgent dessert.
Hot Coffee or Espresso – Balances sweetness with bitterness.
Chocolate Drizzle – Enhances presentation and flavor.

Ideal Occasions

Holiday Cookie Platters – Visually stunning addition.
Bake Sales – Unique swirl design attracts attention.
Family Movie Nights – Crowd-pleasing treat.
Afternoon Snacks – Perfect with tea or coffee.

Storage & Serving Tips

Store Airtight – Keeps cookies fresh for up to 5 days.
Freeze Dough Balls – Bake from frozen, adding 1–2 extra minutes.
Freeze Baked Cookies – Store up to 2 months.
Layer with Parchment – Prevents sticking during storage.

Creative Variations to Try

Chunky Peanut Butter Version – Adds texture and crunch.
Chocolate Chip Addition – Fold mini chips into brownie dough.
Salted Finish – Sprinkle flaky sea salt before baking.
Nutella Swirl – Replace brownie dough with hazelnut spread for a twist.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Swirl Disappears – Dough was overmixed; twist more gently.
Dry Cookies – Likely overbaked; reduce baking time slightly.
Flat Cookies – Butter may have been too warm; chill dough briefly.
Uneven Baking – Rotate baking sheet halfway through.

Why This Recipe Works

These cookies succeed by combining two distinct dough structures: a peanut butter dough that’s slightly dense and tender, and a brownie dough that’s rich and fudgy. The balance of fats and sugars in each dough ensures chewiness, while controlled baking time keeps centers soft. The marbling technique preserves flavor contrast in each bite. At 121 calories per cookie, they offer a moderately indulgent treat with balanced portion sizing.

Final Thoughts

Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies deliver the best of both worlds—nutty comfort and chocolate decadence—in one beautifully swirled package. With manageable prep time and stunning presentation, they’re ideal for both casual baking and special occasions. While indulgent, their modest size makes them easy to enjoy responsibly, making this recipe a delightful addition to any cookie collection.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe