Oh boy, do I have a treat for you today! Let’s dive into the decadent world of **Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies**. These little morsels are a heavenly marriage of chewy brownie goodness and creamy peanut butter, and if you’re anything like me, you’ll find yourself sneaking back to the kitchen for just one more, and then another!
My love affair with these cookies started during my college days when my roommate and I attempted to combine our two favorite snacks: brownies and cookies. Not only did the experiment work, but it birthed what could only be described as a cookie miracle! Ever since, they’ve been a go-to for bake sales, holiday gatherings, and cozy evenings at home.
### What’s in Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies?
Before we get our hands dirty, let me break down the ingredients so you know exactly what we’re working with.
What’s in Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies?
All-Purpose Flour: This is the foundation of our cookies. I usually stick with a classic brand like King Arthur or Gold Medal. It keeps the cookies chewy and delightful.
Cocoa Powder: For that rich, chocolatey goodness! Make sure to use unsweetened cocoa powder — I love using Ghirardelli for its deep flavor.
Granulated Sugar: Sweet sugar for sweetness! It blends perfectly with the peanut butter and brownie mix.
Brown Sugar: This gives the cookies a soft, chewy texture and a hint of caramel flavor. Light brown sugar works great, but feel free to use dark for more intense flavor.
Unsalted Butter: Always the best choice for baking! In my kitchen, I prefer good old-fashioned Land O’Lakes, but use whatever is on hand.
Eggs: These guys are essential for binding our cookies. They lend that lovely rich flavor and moisture.
Vanilla Extract: A splash of this magic potion elevates the flavors to another level. I recommend using pure vanilla extract; the flavor is unbeatable.
Peanut Butter: Creamy or crunchy? I lean toward creamy for a smoother texture, and I love Jif, but any natural peanut butter does the trick too.
### Is Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies Good for You?
Now, let’s chat about the health side of things. Are cookies the healthiest option? Probably not! But hey, everything in moderation, right?
Peanut Butter: Loaded with protein and healthy fats, peanut butter can actually keep you fuller for longer. Just remember to watch those portions if you’re trying to be mindful of calories.
Cocoa Powder: Rich in antioxidants, cocoa can have some health benefits, including improving heart health. Bonus points for the chocolate lovers!
On the flip side, these cookies are certainly indulgent — with butter and sugar, they pack a caloric punch. The key is to savor each cookie and enjoy the moment!
### Ingredients List
Ingredients for Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– ½ cup brown sugar (packed)
– ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
– 1 large egg
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– ¾ cup creamy peanut butter (plus extra for swirling)
*These amounts should yield around 24 delicious cookies!*
### How to Make Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies?
How to Make Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies?
1. **Preheat the Oven**: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Trust me, this is key.
2. **Mix the Dry Ingredients**: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt.
3. **Cream the Butter**: In a separate bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy, then add the egg and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
4. **Combine Wet and Dry**: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Don’t overmix!
5. **Add Peanut Butter**: Take about ¾ cup of your peanut butter and gently fold it into the brownie batter, but leave some swirls so you can see that beautiful nutty color in the dough.
6. **Shape the Cookies**: Use a cookie scoop (or just a spoon) to drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
7. **Swirl Extra Peanut Butter**: For an extra layer of peanut buttery goodness, add a small teaspoon of peanut butter on top of each dough ball and swirl with a toothpick for that wow-factor!
8. **Bake**: Pop them in the oven for about 10-12 minutes, until the edges are set but the centers are still soft. They’ll firm up as they cool!
9. **Cool & Enjoy**: Let them sit on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely (if you can wait that long).
### Sweet Tips from the Kitchen
Just a Few More Cookie Tips!
– **Mix Up the Nut Butter**: Feel free to use almond butter or even sunflower seed butter if you’re nut-free.
– **Add Ins**: Toss in some chocolate chips or chopped nuts if you want that extra texture.
– **Storage**: These cookies will last for about a week in an airtight container — just make sure to keep them away from the fridge to prevent them from getting too tough.
I can’t wait for you to dive into this delicious adventure! There’s just something so comforting and nostalgic about these cookies that always makes me smile. Please try them out and tell me how they turned out — I’m always eager to hear people’s delightful baking stories! Enjoy, my friend!
