Introduction
Craving the best of both worlds? These Swirled Brownie Cookies with a Peanut Butter Twist combine rich chocolate brownies and creamy peanut butter, offering the ultimate treat for chocolate and peanut butter lovers alike. Perfect for a special occasion in 2025 or any cozy gathering!
Ingredients
113g unsalted butter
225g semisweet chocolate, chopped
150g granulated sugar
50g packed light brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
65g all-purpose flour
16g unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
120g creamy peanut butter
16g powdered sugar
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes
Yield: 18 cookies
Directions
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Melt Butter and Chocolate: In a heatproof bowl over a saucepan of simmering water (or in short bursts in the microwave), melt the butter and chopped semisweet chocolate together. Stir until smooth. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Make the Batter: In a mixing bowl, whisk together granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until thick and pale (about 2–3 minutes). Slowly pour in the slightly cooled chocolate mixture and mix until combined.
Add Dry Ingredients: Sift in the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Fold gently using a spatula until a thick, glossy batter forms.
Peanut Butter Swirl: In a separate bowl, mix the peanut butter with powdered sugar until smooth.
Scoop and Swirl: Scoop tablespoons of brownie batter onto the prepared baking sheets. Drop small dollops (about 1/2 teaspoon) of the peanut butter mixture on top of each cookie. Use a toothpick or knife to gently swirl it into the surface of the batter.
Bake: Bake for 10–12 minutes or until the cookies have shiny, crackly tops and slightly soft centers. They’ll firm up as they cool.
Cool and Serve: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Enjoy warm or store in an airtight container for later indulgence.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take two baking sheets and line them with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy clean-up.
Melt Butter and Chocolate
Take a heatproof bowl and place it over a saucepan filled with simmering water, creating a double boiler effect. Alternatively, you can melt the butter and chopped semisweet chocolate in the microwave in short bursts. Stir the mixture until it becomes silky smooth. Once melted, remove it from heat and allow it to cool slightly, filling your kitchen with a rich chocolate aroma.
Make the Batter
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until the mixture thickens and turns pale, which should take about 2–3 minutes. Gradually pour in the slightly cooled chocolate mixture, combining everything until well blended. The texture will be luscious, promising a gooey treat.
Add Dry Ingredients
Sift the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt directly into the bowl with the wet ingredients. Using a spatula, gently fold these dry ingredients into the mixture until a thick, glossy batter forms, hinting at the delightful chocolatey flavor that awaits.
Peanut Butter Swirl
In a separate small bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter with powdered sugar. Mix until smooth, creating a sweet, nutty swirl that will elevate your cookies.
Scoop and Swirl
Using a tablespoon, scoop generous portions of the brownie batter onto the parchment-lined baking sheets. Then, drop small dollops (about 1/2 teaspoon) of the peanut butter mixture atop each mound of batter. With a toothpick or knife, gently swirl the peanut butter into the brownie batter, creating beautiful patterns that will showcase the tempting flavors.
Bake
Place the baking sheets in your preheated oven and bake for 10–12 minutes. Keep an eye on them; the cookies should have shiny, crackly tops while remaining slightly soft in the center, a sign that they will firm up perfectly as they cool.
Cool and Serve
Once baked, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, allowing their texture to set. Afterward, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy them warm, or store in an airtight container for later indulgence, where the flavors will deepen over time.
Notes
Preparation Time
The preparation takes about 15 minutes, followed by 12 minutes of baking. This means you can have these delectable cookies ready to serve in just under half an hour.
Storage Instructions
For optimal freshness, store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last for up to a week, but they’re so delicious that they might not last long!
Serving Suggestions
These Swirled Brownie Cookies pair beautifully with a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of coffee. They can also be served alongside ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience.
Cook Techniques
Melt Chocolate and Butter
Utilize a heatproof bowl over simmering water, known as a double boiler, to melt butter and chocolate evenly. Alternatively, use the microwave in short bursts to prevent burning.
Whisking for Texture
Whisk together sugars, eggs, and vanilla extract until the mixture is thick and pale. This process incorporates air, resulting in a lighter, fluffier cookie.
Folding in Dry Ingredients
Sift the dry ingredients and gently fold them into the wet mixture with a spatula. This technique helps maintain the batter’s volume and prevents overmixing.
Making the Peanut Butter Swirl
Combine creamy peanut butter with powdered sugar to create a smooth mixture. This step enhances the peanut butter flavor while ensuring it’s easy to swirl into the brownie batter.
Swirling Technique
Use a toothpick or knife to swirl the peanut butter mixture into the brownie batter. Aim for a pattern that distributes peanut butter without fully mixing it in.
Baking for Perfection
Bake cookies until they have shiny, crackly tops and soft centers, ensuring they remain chewy as they cool down on the baking sheet.
Cooling Cookies
Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This step is crucial for setting their shape and texture.
FAQ
Can I use natural peanut butter instead of creamy peanut butter?
Yes, you can use natural peanut butter, but it may result in a different texture due to the lack of added stabilizers.
How should I store these cookies?
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They can also be frozen for longer preservation.
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to the recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in your favorite nuts or chocolate chips for added texture and flavor.
What if I don’t have unsweetened cocoa powder?
If you don’t have unsweetened cocoa powder, you can substitute it with Dutch-processed cocoa powder for a slightly different taste.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies gluten-free.
Conclusion
These Swirled Brownie Cookies with a Peanut Butter Twist are a delectable fusion of flavors that satisfy the cravings of both chocolate and peanut butter enthusiasts. With their rich, fudgy texture and creamy swirl, they make for a delightful treat whether shared at gatherings or enjoyed alone. Baking these cookies in 2025 will undoubtedly impress friends and family, making them a must-try recipe.
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