Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these peanut butter filled brownie cookies! They’re the ultimate treat for any chocolate and peanut butter lover. I remember the first time I made them – my kitchen was filled with that delicious aroma of melted chocolate and warm, nutty peanut butter, and I just couldn’t wait to take a bite. The moment I pulled them out of the oven, I was in heaven! The rich, fudgy brownie exterior gives way to a creamy peanut butter center that’s simply irresistible. Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll be hooked. These cookies are great for sharing (or not!) and perfect for any occasion, from cozy nights in to festive gatherings. You’re going to love making and devouring these delightful treats!
Ingredients List
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted: This will give your cookies that rich, buttery flavor. Make sure it’s fully melted for a smooth batter.
- 2 cups granulated sugar: For that perfect sweetness that balances the chocolate and peanut butter.
- 4 large eggs: These add moisture and help bind everything together. Room temperature eggs work best!
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Just a dash for a hint of warmth and depth in flavor.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: This is your base that gives structure to these cookies.
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Go for high-quality cocoa for that deep chocolate taste – trust me, it makes a difference!
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: This helps the cookies rise just enough to stay soft and chewy.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: A little salt enhances the flavors beautifully.
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter: The star of the show! Use your favorite brand for the best flavor.
- 1 cup powdered sugar: This sweetens up the peanut butter filling and gives it that perfect creamy texture.
How to Prepare Peanut Butter Filled Brownie Cookies
Preheat and Mix
First things first, let’s preheat that oven to 350°F (175°C). This is super important because you want your cookies to bake evenly and come out perfectly fudgy! While that’s warming up, grab a large mixing bowl and combine the melted butter and granulated sugar. I like to whisk them together until the mixture is smooth and glossy—trust me, it makes a big difference in the final texture. You want to make sure there are no lumps before moving on!
Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Sifting helps to aerate the cocoa powder and flour, ensuring your cookies are light and fluffy. Once that’s done, gradually add this dry mix to your butter-sugar mixture. Stir it gently until everything is just combined. You don’t want to overmix here; it’s all about keeping that lovely, fudgy texture intact!
Prepare Peanut Butter Filling
Now onto the star of the show—the peanut butter filling! In another bowl, mix the creamy peanut butter with the powdered sugar until it’s smooth and silky. You might want to use a hand mixer for this step; it really helps achieve that perfect consistency. If it feels a bit thick, don’t worry! Just give it a good mix until everything is well incorporated.
Assemble the Cookies
It’s assembly time! On a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, drop a spoonful of your brownie batter. Then, take a small dollop of the peanut butter filling and place it right on top. Cover it gently with another spoonful of brownie batter. Aim for a nice balance—about a tablespoon of batter on the bottom and the same on top. This way, your cookies will have that gorgeous peanut butter surprise inside!
Baking and Cooling
Pop those beauties in the oven for about 12 to 15 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges look set but the centers still have a slight jiggle. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This cooling step is crucial—trust me, letting them cool helps them firm up and ensures you don’t burn your tongue on that gooey peanut butter center!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation: You can whip these up in just about 35 minutes from start to finish—perfect for when those cookie cravings hit!
- Rich flavor: The combination of fudgy brownies and creamy peanut butter creates a flavor explosion that’s simply irresistible.
- Satisfying texture: Each cookie has that delightful contrast of a chewy brownie exterior with a smooth, luscious peanut butter center.
- Family appeal: These cookies are sure to be a hit with everyone—kids and adults alike! They’re perfect for sharing or keeping all to yourself (no judgment here!).
Tips for Success
- Use room temperature ingredients: For the best results, make sure your eggs and peanut butter are at room temperature. This helps everything blend together more smoothly and creates a better texture in your cookies.
- Don’t skip the sifting: Sifting your dry ingredients may seem like an extra step, but it really helps avoid clumps and gives your cookies a lighter texture. Plus, it’s a great way to incorporate air into the mixture!
- Experiment with chocolate: If you’re a chocolate lover like me, feel free to add chocolate chips to the brownie batter for an extra chocolaty kick. You can never have too much chocolate, right?
- Watch your baking time: Keep a close eye on your cookies as they bake. Every oven is different, and even a minute can make a big difference between chewy and overcooked. Look for that slight jiggle in the center!
- Store properly: To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also freeze them for longer storage—just let them cool completely before freezing!
- Try different nut butters: If you want to switch things up, feel free to experiment with different types of nut butters like almond or cashew butter. Just make sure they’re creamy for the best filling consistency!
Nutritional Information Disclaimer
Just a little note about the nutritional information: it can vary quite a bit depending on the specific ingredients and brands you use in these peanut butter filled brownie cookies. So, while I’ve provided some typical values, they’re not set in stone. If you need precise nutritional information, please feel free to reach out, and I’ll be happy to help you with typical values based on common ingredients!
FAQ Section
Can I make these peanut butter filled brownie cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and the peanut butter filling a day in advance. Just store each component in separate airtight containers in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before assembling and baking.
What if I don’t have unsalted butter?
No worries! You can use salted butter in a pinch. Just omit the added salt in the recipe to keep the balance right. It’ll still taste delicious.
Can I substitute the peanut butter?
Definitely! If you’re looking for a nut-free option, sunflower seed butter works great as a substitute for peanut butter. Just keep in mind that the flavor will change a bit, but it’ll still be yummy!
What’s the best way to store leftover cookies?
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to two months. Just make sure they’re fully cooled before freezing!
Why did my cookies turn out flat?
Flat cookies can happen if the butter is too warm or if you’ve overmixed the batter. Be sure to let your butter cool a bit after melting, and mix just until everything is combined. This helps maintain that perfect chewy texture!
Can I use a different type of flour?
While all-purpose flour works best for this recipe, you can try using a gluten-free flour blend if you’re looking for a gluten-free option. Just make sure it’s a blend designed for baking to get the best results!
How do I know when the cookies are done?
The cookies are done when the edges look set but the centers still have a slight jiggle. They’ll continue to firm up as they cool, so don’t worry if they seem a little soft when they first come out of the oven!
Can I add other mix-ins?
Oh, definitely! Feel free to throw in some chocolate chips, crushed nuts, or even a sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking. Mix-ins add a fun twist and personalization to your cookies!
Serving Suggestions
These peanut butter filled brownie cookies are delightful on their own, but they really shine when paired with a few complementary treats! Here are some of my favorite serving suggestions to elevate your dessert experience:
- Cold Milk: You can’t go wrong with a tall glass of cold milk! The creamy texture and coolness perfectly balance the richness of the cookies.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve these cookies warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. The combination of warm brownie and cold ice cream is pure bliss!
- Chocolate Sauce: Drizzle some warm chocolate sauce over the cookies for an extra layer of indulgence. Just thinking about it makes my mouth water!
- Coffee or Espresso: A cup of strong coffee or a shot of espresso complements the chocolate and peanut butter flavors beautifully, making for a delightful after-dinner treat.
- Fresh Fruit: Serve with fresh berries like strawberries or raspberries for a refreshing contrast to the rich brownie cookies. The tartness really cuts through the sweetness!
- Peanut Butter Dip: Whip up a quick peanut butter dip using peanut butter, cream cheese, and a touch of honey for a fun twist. It’s perfect for dipping!
Mix and match these suggestions to create your perfect dessert spread! Enjoying these cookies with a little something extra makes for an even more delightful experience.
Print
Peanut Butter Filled Brownie Cookies: 5 Steps to Delight!
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious peanut butter filled brownie cookies that combine rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix melted butter and granulated sugar until smooth.
- Add eggs and vanilla extract; mix well.
- In another bowl, combine flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture; stir until combined.
- In a separate bowl, mix peanut butter and powdered sugar until smooth.
- Drop a spoonful of brownie batter on a baking sheet.
- Add a small dollop of the peanut butter mixture on top.
- Cover with another spoonful of brownie batter.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until set.
Notes
- Let cookies cool before serving.
- Store in an airtight container.
- For extra flavor, add chocolate chips to the brownie batter.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: peanut butter filled brownie cookies
