If you can’t decide between brownies and cookies, these Peanut Butter Brownie Cookies give you the best of both worlds. Rich, fudgy, and deeply chocolatey with a bold peanut butter flavor, these cookies bake up with soft centers, chewy edges, and melty chocolate in every bite. Made with simple baking ingredients and ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for easy dessert recipes, last-minute treats, or satisfying chocolate cravings. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just yourself, these cookies are a guaranteed hit with chocolate lovers.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy, beginner-friendly cookie recipe
- Rich brownie-like texture with chewy edges
- One-bowl friendly and simple prep
- Budget-friendly pantry ingredients
- Crowd-pleasing dessert for any occasion
- Perfect balance of peanut butter and chocolate
These Peanut Butter Brownie Cookies are a no-fail recipe that delivers bakery-style results at home.
About the Ingredients
Each ingredient in this Peanut Butter Brownie Cookies recipe plays an important role in flavor, texture, and structure.
- Creamy Peanut Butter – Adds richness, moisture, and bold peanut flavor
- Brown Sugar – Creates chewiness and deep caramel notes
- Granulated Sugar – Balances sweetness and helps cookies spread
- Eggs – Bind ingredients and provide structure
- Vanilla Extract – Enhances chocolate and peanut butter flavors
- All-Purpose Flour – Gives cookies just enough structure
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder – Provides deep chocolate brownie flavor
- Baking Soda – Helps cookies rise slightly while baking
- Salt – Balances sweetness and intensifies flavors
- Chocolate Chips – Melt into pockets of chocolatey goodness
- Chopped Peanuts (optional) – Add crunch and texture
- Flaky Sea Salt (optional) – Enhances sweetness and chocolate notes
These simple baking ingredients come together to create a rich, indulgent dessert with minimal effort.
Tips & Tricks
- Use room-temperature eggs for smooth batter
- Do not overmix once flour is added to keep cookies tender
- Scoop evenly sized dough balls for consistent baking
- Slightly underbake for fudgy centers
- Sprinkle flaky salt immediately after baking for best adhesion
These baking tips ensure perfect cookies every time.
Pro Tips
- Use natural peanut butter only if well-stirred and thick
- Dutch-processed cocoa powder creates deeper chocolate flavor
- Chill dough 15 minutes if cookies spread too much
- Add peanut butter chips for extra peanut flavor
- Press extra chocolate chips into tops for bakery-style appearance
These expert tips elevate these easy homemade cookies into standout desserts.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk peanut butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth.
- Beat in eggs one at a time, then whisk in vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gently stir dry ingredients into wet mixture until just combined.
- Fold in chocolate chips and chopped peanuts if using.
- Scoop dough onto baking sheets, spacing 2 inches apart.
- Top with extra chocolate chips and flaky sea salt if desired.
- Bake 10–12 minutes until edges are set and centers are soft.
- Cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
This easy step-by-step recipe ensures soft, fudgy, perfectly baked cookies.
Variations
Customize your Peanut Butter Brownie Cookies with these delicious options:
- Gluten-Free Version – Use a gluten-free flour blend
- Extra Fudgy Cookies – Add an extra egg yolk
- Healthier Option – Reduce sugar slightly and use dark chocolate
- Crunchy Style – Use crunchy peanut butter
- Nut-Free Version – Replace peanut butter with sunflower butter
These recipe variations make this dessert easy to adapt to different preferences.
How to Store Peanut Butter Brownie Cookies
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days
- Refrigerate for up to 1 week for extra fudginess
- Freeze baked cookies for up to 2 months
- Freeze dough balls and bake fresh as needed
These cookies are perfect make-ahead desserts and freezer-friendly treats.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Peanut Butter Brownie Cookies taste more like brownies or cookies?
They have a brownie-like center with chewy cookie edges.
Can I use natural peanut butter?
Yes, as long as it’s thick and well-mixed.
Why are my cookies flat?
Warm dough or low flour measurement can cause spreading.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, refrigerate dough up to 48 hours before baking.
Can I reduce the sugar?
Slightly, but sugar is key for texture and chewiness.
Peanut Butter Brownie Cookies
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- In a large bowl, whisk together peanut butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until fully combined.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then whisk in vanilla extract until smooth and glossy.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Fold in chocolate chips and chopped peanuts, if using.
- Scoop dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing cookies about 2 inches apart.
- Top with extra chocolate chips and a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt, if desired.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, rotating pans halfway through, until edges are set and centers remain soft.
- Cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
