Peanut Butter Filled Brownie Cookies

Discover the rich, gooey delight of Peanut Butter Filled Brownie Cookies—perfectly soft, chewy, and utterly irresistible! This mouthwatering treat combines the fudgy decadence of brownie-like cookies with a creamy peanut butter center, creating a sensational dessert experience that will captivate your taste buds from the very first bite. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply craving a comforting snack, these cookies are guaranteed to satisfy and impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Double the indulgence: A luscious peanut butter center paired with chewy brownie cookie dough creates a harmony of flavors that’s impossible to resist.
• Perfectly chewy texture: Each bite strikes the ideal balance between soft cookie and rich brownie, giving you that delightful chewiness.
• Simple ingredients, spectacular results: Made with easy-to-find pantry staples that come together to create something extraordinary.
• Customizable and versatile: You can easily tweak the recipe to suit your preferences or dietary needs without sacrificing flavor.
• Great for sharing: These cookies are crowd-pleasers that brighten up parties, family gatherings, or just a cozy night in.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this recipe plays an essential role, contributing to the rich flavor, moist texture, and beautiful appearance of these Peanut Butter Filled Brownie Cookies. From the chocolate intensity to the creamy peanut butter, every element works in delicious harmony.

• All-purpose flour: Provides structure and the slight chewiness characteristic of brownie cookies.
• Cocoa powder: Adds deep chocolate richness and a hint of bitterness that balances the sweetness.
• Baking powder and salt: Ensure perfect rising and enhance the overall flavor profile.
• Unsalted butter: Offers creaminess and moisture, creating that soft, tender crumb.
• Granulated sugar and brown sugar: Together, they impart sweetness while adding chewiness and depth.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients and contribute to the rich texture.
• Vanilla extract: Lifts the chocolate notes and rounds out the flavor.
• Peanut butter (creamy or chunky): Forms the gooey, irresistible filling at the heart of each cookie.
• Optional chocolate chips: Boost the chocolate intensity with melty pockets of pure bliss.

Variations for Peanut Butter Filled Brownie Cookies

This recipe is a fantastic foundation, ready to be customized to fit your cravings, dietary preferences, or ingredient availability. Feel free to experiment and find your perfect version!

• Nut-free alternative: Swap peanut butter for sunflower seed butter or cookie butter to accommodate allergies.
• Extra chocolatey: Add white chocolate chips to contrast the dark brownie flavor.
• Crunch factor: Mix in chopped peanuts or waffle cone pieces into the center for added texture.
• Vegan twist: Use flax eggs and dairy-free butter along with vegan chocolate to make these cookies plant-based.
• Spiced up: Sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon or cayenne into the dough for a warm, spicy kick.

How to Make Peanut Butter Filled Brownie Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the dry ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt, ensuring they’re evenly combined and free of lumps for a smooth dough.

Step 2: Cream the butter and sugars

Using a mixer, beat unsalted butter with granulated and brown sugar until fluffy and pale, creating a light base that traps air and leads to tender cookies.

Step 3: Add eggs and vanilla

Mix in eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract, fully incorporating them to bind the mixture and enhance depth of flavor.

Step 4: Combine wet and dry ingredients

Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined, being careful not to overwork the dough to keep it tender.

Step 5: Shape the dough and add peanut butter filling

Take a scoop of brownie cookie dough, flatten it, place a dollop of peanut butter in the center, then top with another flattened dough scoop, sealing the edges well to encase the creamy filling.

Step 6: Bake to perfection

Place the filled cookies on a lined baking sheet, spacing them to allow for spreading, and bake at the recommended temperature until the edges are set but the centers remain soft and chewy.

Pro Tips for Making Peanut Butter Filled Brownie Cookies

• Chill the dough: Refrigerating the dough for at least 30 minutes makes shaping easier and prevents excessive spreading during baking.
• Seal the edges firmly: Ensuring the dough is well sealed around the peanut butter keeps the filling from leaking out in the oven.
• Use room temperature ingredients: This helps achieve smoother mixing and a more consistent texture.
• Don’t overbake: Remove cookies from the oven when centers look slightly underdone for maximum chewiness after cooling.
• Customize size: Make mini or jumbo versions depending on your preference or occasion.

How to Serve Peanut Butter Filled Brownie Cookies

Garnishes

A simple dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted chocolate over the top adds a lovely visual touch and a hint of extra sweetness that complements the cookies perfectly.

Side Dishes

Pair these brownie cookies with a cold glass of milk, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or even a cup of rich coffee to balance the rich flavors and create a satisfying treat.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange the cookies on a wooden board with fresh berries and nuts scattered around for an inviting dessert platter; wrapping them individually with decorative ribbons also makes a delightful gift idea.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover Peanut Butter Filled Brownie Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days to maintain their soft, chewy texture.

Freezing

Freeze baked cookies in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to three months; thaw overnight at room temperature for a fresh-baked taste whenever the craving strikes.

Reheating

Warm cookies briefly in the microwave for about 15 seconds or oven at low heat to revive their gooey center and soft cookie texture before serving.

FAQs

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter adds a delightful texture contrast inside the soft brownie cookie, making each bite interesting and flavorful.

Are Peanut Butter Filled Brownie Cookies gluten-free?

The traditional recipe uses all-purpose flour, but you can substitute gluten-free flour blends to make them suitable for gluten-free diets.

How long do these cookies stay fresh?

Stored properly in an airtight container, Peanut Butter Filled Brownie Cookies stay fresh and chewy for about three to four days.

Can I prepare the dough in advance?

Yes! The dough can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 48 hours before baking, which can even enhance the flavors.

What’s the secret to achieving a gooey peanut butter center?

Ensuring you properly seal a generous amount of peanut butter within the dough and baking just until the cookies are set but still soft helps create that irresistible gooey core.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dessert that combines chocolate and peanut butter in the most delightful way, these Peanut Butter Filled Brownie Cookies are an absolute must-try. Their perfect balance of gooey centers and chewy brownie cookie exterior makes them a beloved treat for any occasion. So go ahead, whip up a batch and share the love—your taste buds will thank you!

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