Decadent swirls of rich chocolate brownie and creamy peanut butter cookie dough come together in these irresistible cookies. With warm, fudgy chocolaty centers contrasted by tender peanut butter edges, they’re the perfect treat for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Flavor fusion: Combines the best of two favorite desserts—moist brownie and peanut butter cookie—all in one bite.
Textural contrast: Soft, fudgy swirls meet tender, chewy interiors for a pleasing mouthfeel.
Easy to shape: Simple rolling and swirling yields stunning cookies without any fancy technique.
Show-stopping presentation: Beautiful marble patterns make them ideal for parties or gift-giving.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Peanut Butter Cookie Dough:

creamy peanut butter
butter, softened
brown sugar
egg
vanilla extract
all-purpose flour
baking soda
salt

Brownie Dough:

butter, melted
white sugar
cocoa powder
egg
vanilla extract
all-purpose flour
baking powder
salt
chocolate chips

directions

Prepare the Peanut Butter Cookie Dough:
In a medium bowl, cream together peanut butter, softened butter, and brown sugar until smooth. Add egg and vanilla, mixing well. Gradually stir in flour, baking soda, and salt until a smooth dough forms. Set aside.
Prepare the Brownie Dough:
In a separate bowl, whisk together melted butter, white sugar, and cocoa powder until uniform. Stir in egg and vanilla. Then fold in flour, baking powder, and salt until just combined. Finally, fold in the chocolate chips.
Assemble the Swirl Cookies:
Preheat oven to 350 °F (175 °C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Take small portions of both doughs, press them lightly together, and roll into 1½-inch balls. Place balls on prepared sheets, spacing about 2 inches apart. Gently flatten each ball with fingers or a fork to show the swirl.
Bake and Cool:
Bake for 10–12 minutes, until edges are set and centers remain slightly soft. Allow cookies to rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and timing

Yield: Approximately 24 cookies (depending on size)
Prep time: ~20 minutes
Bake time: 10–12 minutes per batch
Cooling time: ~10 minutes
Total time: About 35–40 minutes

Variations

Nutty add‑in: Stir in chopped peanuts or chopped pecans into one or both doughs.
Double‑chocolate swirl: Use dark or white chocolate chips for added contrast.
Salted caramel drizzle: Drizzle cooled cookies with salted caramel sauce for extra richness.
Mini cookies: Roll into smaller balls for bite-sized treats—perfect for platters or lunchboxes.
Bold flavor: Add a pinch of espresso powder to the brownie dough to deepen the chocolate taste.

storage/reheating

Storing: Keep cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Reheating: Warm gently in a 300 °F oven for 5 minutes to refresh fudgy centers—no microwave needed.

FAQs

How can I get cleaner swirl patterns?

Chill both doughs briefly before rolling—cold dough holds shape better and swirls more distinctly.

Can I refrigerate dough before baking?

Yes. Chill assembled dough balls for 15–30 minutes to improve swirl definition and reduce spreading.

Are these freezable?

Yes—freeze unbaked dough balls on a tray, then store in airtight bags. Bake directly from frozen, adding a minute or two to bake time.

Can I use natural peanut butter?

Yes, but natural varieties (with only peanuts and salt) may yield slightly denser cookies.

Can I make gluten-free?

Substitute both flours with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a safe swap.

What if I only have regular Oreos?

Chocolate chips are already included—but if you enjoy excess texture, sprinkling chopped cookies over the top before baking adds crunch.

Why are my cookies not fudgy?

Avoid overbaking—the centers should remain slightly soft when you remove them.

Can I make these vegan?

Use plant-based butter and egg replacers in both doughs, and dairy-free chocolate chips.

How do I prevent spread?

Slightly chill dough balls before baking and use parchment-lined cool baking sheets between batches.

Can I halve or double the recipe?

Absolutely. Baking time remains similar—watch closely to avoid overbaking.

Conclusion

These Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies bring together chewy, fudge-like chocolate and creamy peanut butter in perfect harmony. Beautifully marbled and bursting with flavor, they’re easy to make yet impressive enough for any occasion. Enjoy the swirl of sweetness—one bite at a time!