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If you have a serious sweet tooth and love the irresistible combo of chocolate and peanut butter, this Peanut Butter Cookie Brownie Recipe is about to become your new obsession. Imagine fudgy, rich brownies layered under soft, chewy peanut butter cookie dough—two beloved desserts joined together in one pan for pure, heavenly indulgence. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or treating yourself after a long day, the way these flavors mingle is downright magical, making every bite a celebration of everything you want in a dessert.

This close-up image shows a batch of golden brown cookie bars cut into square pieces on a white marbled surface. The top layer is textured with a slightly crisp, cracked surface mixed with swirls of darker brown, giving a marbled effect. Large chunks of melted dark chocolate are scattered unevenly across the bars, some glossy and shiny while others have settled into the soft dough. The edges of each square are slightly raised and crumbly, with a soft, chewy interior visible in the cracks. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients is the first step toward delivering the perfect balance of peanut butter cookie softness and deep chocolatey brownie richness. Each ingredient plays a starring role: the butters add moisture and tenderness, sugars bring sweetness and chew, and flour creates the structure to hold it all together.

1 cup Unsalted Butter (room temperature): Gives your peanut butter cookie dough a creamy, rich base that yields a tender texture.
1/2 cup Granulated Sugar: Adds sparkle and sweetness important for the cookie’s chewy bite.
3/4 cup Brown Sugar: Brings moisture and a hint of caramel depth to the cookie dough.
2 Eggs: Essential to bind the peanut butter cookie dough, giving it structure and softness.
1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract: A subtle flavor enhancer that brings warmth to both dough and brownie.
2 1/2 cups All Purpose Flour: Provides the sturdy base for that perfectly chewy cookie layer.
1/2 teaspoon Salt: Balances the sweetness and amplifies all the flavors.
1/2 cup Peanut Butter: The star ingredient for that rich peanut flavor and gooey texture.
1 cup Unsalted Butter (melted): For the brownie, this gives a lush richness and helps create a fudgy texture.
1 3/4 cup Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the brownie while bringing a delicate crunch to the crumb.
4 Eggs: Provide bulk and moisture to the brownie while holding it all together firmly.
1 1/4 cup Flour: Creates the perfect hold for luscious brownie texture without drying it out.
3/4 cup Cocoa Powder: Delivers the deep chocolate flavor and rich color crucial to brownies.
1 1/2 cup Chopped Chocolate: Melts into pockets of gooey chocolate bliss throughout the brownies.
1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract: Elevates the chocolate flavor and rounds out the brownie batter.

How to Make Peanut Butter Cookie Brownie Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Peanut Butter Cookie Dough

First, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit so it’s ready to bake as soon as your batter is. In your stand mixer bowl, cream together the room temperature butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes. This creaming step is crucial because it incorporates air that leads to a lighter cookie texture. Next, add in that luscious peanut butter and mix for another minute to fully blend the flavors together. One by one, add the eggs, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next—this keeps your dough from splitting and ensures a uniform texture. Finish the cookie dough by pouring in vanilla, followed by the flour and salt, mixing just until the dough comes together perfectly rich and thick. Set this aside while you make the brownie batter.

Step 2: Whip Up the Brownie Batter

For the brownies, start by gently melting the chopped chocolate and butter together in a microwave-safe bowl until fully smooth—this silky base is what makes these brownies so decadently fudgy. Stir in the sugar, whisking until the mixture is well combined and glossy. Then, add the eggs one at a time just like you did with the cookie dough, ensuring each is blended before moving on. Stir in the vanilla extract to highlight the chocolate’s depth. Now fold in the flour and cocoa powder carefully, mixing just until combined so you don’t overwork the batter and risk tough brownies.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake

Line a baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal, then pour and spread the brownie batter evenly across the bottom of the pan. Scoop dollops of the peanut butter cookie dough over the top of the brownie layer, then gently spread or swirl it evenly to create delightful, contrasting layers. Pop it into your preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Keep an eye out for that telltale toothpick test; when it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, your peanut butter cookie brownies are ready. Let them cool slightly before cutting to keep those layers intact and set perfectly.

How to Serve Peanut Butter Cookie Brownie Recipe

Peanut Butter Cookie Brownie Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

Adding a little something extra on top can take this dessert from excellent to unforgettable. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt right after baking amps the peanut butter and chocolate flavors, creating a perfect sweet-salty balance. Alternatively, drizzle melted peanut butter or a chocolate ganache over each piece for extra indulgence. Toasted chopped peanuts scattered across the top add a crunchy textural contrast that’s simply divine.

Side Dishes

This Peanut Butter Cookie Brownie Recipe is so rich and satisfying, it often stands perfectly on its own. That said, pairing it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream creates a classic hot-meets-cold experience that simply can’t be beat. Fresh berries or a tangy raspberry sauce provide a fruity brightness that perfectly complements the dense, fudgy texture. For a cozy coffee dessert, serve alongside a hot cup of espresso or creamy latte to highlight the chocolate and peanut butter notes.

Creative Ways to Present

These peanut butter cookie brownies also work wonderfully for sharing and gifting. Cut them into small squares and stack them with parchment paper in decorative tins for a thoughtful homemade gift. You can even layer them in a parfait glass with whipped cream and chopped nuts for an elegant, crowd-pleasing dessert display. For a fun twist, sandwich a dollop of peanut butter frosting between two brownie squares to create a mini brownie cookie sandwich that will wow everyone at your next gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled completely, store any leftover peanut butter cookie brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. This keeps the cookies chewy and the brownies moist without drying out. If your kitchen is warm, storing them in the fridge is perfectly fine, though it might firm up the texture a bit.

Freezing

Planning ahead? These brownies freeze beautifully! Wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap to preserve their freshness and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months, ready to thaw anytime you need a quick, delicious treat. Just let them thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

For a warm, melty experience, gently reheat your brownie square in the microwave for about 15 to 20 seconds. This brings back that freshly baked softness and revives the gooey chocolate chunks. If you prefer to eat them cold, even better—they stay just as scrumptious straight from the fridge or freezer once thawed.

FAQs

Can I use creamy peanut butter or chunky peanut butter for this recipe?

Both creamy and chunky peanut butter work well in this Peanut Butter Cookie Brownie Recipe. Creamy will make the cookie layer smoother, while chunky adds extra nutty texture and crunch. Pick whichever you prefer to suit your taste!

Do I have to use unsalted butter, or can I use salted?

Unsalted butter is recommended so you can control the amount of salt precisely in the recipe. If you only have salted butter, reduce or omit the extra salt in the dough to avoid overpowering the flavors.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that works 1:1 for baking. Just be sure it contains xanthan gum or a similar binder for the best texture, and expect slight variations in chewiness.

Is it possible to double this recipe for a larger crowd?

Absolutely! This Peanut Butter Cookie Brownie Recipe scales up wonderfully. Just be sure to use a larger baking pan or multiple pans and adjust the baking time slightly, checking for doneness with toothpick tests as you go.

Can I swap the chopped chocolate for chocolate chips?

Yes! Chocolate chips can be used instead of chopped chocolate. Choose good-quality chips for melting, and expect slightly different melting properties but equally delicious results.

Final Thoughts

This Peanut Butter Cookie Brownie Recipe is truly a crowd-pleaser that brings two favorite desserts together in the best possible way. The fudgy brownie base paired with soft, peanut buttery cookie topping makes every bite a dream come true. Whether you’re baking for your family, friends, or just because you deserve it, I wholeheartedly encourage you to give this recipe a try. You’ll find it becomes a beloved staple and an instant classic in your dessert rotation.

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Peanut Butter Cookie Brownie Recipe