Chocolate Peanut Butter Swirl Cookies

Chocolate Peanut Butter Swirl Cookies are the perfect combination of rich, fudgy chocolate and creamy, nutty peanut butter. With a beautiful marbled design, these cookies are not only delicious but also visually stunning. Soft, chewy, and packed with flavor, they’re a dream for chocolate and peanut butter lovers alike!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Perfect Flavor Balance: The rich chocolate dough complements the creamy peanut butter swirl.
  • Soft and Chewy Texture: These cookies have a melt-in-your-mouth consistency.
  • Beautiful Swirl Pattern: An eye-catching treat that looks as good as it tastes.
  • Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples—no fancy equipment required!
  • Customizable: Adjust the sweetness, add chocolate chips, or make them gluten-free.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Chocolate Dough:

  • All-purpose flour
  • Cocoa powder
  • Baking soda
  • Salt
  • Unsalted butter (softened)
  • Granulated sugar
  • Brown sugar
  • Egg
  • Vanilla extract
  • Milk

For the Peanut Butter Dough:

  • Peanut butter (creamy or crunchy)
  • Unsalted butter (softened)
  • Brown sugar
  • Egg yolk
  • Vanilla extract
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking powder
  • Salt

Directions

Step 1: Make the Chocolate Dough

  1. Whisk the Dry Ingredients:
    • In a bowl, mix flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
  2. Cream the Butter and Sugars:
    • In another bowl, beat butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until fluffy.
  3. Add Wet Ingredients:
    • Mix in egg, vanilla, and milk.
  4. Combine:
    • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until fully incorporated.

Step 2: Make the Peanut Butter Dough

  1. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
    • In a bowl, beat peanut butter, butter, and brown sugar until creamy.
  2. Add Egg and Vanilla:
    • Stir in the egg yolk and vanilla extract.
  3. Combine Dry Ingredients:
    • Add flour, baking powder, and salt, mixing until a dough forms.

Step 3: Create the Swirls

  1. Shape the Dough:
    • Divide each dough into small balls (about 1 tablespoon each).
  2. Swirl Together:
    • Lightly press a chocolate dough ball and a peanut butter dough ball together, twisting gently to create a marbled effect.
  3. Flatten:
    • Slightly press each dough ball onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Step 4: Bake

  1. Preheat Oven:
    • Set to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Bake:
    • Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are set but the centers remain soft.
  3. Cool:
    • Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Step 5: Enjoy!

  • Serve warm with a glass of milk or store for later snacking.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 18-20 cookies
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

  • Chocolate Chip Swirl: Add mini chocolate chips to the peanut butter dough.
  • Nutty Crunch: Mix in chopped peanuts or almonds.
  • Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend.
  • Extra Fudgy: Add melted chocolate to the chocolate dough for a richer taste.
  • Salted Peanut Butter Cookies: Sprinkle sea salt on top before baking.

Storage/Reheating

  • Storage: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
  • Freezing: Freeze unbaked cookie dough balls for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding 1-2 extra minutes.
  • Reheating: Warm in the microwave for 10 seconds for a fresh-baked texture.

FAQs

Can I use natural peanut butter?

Yes, but the dough may be slightly softer. Stir well before using.

What kind of cocoa powder works best?

Use unsweetened cocoa powder for a deep chocolate flavor.

Can I make these without eggs?

Yes! Use a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water) as a substitute.

How do I get perfect swirls?

Gently twist the chocolate and peanut butter doughs together without overmixing.

Can I use crunchy peanut butter?

Yes! It adds a bit of texture to the cookies.

Why are my cookies dry?

Overbaking or too much flour can cause dryness. Bake until just set for a soft texture.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! Refrigerate the dough for up to 2 days before baking.

How do I make the cookies extra chewy?

Use more brown sugar and slightly underbake them.

Can I use almond butter instead of peanut butter?

Yes! Almond butter works as a great alternative.

What pairs well with these cookies?

A glass of milk, hot chocolate, or coffee complements them perfectly.

Conclusion

Chocolate Peanut Butter Swirl Cookies are a delicious blend of two classic flavors, creating a soft, chewy, and visually stunning treat. Whether for a special occasion or a simple homemade dessert, these cookies are sure to impress. Try them today and enjoy the perfect swirl of chocolate and peanut butter in every bite!

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Chocolate Peanut Butter Swirl Cookies

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  • Author: clara
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: Makes 18 cookies 1x
  • Category: Dessert, Cookies
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

These cookies have the perfect balance of fudgy chocolate and creamy peanut butter in every bite! The dough is made with rich cocoa and brown sugar, while the peanut butter swirl adds a sweet and nutty twist. They’re easy to make and guaranteed to satisfy any chocolate-peanut butter lover!


Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Chocolate Cookie Dough:

  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/4 tsp salt

For the Peanut Butter Swirl:

  • 1/3 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 2 tbsp powdered sugar

Instructions

1. Make the Peanut Butter Swirl:

  • In a small bowl, mix peanut butter and powdered sugar until smooth.
  • Set aside.

2. Prepare the Chocolate Cookie Dough:

  • In a large bowl, cream butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes).
  • Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
  • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.

3. Swirl in the Peanut Butter:

  • Drop small dollops of the peanut butter mixture over the chocolate dough.
  • Use a spatula or knife to gently swirl the peanut butter into the dough (don’t overmix—leave visible swirls!).

4. Shape & Chill the Dough:

  • Scoop out 1.5 tbsp-sized dough balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  • Chill the dough for 30 minutes (this helps keep them thick and chewy).

5. Bake the Cookies:

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Place the cookies 2 inches apart on a baking sheet.
  • Bake for 9-11 minutes or until the edges are set but the centers are still soft.

6. Cool & Serve:

  • Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
  • Enjoy warm or store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

Notes

  • Want extra texture? Add 1/2 cup chocolate chips or chopped peanuts to the dough.
  • Use crunchy peanut butter if you like a little crunch in every bite!
  • Make it extra gooey: Warm a cookie in the microwave for 10 seconds before eating.

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