Peanut Butter Filled Brownie Cookies: A Decadent 30-Minute Bake

If you love the gooey richness of brownies and the irresistible creaminess of peanut butter, this recipe for Peanut Butter Filled Brownie Cookies is about to become your favorite. Combining two classic flavors in one indulgent treat, these cookies boast a fudgy, chocolatey exterior with a hidden peanut butter surprise inside. Best of all, they’re quick to make—ready in just 30 minutes from start to finish!

Perfect for bake sales, family gatherings, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth, these cookies strike the perfect balance between crispy edges and a soft, gooey center. Let’s dive into this easy recipe and explore how to make these decadent cookies step by step.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, including bake time!
2. Crowd-Pleaser: A guaranteed hit for chocolate and peanut butter lovers.
3. Fudgy and Gooey: The perfect texture of a brownie in cookie form.
4. Customizable: Easily tweak the recipe with your favorite mix-ins or toppings.

Ingredients for Peanut Butter Filled Brownie Cookies

These cookies use simple pantry staples to create an extraordinary dessert.

For the Cookie Dough

• Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips (1 cup) – For that rich brownie flavor.
• Butter (½ cup, unsalted) – Adds moisture and richness.
• Granulated Sugar (¾ cup) – Sweetens the cookies.
• Brown Sugar (¼ cup) – Adds a touch of chewiness.
• Eggs (2 large) – Helps bind the dough.
• Vanilla Extract (1 tsp) – Enhances the chocolate flavor.
• All-Purpose Flour (¾ cup) – The base of the cookie dough.
• Cocoa Powder (¼ cup) – Deepens the chocolate flavor.
• Baking Powder (½ tsp) – Gives the cookies a slight lift.
• Salt (¼ tsp) – Balances the sweetness.

For the Peanut Butter Filling

• Creamy Peanut Butter (½ cup) – The star of the filling.
• Powdered Sugar (2 tbsp) – Sweetens and thickens the peanut butter center.

How to Make Peanut Butter Filled Brownie Cookies

Follow these simple steps to whip up a batch of these decadent cookies:

Step 1: Prepare the Peanut Butter Filling

1. In a small bowl, mix the creamy peanut butter and powdered sugar until smooth and thickened.
2. Scoop out 1-teaspoon portions of the mixture and roll them into small balls.
3. Place the balls on a plate or tray and freeze for 10-15 minutes while you prepare the cookie dough.

Step 2: Melt the Chocolate and Butter

1. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips and butter.
2. Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring between each, until the mixture is smooth and fully melted. Set aside to cool slightly.

Step 3: Make the Brownie Cookie Dough

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined and slightly frothy.
2. Slowly pour in the melted chocolate mixture and stir until smooth.
3. Sift in the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gently fold until a thick brownie-like dough forms.

Step 4: Assemble the Cookies

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Scoop 1 tablespoon of cookie dough and flatten it slightly in your palm.
3. Place a frozen peanut butter ball in the center and fold the dough around it, sealing the edges. Roll the dough into a smooth ball.
4. Repeat with the remaining dough and peanut butter filling.

Step 5: Bake

1. Place the cookie balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
2. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers look slightly underbaked.
3. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips for Success

• Chill the Peanut Butter Filling: Freezing the peanut butter balls helps them hold their shape during baking.
• Don’t Overbake: For that perfect fudgy texture, pull the cookies out of the oven when the centers still look slightly soft.
• Use Quality Chocolate: High-quality chocolate chips or baking chocolate will enhance the flavor of these cookies.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the dough and peanut butter filling in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.

Variations to Try

1. Double Chocolate: Stir in extra chocolate chips or chunks into the dough for an extra dose of chocolatey goodness.
2. Crunchy Filling: Use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy for added texture.
3. Nutty Delight: Add chopped peanuts to the dough for a nutty twist.
4. Salted Caramel Swirl: Drizzle the cookies with salted caramel sauce after baking for a gourmet touch.

Serving Suggestions

• Classic Pairing: Serve with a tall glass of cold milk to balance the rich flavors.
• Dessert Platter: Add these cookies to a dessert board with other treats like brownies and truffles.
• Warm and Gooey: Reheat the cookies in the microwave for 10 seconds to enjoy the gooey peanut butter center.

Why These Cookies Are a Must-Try

These Peanut Butter Filled Brownie Cookies are the perfect marriage of two beloved flavors. The fudgy chocolate exterior is reminiscent of the best brownies, while the creamy peanut butter center adds a delicious surprise. With their gooey texture and rich flavor, they’re guaranteed to become your go-to treat for any occasion.