Chocolate Peanut Butter Swirl Cookies are the ultimate treat for chocolate and peanut butter lovers! These cookies combine soft, chewy chocolate dough with a rich, nutty peanut butter swirl for a visually stunning and deliciously addictive dessert. Perfect for bake sales, holiday treats, or an everyday indulgence, these cookies are easy to make and full of flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect flavor pairing – Rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter in every bite.
Soft and chewy texture – A delicious balance of fudgy and tender.
Visually stunning – The beautiful chocolate-peanut butter swirl makes them extra special.
Easy to make – Simple ingredients and a fun swirling technique.
Great for gifting or sharing – A crowd-pleasing treat for any occasion.

Ingredients

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

For the Chocolate Dough

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

For the Peanut Butter Swirl

Creamy peanut butter
Powdered sugar
Vanilla extract

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Chocolate Dough

Cream butter and sugars: In a mixing bowl, beat butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Add wet ingredients: Mix in the egg and vanilla extract.
Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to the wet mixture and mix until just combined.

Step 2: Make the Peanut Butter Swirl

Mix peanut butter filling: In a small bowl, stir together peanut butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Step 3: Form and Swirl the Cookies

Shape the dough: Scoop out portions of chocolate dough and peanut butter mixture.
Create the swirl: Lightly press together a piece of chocolate dough and a piece of peanut butter mixture, then gently twist and roll into a ball to create a swirl effect.
Flatten slightly: Place on a lined baking sheet and press down lightly.

Step 4: Bake

Preheat oven: Set to 350°F (175°C).
Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are set but centers are still soft.
Cool on the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Step 5: Serve

Enjoy warm for a gooey peanut butter filling or at room temperature for a chewy texture.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 18-24 cookies
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Baking Time: 10-12 minutes

Variations

Chunky Peanut Butter: Use crunchy peanut butter for added texture.
Extra Chocolatey: Fold in chocolate chips for a double chocolate treat.
Nut-Free Option: Swap peanut butter for almond or sunflower seed butter.
Salted Caramel Twist: Drizzle with caramel and sprinkle with flaky sea salt.

Storage & Reheating

Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Freezing: Freeze cookie dough balls for up to 2 months; bake directly from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to baking time.
Reheating: Microwave for 10 seconds for a warm, gooey center.

FAQs

Can I use natural peanut butter?

Yes, but stir well before using to ensure a smooth consistency.

How do I get the perfect swirl?

Gently press the chocolate and peanut butter dough together and twist slightly before rolling into a ball.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes! Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour substitute for best results.

What kind of cocoa powder is best?

Unsweetened Dutch-process cocoa gives a deeper chocolate flavor, but regular works too.

Can I use another nut butter?

Yes! Almond butter or cashew butter make great alternatives.

How do I keep the cookies soft?

Store them in an airtight container with a piece of bread to retain moisture.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! Refrigerate for up to 48 hours or freeze for longer storage.

How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?

Chill the dough for 15-20 minutes before baking if needed.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! This recipe scales well for larger batches.

What’s the best way to serve these cookies?

With a glass of milk or crumbled over vanilla ice cream!

Conclusion

Chocolate Peanut Butter Swirl Cookies are a delightful fusion of rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for friends, family, or yourself, these soft, chewy cookies will be a guaranteed hit. Try them today and enjoy the perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors!