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!
PrintChocolate Peanut Butter Swirl Cookies
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 18 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Chocolate Peanut Butter Swirl Cookies combine the best of both worlds—deep chocolate flavor and creamy peanut butter in every bite. With a soft and chewy texture, these cookies are perfect for peanut butter and chocolate lovers alike!
Ingredients
For the Chocolate Cookie Dough:
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional, for extra richness)
For the Peanut Butter Swirl:
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Prepare the Peanut Butter Swirl
- In a small bowl, mix peanut butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Set aside to slightly firm up while preparing the cookie dough.
2. Make the Chocolate Cookie Dough
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large bowl, beat butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (2 minutes).
- Mix in egg, vanilla extract, and milk until combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Stir in chocolate chips (if using).
3. Swirl the Doughs Together
- Drop small spoonfuls of peanut butter mixture randomly over the chocolate cookie dough.
- Gently fold and swirl the doughs together—don’t overmix, so the swirls remain visible.
4. Shape & Bake the Cookies
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Scoop 1 ½ tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until edges are set but centers are still soft.
- Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For extra peanut butter flavor, press a few peanut butter chips into the cookies before baking.
- Want a crunchy texture? Use chunky peanut butter instead of creamy.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
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