Fudgy Chocolate Peanut Butter Brownie Cookies or (as I call them) Brownie Peanut Butter Cookies are originally from The 2004 Pillsbury Bake-Off. They are very easy brownie mix cookies. You just mix brownie mix with a few simple ingredients and shape into cookie dough balls. You top those balls with a peanut butter mixture, bake, and frost with canned frosting or chocolate ganache.
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At one point I made a scratch version of the recipe, but after making the cookies from scratch and trying them side-by-side with the boxed brownie mix version, I decided the brownie mix version was just as good.
Canned Frosting vs. Ganache
The only thing I didn't love at first about the Bake-Off brownie mix cookies was the canned chocolate frosting. However, it was a contest recipe and the point was to use the packaged eligible products. So make the cookies with canned frosting or use a ganache. It's just about as easy as opening and spreading a can of frosting. Better yet, just top the baked cookies with good dark or milk chocolate. The ones in the photo below are topped with melted Dove squares.
Brands of Brownie Mix
The original version of the recipe calls for Pillsbury Family Size Chocolate Fudge Brownie Mix. If you can't find that type or want to use another brand, it should work as long as the box holds between 17 and 19 oz.
Alternative Brownie Peanut Butter Cookies
Another way you can make Brownie Peanut Butter Cookies (which I discovered by accident) is to bake the fudge brownie dough without the peanut butter mixture. Form the peanut butter balls while the brownies bake, and as soon as they come out of the oven, set a ball of peanut butter mixture on top. Let cool completely or quick freeze, then top with frosting, ganache or melted chocolate.
Recipe
Brownie Peanut Butter Cookies
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons unsalted or salted butter softened
- 4 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1 large egg room temperature
- 1 box fudge brownie mix 17.6–19 oz
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup powdered sugar
Ganache
- ¼ cup heavy whipping cream
- ¾ cup semisweet chocolate chips or 6 oz chopped chocolate
- ½ cup lightly salted roasted peanuts coarsely chopped (optional)
Instructions
- The original version of this recipe used a box of Pillsbury brand Family Size Fudge Brownie Mix.
- In a large mixing bowl stir together softened butter, cream cheese, egg, and fudge packet (if there is one) until combined. Add brownie mix and stir until just combined.
- Scoop 24 portions of dough and put them on a tray or plate that fits in the refrigerator. Chill for about 30 minutes or until the dough is still enough to be shaped into neat balls.
- Meanwhile, beat together peanut butter and powdered sugar; stir until smooth dough forms. Form peanut butter dough into 24 equal balls and put them in the freezer for 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Once both doughs are chilled, shape the brownie dough into neat balls and the peanut butter dough into neat balls. Arrange brownie dough about 2 ½ inches apart on baking sheet. Press a ball of peanut butter dough into the center and press down slightly.
- Bake cookies 10–12 minutes or until edges are crisp, then cool on baking sheet 2–3 minutes before transferring to cooling rack to cool completely.
- Pour cream in a 2 cup liquid measure (or small bowl) and heat for 30 seconds until hot. Add chocolate morsels; let sit 2 minutes to melt. Stir chocolate mixture until smooth and combined. Spread about 1 tablespoon chocolate mixture over each cookie, then sprinkle with chopped peanuts, if desired. Serve.
Kelly says
I agree, but I think they really appeal to kids and taste like reese's. I don't measure out the peanut butter and powdered sugar filling anymore, I just add enough sugar to till it gets to the perfect consistency. Happy Thanksgiving!
Anna says
Kelly, I wasn't crazy about the cookies when I sampled one right after icing. However, a few hours later, they tasted better. The icing had set and all the flavors kind of came together. Or maybe I was just hungrier ;). While I would prefer a scratch version, I loved the concept.
Oh, and I thought the filling was too sweet so I used less powdered sugar.
Kelly says
This is my sister's absolute favorite cookie! She begs me to bring them home for her all of the time. I usually make the base with a chocolate cake mix, though.
Therese says
Anna~~!!
Oh for the Love of GOD could you please post the pecan pie recipe! I am in charge of bringing the pies to my sisters tomorrow!! I had your other pecan pie recipe but if you catch this sooner (before midnight)...it would be so appreciated!!
Hubby had me shopping all over town for a pastry blender...he broke the other one we had!
So...I have the pastry blender!!
Pumpkin pie recipe courtesy of the Libby Can. But your pecan pie recipe would be awesome!!!
HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY!!!!
Sue says
Oh my gosh!! I just toasted the pecans to make the pecan pie recipe you posted a few days ago. I was excited to make that one, but now I'll wait for you to post this one and comment on it.
As to these cookies. Well, I think my son would LOVE them. So many cookies, so little time!!
Thanks Anna!
Sue