I'm not really sure why I called these Brownie Peanut Butter Cookies when the original name is Peanut Butter Brownie Cookies, but this recipe is a classic, and a great way to make cookies from brownie mix.
Brownie Peanut Butter Cookies are chewy chocolate cookies made with brownie mix. They are topped with peanut butter and either chocolate frosting or chocolate ganache -- you decide. The original recipe is an old Bake-Off finalist which seems to have stood the test of time, because even with the changing size of brownie mix it still works.
Since posting, I've made these cookies multiple times and have changed a few things. For instance, I recommend scooping the dough into 24 messy portions (because it's sticky!), chilling, and then shaping the blobs into neat rounds. Same with the peanut mixture. Before baking, the cookies will look like this.
You have some options when it comes to the topping. I like using a ganache, but the original Bake-Off version of the cookie calls for half a tub of ready-to-spread chocolate fudge frosting. If you go with the ganache, it's less expensive to use chocolate chips, but chopped chocolate flows a little better. You can also make things even easier and just use straight melted chocolate. I always seem to have Dove Dark squares in the house and they worked perfectly.
Recipe
Brownie Peanut Butter Cookies
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter softened
- 4 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1 large egg room temperature
- 1 box chocolate fudge brownie mix 17.6–19 oz
- ¾ cup creamy peanut butter
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 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
- In a large mixing bowl stir together softened butter, cream cheese, egg, and fudge packet (from brownie mix) 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, powdered sugar, and vanilla; 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