Buckeye Brownie Cookies – The Ultimate Chocolate & Peanut Butter Treat
If you love the classic combination of chocolate and peanut butter, these Buckeye Brownie Cookies will become your new favorite dessert! Featuring a rich, fudgy brownie cookie base and a luscious peanut butter buttercream filling, these cookies are truly irresistible. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, this recipe is a must-try.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich & Decadent – The bittersweet chocolate and peanut butter filling create the perfect balance of flavors.
- Soft & Chewy – The brownie-style cookies are soft on the inside with a slight chewiness on the outside.
- Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and step-by-step instructions make these cookies approachable for any home baker.
- Perfect for Any Occasion – Whether it’s a holiday gathering, bake sale, or just a treat for yourself, these cookies are sure to impress.
Ingredients
For the Brownie Cookies:
- 8.5 oz. bittersweet chocolate (I used Ghirardelli)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Peanut Butter Buttercream Filling:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Brownie Cookie Dough
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the bittersweet chocolate and butter in 30-second intervals, stirring after each until smooth. Set aside to cool slightly.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Pour the melted chocolate mixture into the sugar mixture and whisk until fully combined.
- Sift in the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Stir gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain a soft, chewy texture.
Step 2: Bake the Cookies
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 9-10 minutes, or until the cookies have slightly set and appear cracked on top.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 3: Prepare the Peanut Butter Buttercream
- Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the butter and peanut butter together until smooth and creamy.
- Add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt, then mix until well combined and fluffy.
Step 4: Assemble the Cookies
- Spread or pipe a generous amount of peanut butter buttercream onto the bottom of one cookie, then sandwich it with another cookie.
- Repeat until all cookies are filled.
Tips for Perfect Buckeye Brownie Cookies
- Use High-Quality Chocolate – Bittersweet chocolate adds a rich, deep flavor, so choose a good brand like Ghirardelli.
- Don’t Overbake – The cookies should be just set when you remove them from the oven. They will continue to firm up as they cool.
- Chill the Dough if Needed – If your dough is too soft to handle, chill it in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes before scooping.
- Pipe the Filling for a Clean Look – Using a piping bag makes the peanut butter buttercream look more professional.
Variations & Add-Ons
Chocolate Lover’s Version
- Stir 1/2 cup chocolate chips into the cookie dough for extra bursts of chocolate in every bite.
Nutty Crunch Version
- Add 1/4 cup chopped peanuts to the buttercream filling for extra crunch.
Salted Caramel Twist
- Drizzle the finished cookies with caramel sauce and sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt for an indulgent twist.
Espresso Infused Cookies
- Add 1 teaspoon of instant espresso powder to the dough for a subtle coffee flavor that enhances the chocolate.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
- Room Temperature: Store assembled cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerator: Keep in the fridge for up to a week if you want a firmer filling.
- Freezing: Store unassembled cookies and buttercream separately in the freezer for up to a month. Thaw before assembling.
Serving Suggestions
- Enjoy with a glass of cold milk or a hot cup of coffee.
- Serve as a decadent dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Wrap in decorative packaging for a homemade gift during the holidays.
Final Thoughts
Buckeye Brownie Cookies are the perfect indulgence for chocolate and peanut butter lovers alike. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just treating yourself, this recipe delivers fudgy, rich, and satisfying results every time. Give them a try, and let us know your favorite variations!