If you are a devoted fan of the magical pairing between chocolate and peanut butter, then this 24 Buckeye Brownie Cookies with Peanut Butter Center Recipe is about to become your new obsession. These cookies bring together the fudgy richness of brownie dough with a luscious, creamy peanut butter center, all crowned with a glossy chocolate topping that melts in your mouth. Whether you crave something indulgent for dessert or a standout treat to share, these buckeye brownie cookies deliver bakery-quality flavor in a delightfully approachable way.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these ingredients is a breeze, yet each one plays a crucial role in crafting the perfect balance of texture, flavor, and visual appeal for your cookies. From the fudgy brownie base to the smooth peanut butter filling and the rich chocolate coating, these essentials come together effortlessly.
- Family size fudge brownie mix (dry only): Provides the rich, chocolaty foundation that makes the cookies irresistibly fudgy and full of flavor.
- Unsalted butter (¼ cup, melted): Adds moisture and a tender crumb while enhancing the overall richness.
- Cream cheese (4 ounces, softened): Gives the dough a luxuriously smooth texture and a subtle tang that brightens the chocolate.
- Large egg (1): Binds everything together and contributes to the cookie’s soft yet sturdy structure.
- Creamy peanut butter (1 cup): The star of the peanut butter center, creating a creamy and sweet contrast to the deep chocolate base.
- Powdered sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the peanut butter center while smoothing out the texture for easy rolling into balls.
- Dark or semi-sweet chocolate (4 ounces, chopped): Melts into a shiny topping that seals in the peanut butter and adds a decadent finish.
How to Make 24 Buckeye Brownie Cookies with Peanut Butter Center Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheets
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F to ensure even baking. Then line two baking sheets with parchment paper which keeps your cookies from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze—such a simple step that pays off big time.
Step 2: Mix the Brownie Dough
In a large bowl, combine the dry fudge brownie mix, melted butter, softened cream cheese, and the egg. Stir until you get a thick, luscious dough that’s irresistibly chocolatey. The cream cheese adds creaminess and depth, giving the cookies an almost brownie-like richness that sets them apart.
Step 3: Shape and Bake the Cookies
Divide the dough into 24 equal portions and roll each into smooth balls. Spread them out about 2 inches apart on your baking sheets to give them room to puff slightly. Bake them for 11 to 13 minutes — you want the edges set but the centers still soft, promising a melt-in-your-mouth bite.
Step 4: Prepare the Peanut Butter Centers
While the cookies are baking, mix together the creamy peanut butter and powdered sugar until smooth and uniform. This mixture will balance sweet and salty, perfectly complementing the chocolate. Roll the blend into 24 small balls, each about an inch in diameter, so they’re just the right size for the cookie centers.
Step 5: Add the Peanut Butter Centers
Right after pulling the cookies from the oven, gently press one peanut butter ball into the center of each warm cookie. The warmth helps the peanut butter nestle into the cookie, creating a beautiful contrast in flavor and texture.
Step 6: Melt the Chocolate and Add the Topping
Melt the chopped dark or semi-sweet chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl using 20-second bursts, stirring in between until it’s smooth and shiny. Spoon about half a tablespoon of this melted chocolate over each peanut butter center, allowing it to set completely before serving for that classic buckeye look and a final chocolaty touch.
How to Serve 24 Buckeye Brownie Cookies with Peanut Butter Center Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra-special presentation, dust your cookies lightly with powdered sugar or sprinkle a pinch of coarse sea salt over the chocolate before it sets. This little saltiness beautifully enhances the chocolate and peanut butter flavors, creating an exciting flavor twist.
Side Dishes
Pair these sumptuous cookies with a glass of cold milk, a rich coffee, or even a frothy cappuccino. The creamy drinks cut through the richness and make every bite feel like a luxurious treat.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your 24 Buckeye Brownie Cookies with Peanut Butter Center Recipe on a tiered dessert tray for a party or gift them in a pretty box lined with parchment paper. Wrapping each cookie in a decorative cupcake liner adds a playful touch, perfect for sharing as gifts or party favors.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
These cookies keep wonderfully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Make sure they’re completely cooled before storing to avoid any moisture buildup that could soften that lovely chocolate topping.
Freezing
If you want to hold onto these treats for longer, freeze the cookies after they are fully cooled and the chocolate topping has set. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a sealed freezer bag or container. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 months.
Reheating
For that freshly-baked warm feeling, gently reheat your cookies in the microwave for about 10 seconds. The peanut butter center will soften deliciously, and that chocolate topping will regain just a hint of melty magic without losing its shape.
FAQs
Can I use natural peanut butter for the peanut butter center?
Natural peanut butter can be used, but because it tends to be less creamy and more oily, the texture of the center might be slightly different. You may need to adjust the powdered sugar amount for the right consistency.
Is it possible to make these cookies gluten-free?
You can try using a gluten-free brownie mix to make this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets. Just be sure to check the other ingredients and adjust baking times as needed.
Can I substitute the cream cheese in the dough?
The cream cheese adds a unique creaminess and texture, but you could substitute with an equal amount of softened butter for a slightly different result, though the cookies may be a bit less tender.
How do I avoid the chocolate topping melting when serving?
Allow the chocolate to fully set at room temperature or briefly chill the cookies in the fridge until the topping hardens. Serving them cool means the chocolate stays glossy and intact.
Can I make more or fewer cookies with this recipe?
Absolutely! Just adjust the ingredient quantities proportionally. Keep in mind the baking time may vary slightly with different cookie sizes.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a show-stopping cookie that combines the best of brownies and peanut butter cups, this 24 Buckeye Brownie Cookies with Peanut Butter Center Recipe is your new go-to. Each bite is a rich, fudgy, creamy celebration that’s perfect for sharing or enjoying anytime you want to treat yourself. Don’t wait to whip up a batch—you’ll thank yourself with every delicious cookie!
Print
24 Buckeye Brownie Cookies with Peanut Butter Center Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 13 minutes
- Total Time: 37 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These amazing 24 Buckeye Brownie Cookies feature a rich, fudgy brownie base filled with a creamy peanut butter center, finished with a smooth, decadent chocolate topping. Perfectly soft and bakery-style, these cookies are an irresistible treat for chocolate and peanut butter lovers alike.
Ingredients
Brownie Cookie Dough
- 1 family size fudge brownie mix (dry mix only)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 large egg
Peanut Butter Center
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup powdered sugar
Chocolate Topping
- 4 ounces dark or semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Make Brownie Dough: In a large bowl, combine the fudge brownie mix, melted butter, softened cream cheese, and egg. Mix thoroughly until a thick, uniform dough forms.
- Shape Cookies: Scoop the dough into 24 equal portions, then roll each into smooth balls. Place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets to allow for spreading.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 11 to 13 minutes until cookies are set around the edges but still soft in the center.
- Make Peanut Butter Centers: While the cookies bake, mix together the creamy peanut butter and powdered sugar until smooth. Roll this mixture into 24 small balls roughly 1 inch in diameter.
- Add Peanut Butter Centers: Remove cookies from the oven and immediately press one peanut butter ball into the center of each warm cookie, gently embedding it.
- Cool Cookies: Transfer the cookies to a wire rack and allow them to cool completely, ensuring the peanut butter center firms up.
- Melt Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chopped chocolate in 20-second intervals, stirring in between until smooth and fully melted.
- Top Cookies: Spoon about ½ tablespoon of the melted chocolate over the peanut butter centers on each cookie. Let the chocolate set at room temperature before serving for a polished finish.
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature to help the dough mix evenly.
- Use parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking and facilitate clean-up.
- If desired, refrigerate the peanut butter balls briefly before embedding them in the cookies to help maintain shape.
- For a glossy chocolate finish, temper the chocolate or add a small amount of coconut oil when melting.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.
