There is something simply irresistible about the combination of rich, fudgy brownies and creamy peanut butter, and that is exactly what the Buckeye Brownie Cookies Recipe brings to your kitchen. Imagine biting into a soft, brownie-like cookie with a luscious peanut butter center, sometimes capped with a glossy chocolate topping that makes each cookie look as delightful as it tastes. These cookies are the perfect treat for any occasion, combining the best of two classic favorites into one easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing dessert.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these ingredients is a breeze, and each one plays a crucial role in making your Buckeye Brownie Cookies spectacular. From the fudgy brownie base to the creamy peanut butter filling, every element is designed to deliver impeccable flavor and texture.
- Fudge brownie mix (19.5 ounce or family size): The foundation of the cookies, bringing deep chocolate richness without the fuss of making brownies from scratch.
- Butter, melted (1/4 cup): Adds moisture and a subtle richness that keeps the cookies tender and soft.
- Cream cheese, softened (4 ounces): Introduces creaminess and slight tanginess to balance the sweetness and create that iconic buckeye texture.
- Large egg (1): Works as a binder and provides structure to the dough.
- Powdered sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the peanut butter filling while giving it a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth consistency.
- Creamy peanut butter (1 cup): The star ingredient in the center, lending a luscious, nutty contrast to the chocolatey brownie.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon, optional): Enhances the flavors with a warm, aromatic depth that complements both chocolate and peanut butter.
- Chopped peanuts or peanut butter chips (optional): For those who love extra crunch or bursts of peanut butter flavor.
How to Make Buckeye Brownie Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by warming your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures your Buckeye Brownie Cookies come out perfectly and don’t stick, making cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Mix the Brownie Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the fudge brownie mix, melted butter, softened cream cheese, and the egg. Stir everything until it forms a smooth, well-combined dough that’s ready for shaping. This blend is where the magic starts, with the cream cheese giving a marvelous richness.
Step 3: Shape the Cookies
Roll the dough into 1-inch diameter balls and carefully place them on your parchment-lined baking sheet. This size keeps the cookies bite-friendly and perfectly uniform for even baking.
Step 4: Bake the Brownie Cookies
Bake the brownie dough balls for about 10 to 15 minutes until they are set but still soft. Be cautious not to overbake, as these cookies should remain tender and fudgy inside – the perfect foundation for your peanut butter filling.
Step 5: Prepare the Peanut Butter Filling
While the brownie cookies cool, whip together the powdered sugar, creamy peanut butter, and vanilla extract in a separate bowl until you have a smooth, creamy filling that’s sweet, nutty, and just the right consistency to hold its shape inside the cookie.
Step 6: Add the Filling and Assemble
Once the brownie cookies have cooled enough to handle, gently flatten each cookie slightly with your fingers and place a spoonful of the peanut butter filling in the center. Lightly press the filling to ensure it melds beautifully with the brownie.
Step 7: Optional Chocolate Topping
If you want to take these cookies to the next level, melt some chocolate chips and spoon about half a tablespoon over the peanut butter filling, covering it completely. Let the chocolate set, adding a shiny finish and extra chocolate appeal.
How to Serve Buckeye Brownie Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle chopped peanuts or peanut butter chips over the chocolate topping before it sets for extra texture and peanutty bursts. A light dusting of powdered sugar can also make these cookies look professionally finished and add a delicate sweetness.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk or a rich cup of coffee or hot chocolate. They also make a fun companion to a simple fruit platter, where their indulgent flavor contrasts beautifully with fresh berries or sliced apples.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your Buckeye Brownie Cookies on a rustic wooden board with mini bowls of extra peanut butter and melted chocolate for dipping. Alternatively, stack them in a pretty jar tied with a ribbon to gift to friends or family. Their vibrant, chocolatey look makes them instantly gift-worthy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Buckeye Brownie Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Keeping them sealed helps maintain their soft texture and keeps the peanut butter filling deliciously creamy.
Freezing
These cookies freeze beautifully. Lay them out in a single layer on a tray to freeze before transferring to a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be stored for up to three months, allowing you to enjoy your Buckeye Brownie Cookies anytime a craving strikes.
Reheating
If you want to enjoy them warm, simply microwave individual cookies for about 10 to 15 seconds or warm them in a low oven (around 300°F) for 5 to 7 minutes. The chocolate topping will soften and the peanut butter filling will become gooey and irresistible.
FAQs
Can I use homemade brownie batter instead of boxed mix?
Yes, absolutely! Using homemade brownie batter will work just fine, and it’s a great way to personalize the recipe. Just make sure your batter isn’t too runny so the cookies hold their shape well during baking.
Is it necessary to include cream cheese in the batter?
Cream cheese adds moisture, richness, and a wonderful texture that sets these cookies apart from typical brownies. You can skip it, but the cookies might end up less tender and a bit drier.
Can I substitute natural peanut butter?
You can use natural peanut butter, but it tends to be thinner and oilier. For best texture in the filling, creamy peanut butter is recommended because it blends more smoothly with powdered sugar and holds its shape better.
What if I don’t want to add the chocolate topping?
The Buckeye Brownie Cookies Recipe is delicious on its own with just the peanut butter center. The chocolate topping is optional but adds that classic buckeye aesthetic and a rich finishing touch.
How do I make sure the cookies don’t flatten too much?
Keep the dough chilled briefly before shaping if it feels too soft, and handle the dough gently. Also, avoid pressing down too hard when adding the peanut butter filling to maintain the cookie’s height and softness.
Final Thoughts
Trust me when I say the Buckeye Brownie Cookies Recipe is a game changer for any cookie lover who adores chocolate and peanut butter. The ease of preparation combined with its decadent flavor means you’ll be reaching for this recipe time and time again. Gather your ingredients and give this delightful treat a whirl—you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it in your dessert repertoire!
Print
Buckeye Brownie Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Buckeye Brownie Cookies combine fudgy brownie bites with a creamy peanut butter center, topped optionally with melted chocolate for a classic buckeye look. Soft, rich, and perfect for peanut butter and chocolate lovers alike, these cookies are easy to make and bake in just 35 minutes.
Ingredients
Brownie Cookies
- 1 box fudge brownie mix (19.5 ounce or family size)
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 large egg
Peanut Butter Filling
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Optional Toppings
- Chopped peanuts or peanut butter chips for added texture
- Chocolate chips for melting and dipping
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Prepare the brownie dough: In a large bowl, mix together the fudge brownie mix, melted butter, softened cream cheese, and the egg until the batter is smooth and well combined.
- Shape the brownie balls: Using your hands or a cookie scoop, form the mixture into 1-inch diameter balls and arrange them spaced evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake the cookies: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes until the brownie balls are set but still soft. Avoid overbaking to keep them fudgy.
- Cool the cookies: Let the baked brownie balls cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Make the peanut butter filling: In a separate bowl, combine powdered sugar, creamy peanut butter, and vanilla extract (if using), mixing until smooth and creamy for the filling.
- Fill the cookies: Once the brownie balls have cooled sufficiently, gently flatten each one slightly, then place a small spoonful of the peanut butter filling in the center of each cookie.
- Form the buckeye center: Press a small peanut butter ball lightly into the peanut butter filling on top of each brownie cookie, creating the signature buckeye look.
- Optional chocolate dipping: If desired, melt chocolate chips in a microwave or double boiler. Spoon about 1/2 tablespoon of melted chocolate over the peanut butter ball on each cookie to cover it. Allow the chocolate to set before serving.
Notes
- Do not overbake the brownie cookies to keep them fudgy and moist.
- The vanilla extract in the peanut butter filling is optional but adds a nice flavor dimension.
- For extra texture, sprinkle chopped peanuts or peanut butter chips on top before baking or after filling.
- Use parchment paper on the baking sheet for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
- Melt chocolate carefully to avoid burning, stirring frequently for smooth dipping.
