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
Scale
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.
