Description
Chocolate Peanut Butter Swirl Cookies combine rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter doughs swirled together to create a visually stunning and delicious cookie with the perfect balance of flavors and textures. These cookies are soft with slightly crisp edges and present a sophisticated yet nostalgic treat suitable for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Chocolate Dough:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Peanut Butter Dough:
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare for Baking: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking and to ensure even baking.
- Make the Chocolate Dough: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. In a separate large bowl, cream the softened butter with both granulated and brown sugars until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until just combined. Set aside this dough.
- Prepare the Peanut Butter Dough: In another medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. In a large bowl, cream the softened butter with granulated and brown sugars until fluffy. Add the creamy peanut butter and mix until smooth. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract, then gradually fold in the dry ingredients until just combined. Set aside.
- Create the Swirl Effect: Take equal portions (about 2 tablespoons each) of the chocolate and peanut butter dough. Gently roll them together by hand to form swirled dough balls, being careful not to overmix so the distinct swirls remain visible. Place these combined dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are set but the centers still appear slightly soft. Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes as they continue to firm up. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
Notes
- For extra decadence, add mini chocolate chips to the peanut butter dough or chopped peanuts to the chocolate dough for texture and flavor.
- Natural peanut butter can be used, but adjust the flour as needed if the dough is too wet.
- Cookies freeze well; individually wrap and store in freezer bags for up to 3 months.
- The dough can be prepared ahead and refrigerated for up to 3 days before baking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes per batch
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Chocolate peanut butter cookies, swirl cookies, baked cookies, chocolate cookies, peanut butter treats, easy dessert, homemade cookies
