Brownie Mix Peanut Butter Cookies
Highlighted under: Clean Eating Kitchen
I absolutely love making these Brownie Mix Peanut Butter Cookies when I'm craving something sweet yet easy to prepare. The combination of rich brownie flavors with creamy peanut butter creates a treat that's hard to resist. In just 30 minutes, I can whip up a batch that's perfect for any occasion—from an afternoon snack to a party dessert. Plus, using brownie mix makes the process super simple without compromising on taste. Trust me, these cookies will be a hit with everyone who tries them!
When I first decided to try making cookies from brownie mix, I was skeptical about how they would turn out. To my surprise, the texture was wonderfully soft and chewy, just like the best cookies should be. I also experimented with different mix-ins, like chocolate chips and crushed peanuts, which added a delightful crunch and additional flavor.
One tip I discovered is to let the cookie dough chill for about 10 minutes before baking. This helped the cookies retain their shape better and gave them that perfect slight crisp on the outside while remaining gooey in the center. I can't recommend this recipe enough!
Why You'll Love These Cookies
- Rich chocolate flavor complemented by creamy peanut butter
- Chewy texture that's oh-so-satisfying
- Quick and easy to make, perfect for spontaneous baking
Mastering the Dough
The key to achieving the perfect dough for Brownie Mix Peanut Butter Cookies lies in the balance of wet and dry ingredients. The brownie mix provides richness and moisture, while the peanut butter adds a creamy texture that binds everything together. Make sure to mix until just combined; over-mixing can lead to tougher cookies. If the dough feels too sticky, let it rest for a few minutes before shaping, as the brownie mix will absorb some moisture over time.
When incorporating chocolate chips and crushed peanuts, use high-quality options to enhance the overall flavor. Choose semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips for a richer taste. If you prefer a nut-free version, you can omit the crushed peanuts altogether or replace them with finely chopped oats for added texture without compromising the taste.
Baking to Perfection
Timing is crucial for baking these cookies correctly. Aim for 10-12 minutes in the oven, but keep an eye on them as they bake. You want the edges to be set and slightly glossy in the center for that perfect chewy texture. If you prefer slightly softer cookies, you can remove them from the oven right at the 10-minute mark. Remember, cookies will continue to cook slightly as they cool on the baking sheet.
Consider using an oven thermometer to ensure your oven is at the right temperature. Variations in oven temperature can lead to inconsistent baking results. If you notice uneven baking, try rotating the baking sheet halfway through the baking time to ensure uniform heat distribution.
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to start making your delicious cookies:
Ingredients
- 1 box brownie mix
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)
- 1/4 cup crushed peanuts (optional)
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let's move on to the preparation!
Instructions
Follow these easy steps to create your Brownie Mix Peanut Butter Cookies:
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Mix Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the brownie mix, peanut butter, vegetable oil, and eggs. Stir until well combined. If using, fold in the chocolate chips and crushed peanuts.
Shape the Cookies
Using a spoon, scoop out the dough and form small balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Bake the Cookies
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers are still slightly soft.
Cool and Enjoy
Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Once your cookies are cool and ready, serve them up and enjoy the delicious results!
Pro Tips
- For an extra touch, drizzle some melted chocolate over the cooled cookies before serving.
Storing and Freezing
Once cooled, store the Brownie Mix Peanut Butter Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies for up to three months. To freeze, place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. This method prevents sticking and helps maintain their texture.
When ready to enjoy frozen cookies, simply take them out and let them sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes. If you prefer a warm cookie, you can pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to bring back the gooey goodness without losing texture.
Serving Suggestions
These cookies are delightful on their own, but you can elevate the serving experience by pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The contrast of warm cookies with cold ice cream creates a tempting dessert. Drizzle with chocolate or caramel sauce for an extra touch of indulgence.
If you’re hosting a gathering, consider serving the cookies alongside a selection of beverages, such as coffee, milk, or even a rich stout. The flavors of chocolate and peanut butter complement the bitterness of coffee or the sweetness of stout beautifully, making for an enjoyable experience.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use other types of nut butter?
Yes, feel free to substitute peanut butter with almond butter or any other nut butter you prefer!
→ How should I store these cookies?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
→ Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Absolutely! You can freeze the cookie dough for up to 3 months. Just thaw it in the refrigerator before baking.
→ Why are my cookies too dry?
Make sure not to overbake them. They should be soft in the center and will continue to cook slightly after removing from the oven.
Brownie Mix Peanut Butter Cookies
I absolutely love making these Brownie Mix Peanut Butter Cookies when I'm craving something sweet yet easy to prepare. The combination of rich brownie flavors with creamy peanut butter creates a treat that's hard to resist. In just 30 minutes, I can whip up a batch that's perfect for any occasion—from an afternoon snack to a party dessert. Plus, using brownie mix makes the process super simple without compromising on taste. Trust me, these cookies will be a hit with everyone who tries them!
Created by: Madison Cole
Recipe Type: Clean Eating Kitchen
Skill Level: Beginner
Final Quantity: 24 cookies
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 1 box brownie mix
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)
- 1/4 cup crushed peanuts (optional)
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, combine the brownie mix, peanut butter, vegetable oil, and eggs. Stir until well combined. If using, fold in the chocolate chips and crushed peanuts.
Using a spoon, scoop out the dough and form small balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers are still slightly soft.
Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Extra Tips
- For an extra touch, drizzle some melted chocolate over the cooled cookies before serving.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 160 kcal
- Total Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 20g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 10g
- Protein: 3g