Brownie Mix Peanut Butter Cookies
Highlighted under: Clean Eating Kitchen
I absolutely love making these Brownie Mix Peanut Butter Cookies! They come together quickly and are always a crowd-pleaser. The rich chocolate flavor from the brownie mix combined with the creamy peanut butter creates a taste that's hard to resist. I couldn't believe how easy they were to whip up, and they quickly became my go-to treat for last-minute gatherings. Plus, they bake to a perfectly chewy texture that’s just irresistible, making them the perfect cookie for any occasion!
When I first experimented with these cookies, I was amazed by how quickly they came together. Using a brownie mix as the base eliminated the need for measuring a ton of ingredients, making this a super quick baking adventure. The result was a soft, chewy cookie that was rich and delicious.
One tip I discovered was to slightly underbake them, allowing the cookies to set on the baking sheet as they cool. This keeps them soft and gooey, which is exactly how I love my cookies!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Decadent brownie flavor meets nutty peanut butter goodness
- Quick and simple to prepare, perfect for a busy schedule
- The chewy texture offers a delightful contrast to classic cookies
Getting the Right Texture
The texture of your Brownie Mix Peanut Butter Cookies is essential for achieving that perfect chewy bite. To ensure they come out soft and tender, avoid overmixing the dough. Once all the ingredients are combined, you should stop mixing. Overmixing can develop too much gluten, leading to denser cookies. Instead, look for a dough that is slightly sticky and thick, which will provide that coveted chewy finish after baking.
Baking time is another crucial factor. Since these cookies rely on a brownie mix, they tend to bake faster than traditional cookies. Start checking them around the 10-minute mark; they should be set around the edges but still soft in the center. They will continue to cook on the baking sheet after pulling them from the oven, which is key to keeping that delightful chewiness.
Ingredient Roles and Substitutions
The combination of brownie mix, peanut butter, and egg forms the base of these cookies, but each ingredient plays a vital role in the cookie's final flavor and texture. The brownie mix provides moisture and chocolate richness, while the peanut butter adds both flavor and fat, contributing to the overall chewy quality. The egg acts as a binder, ensuring that the cookies hold together well during baking.
If you're looking to make a variation or adapt the recipe, you can substitute almond or cashew butter for peanut butter, though the flavor will shift slightly. For those avoiding eggs, a common substitution is a flaxseed meal mixed with water—use 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal combined with 2.5 tablespoons of water, allowed to sit for a few minutes until it thickens. This option maintains the cookies' chewy texture effectively!
Ingredients
Ingredients
For the Cookies
- 1 box brownie mix
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (optional)
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)
Mix all the ingredients together until well combined!
Instructions
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Mix the Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, combine the brownie mix, peanut butter, and egg. If you want a richer chocolate flavor, include the cocoa powder.
Fold in Chocolate Chips
If desired, fold in the chocolate chips for extra indulgence.
Scoop and Bake
Scoop tablespoons of the cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes until just set.
Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Enjoy your delicious cookies with a glass of milk!
Pro Tips
- For an added crunch, you can sprinkle some sea salt on top of the cookies before baking.
Make-Ahead and Storage
These Brownie Mix Peanut Butter Cookies are perfect for make-ahead preparations! You can prepare the dough in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. Just scoop the dough onto the baking sheet, cover it, and chill until you're ready to bake. This way, you can enjoy freshly baked cookies straight from the oven any time you like.
If you want to bake a larger batch, consider freezing the cookie dough balls. Simply scoop the dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a zip-top bag and store them for up to three months. When you're ready for a treat, just bake them straight from the freezer, adjusting the baking time by a minute or two.
Serving Suggestions
These cookies are delicious on their own, but you can elevate your serving experience by drizzling melted chocolate or peanut butter over the warm cookies. This not only enhances the presentation but also adds an extra layer of flavor that will impress your guests. Serve them alongside a glass of cold milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert combo.
For special occasions, consider sandwiching two cookies together with a layer of frosting or ganache, creating a decadent dessert treat. This variation is perfect for birthdays or gatherings where you want to serve something a bit more extravagant. Just be sure to adjust the baking time slightly if you're making larger cookies for sandwiches!
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use a different nut butter?
Yes, almond butter or cashew butter can be used as alternatives to peanut butter.
→ How can I store the cookies?
Store the cookies 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 fridge before baking.
→ What can I pair these cookies with?
These cookies pair wonderfully with milk, coffee, or even vanilla ice cream for dessert.
Brownie Mix Peanut Butter Cookies
I absolutely love making these Brownie Mix Peanut Butter Cookies! They come together quickly and are always a crowd-pleaser. The rich chocolate flavor from the brownie mix combined with the creamy peanut butter creates a taste that's hard to resist. I couldn't believe how easy they were to whip up, and they quickly became my go-to treat for last-minute gatherings. Plus, they bake to a perfectly chewy texture that’s just irresistible, making them the perfect cookie for any occasion!
Created by: Madison Cole
Recipe Type: Clean Eating Kitchen
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 24 cookies
What You'll Need
For the Cookies
- 1 box brownie mix
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (optional)
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a mixing bowl, combine the brownie mix, peanut butter, and egg. If you want a richer chocolate flavor, include the cocoa powder.
If desired, fold in the chocolate chips for extra indulgence.
Scoop tablespoons of the cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes until just set.
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Extra Tips
- For an added crunch, you can sprinkle some sea salt on top of the cookies before baking.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Total Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 100mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 18g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 10g
- Protein: 3g