Chocolate Peanut Butter Swirl Cookies Recipe
Introduction
Chocolate Peanut Butter Swirl Cookies bring together the rich flavors of chocolate and creamy peanut butter in one delightful treat. These cookies offer a beautiful marbled look with a soft, chewy texture that’s perfect for any occasion. They’re easy to make and sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.

Ingredients
- 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
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Step 2: For the chocolate dough, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. In a large bowl, cream softened butter with granulated and brown sugars until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes). Beat in the egg and vanilla extract, then gradually mix in the dry ingredients just until combined. Set aside.
- Step 3: For the peanut butter dough, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt in another medium bowl. In a large bowl, cream softened butter with both sugars until fluffy. Add peanut butter and mix until smooth. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract, then gradually incorporate the dry ingredients just until combined.
- Step 4: Take equal portions of each dough (about 2 tablespoons each) and gently roll them together by hand to create a swirl pattern. Be careful not to overmix, so the marbled effect remains distinct.
- Step 5: Place the combined dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Step 6: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set but centers still look slightly soft. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips & Variations
- Use room temperature butter and eggs to ensure the dough blends smoothly for the best texture.
- Work quickly and gently when rolling the two doughs together to keep the swirl pattern distinct.
- A cookie scoop helps make uniform cookies that bake evenly.
- Don’t overbake; the cookies should appear slightly underdone when removed as they will firm up while cooling.
- For a crunchy twist, sprinkle a few chopped peanuts on top before baking.
Storage
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To refresh slightly, warm them in a low oven or microwave for a few seconds. You can also freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months; thaw at room temperature before serving.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Yes, crunchy peanut butter adds a pleasant texture, but be aware it may slightly change the consistency of the dough and the swirl pattern.
Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can make both doughs, wrap them separately, and refrigerate for up to 2 days before rolling and baking.
Print
Chocolate Peanut Butter Swirl Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Description
Delight in these Chocolate Peanut Butter Swirl Cookies, combining rich cocoa and creamy peanut butter in a beautifully marbled, soft-baked treat. Perfect for cookie lovers who enjoy the perfect balance of chocolate and peanut butter flavors with a tender, chewy texture.
Ingredients
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 sticking and ensure even baking of your cookies.
- Make the Chocolate Dough: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. In a separate large bowl, cream the softened butter with granulated and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined. Gradually add the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined. Set aside.
- Prepare the Peanut Butter Dough: In another medium bowl, whisk the flour, baking soda, and salt together. In a large bowl, cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until fluffy. Add peanut butter and mix until smooth. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract, then gradually incorporate the dry ingredients until just combined.
- Create the Swirl Effect: Take equal portions (about 2 tablespoons) of each dough and gently roll them together by hand, taking care not to overmix so the swirls remain distinct. Place dough balls on the prepared baking sheets with about 2 inches spacing between each.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are set but centers remain slightly soft, as the cookies will continue cooking on the baking sheet after removal. Let cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients for the best texture; remove eggs and butter from the refrigerator 30-60 minutes before baking.
- Work quickly and gently when combining doughs to maintain the desired swirl appearance without blending the colors too much.
- Use a cookie scoop to ensure uniform cookie sizes and even baking.
- Do not overbake; cookies should appear slightly underdone when removed as they firm up while cooling.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes per batch
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Chocolate Peanut Butter Swirl Cookies, chocolate cookies, peanut butter cookies, marbled cookies, easy cookie recipe, homemade cookies, chewy cookies

