Description
Chocolate Peanut Butter Swirl Cookies offer a delightful combination of rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter in a visually striking swirl pattern. These cookies balance the sweetness and flavors of two classic doughs, baked to perfection with soft centers and slightly crisp edges. Ideal for sharing or any sweet craving, they are easy to make and sure to impress.
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 sticking and ensure even baking.
- 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 sugar and brown sugar until fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just incorporated. Set aside.
- Prepare the Peanut Butter Dough: In another medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until fluffy. Add peanut butter and mix until smooth. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract. Gradually add in the dry ingredients until just combined.
- Create the Swirl Effect: Take equal portions of each dough (about 2 tablespoons each) and gently roll them together in your hands, being careful not to overmix so the swirls remain visible. Place the combined dough balls on the prepared baking sheets spaced about 2 inches apart.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake the cookies 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 to finish cooking, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For extra decadence, add mini chocolate chips to the peanut butter dough or chopped peanuts to the chocolate dough.
- You can substitute natural peanut butter, but you might need to adjust the flour as the dough could become wetter.
- Cookies freeze well; individually wrap them and store in freezer bags for up to 3 months.
- The dough can be made 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, chocolate cookies, peanut butter cookies, baked cookies, dessert recipes, easy cookie recipe
