- Peanut Butter Chocolate Swirl Cookies
If you love the rich, nutty flavor of peanut butter and the decadence of chocolate, these Peanut Butter Chocolate Swirl Cookies are a dream come true. They’re soft, chewy, and beautifully marbled with swirls of melted chocolate. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies are as stunning as they are delicious!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Peanut Butter Meets Chocolate: The classic flavor combination in a soft, chewy cookie.
- Easy to Make: No fancy techniques—just mix, swirl, and bake.
- Soft & Chewy Texture: Melt-in-your-mouth soft centers with lightly crisp edges.
- Customizable: Add nuts, sprinkles, or a drizzle of chocolate for extra flair.
- Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults.
Ingredients
Makes 18–20 cookies
For the Peanut Butter Dough:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
For the Chocolate Swirl:
- ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 tbsp coconut oil (or shortening, for smooth melting)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat & Prep
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
Step 2: Make the Peanut Butter Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together peanut butter, softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
Step 3: Prepare the Chocolate Swirl
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips and coconut oil in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval, until smooth.
Step 4: Assemble the Cookies
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls.
- Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart.
- Flatten each ball slightly with the back of a spoon or your hand.
- Drizzle the melted chocolate over each cookie in a zigzag pattern.
- Use a toothpick or skewer to swirl the chocolate into the dough, creating a marbled effect.
Step 5: Bake
- Bake for 8–10 minutes, until the edges are set but the centers remain soft.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Why This Recipe Works
- Peanut Butter Base: Creates a rich, nutty flavor and keeps the cookies soft.
- Chocolate Swirl Magic: Adds decadence without overpowering the peanut butter.
- Simple Swirling Technique: Gives the cookies a gorgeous marbled look with minimal effort.
Variations to Try
- Chunky Peanut Butter: Use chunky peanut butter for added texture.
- White Chocolate Swirl: Swap semi-sweet chocolate for white chocolate for a sweeter twist.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version.
- Vegan Version: Use plant-based butter, flax eggs, and dairy-free chocolate chips.
- Nutty Crunch: Fold in chopped peanuts or almonds for extra crunch.
Tips for Success
- Don’t Overbake: The cookies will continue to set as they cool, so take them out when they’re still slightly soft in the center.
- Even Swirling: Use a toothpick or skewer to create gentle swirls without overmixing the chocolate.
- Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage.
Serving Suggestions
- Holiday Treats: Perfect for Christmas, Valentine’s Day, or any festive occasion.
- Romantic Touch: Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with extra melted chocolate for elegance.
- Party Platter: Arrange on a dessert board with milk for dunking.
Final Thoughts
These Peanut Butter Chocolate Swirl Cookies are a perfect combination of creamy peanut butter and rich chocolate, with a soft, chewy texture that’s impossible to resist. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just treating yourself, this recipe is guaranteed to bring smiles all around!