Buckeye Brownie Cookies : if you love the delightful combination of brownies and peanut butter, then Buckeye Brownie Cookies are a dessert you simply can’t miss! These cookies are incredibly delicious, chewy, and packed with a rich peanut butter filling that reminds many of childhood baking adventures. Baking these cookies not only fills your home with a sweet aroma but also creates lovely memories to cherish with family and friends.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

One of the best things about Buckeye Brownie Cookies is how simple they are to make. You can whip them up in no time, making them perfect for a last-minute treat. The creamy peanut butter filling surrounded by fudgy brownie-like cookies makes each bite a sweet escape. Plus, the combination of flavors is sure to please everyone, whether it’s a family gathering, a bake sale, or just a sweet indulgence at home.

How to Prepare Buckeye Brownie Cookies

Getting started on these fantastic cookies is easy. You just need to gather your ingredients and follow the simple steps below. Let’s dive into making these sweet treats!

Ingredients:

• For the brownie cookies:
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
• For the peanut butter filling:
  • 1 cup peanut butter (smooth or crunchy)
  • 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• For the chocolate coating:
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil or vegetable oil (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Brownie Cookie Mixture:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • In a large bowl, stir together the melted butter and sugar until well combined.
   • Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract.
   • In another bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
   • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until just combined. Do not over-mix; it’s okay if there are a few lumps.
2. Make the Peanut Butter Filling:
   • In a separate bowl, combine the peanut butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth. If you want it to be easier to scoop, feel free to microwave it for a few seconds.
3. Assemble the Cookies:
   • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
   • Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop a small amount of brownie cookie mixture onto the sheet.
   • Flatten the brownie mixture slightly with the back of a spoon.
   • Take about a teaspoon of peanut butter filling and place it in the center.
   • Cover the filling with another spoonful of brownie mixture, sealing it well around the filling so that it’s completely encased.
4. Bake the Cookies:
   • Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes until the edges are set but the centers look slightly soft. They will continue to cook a bit on the pan after being removed from the oven.
   • Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
5. Prepare the Chocolate Coating:
   • While the cookies are cooling, melt the chocolate chips with coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until smooth.
   • Once cooled, dunk each cookie halfway into the melted chocolate or drizzle chocolate over them before allowing them to set on parchment paper.

How to Serve Buckeye Brownie Cookies

These cookies are perfect for any occasion! You can serve them as a dessert for a family dinner, pack them in lunchboxes, or take them to a picnic. They are delicious on their own, but pairing them with a tall glass of cold milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream makes them even more delightful.

If you’re hosting a gathering, consider arranging them on a beautiful plate with some fresh fruits or other desserts. You can also sprinkle a little sea salt on top of the chocolate for added flavor.

How to Store Buckeye Brownie Cookies

To keep your Buckeye Brownie Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will remain delicious for up to a week. If you want to make them ahead of time, you can freeze the unbaked cookies. Just prepare them up until the baking step, then place them on a baking sheet in the freezer until solid. Transfer to a freezer bag, and you can bake them fresh whenever you desire! If baked cookies are frozen, remember to let them thaw at room temperature before serving.

Tips for Preparing Buckeye Brownie Cookies

• Be Precise with Measurements: Baking is a science, so it’s vital to measure your ingredients accurately. Consider using a kitchen scale for precise measurements.
• Don’t Overmix: When combining your wet and dry ingredients, mix just enough to eliminate dry flour; overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
• Chill the Peanut Butter Filling: If your peanut butter filling feels too soft to scoop, refrigerate it for a bit. This will make it easier to handle.
• Small Batches: If you’re new to baking, consider making a smaller batch to get a feel for the process before you tackle larger quantities.
• Customize Your Filling: Feel free to mix in some chopped nuts or chocolate chips into the peanut butter filling for extra texture.

Variation

If you want to try something different, consider swapping out the peanut butter filling for a cream cheese filling or even a Nutella filling for a chocolate-hazelnut twist! For a little crunch, add crushed pretzels or nuts into the brownie mixture or filling.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make these cookies without peanut butter?
   Yes, you can use any nut butter or even a seed butter if you prefer. Some people try using almond or sunflower seed butter as a twist!
2. What should I do if my cookie dough is too sticky?
   If the dough feels too sticky to work with, refrigerate it for 30 minutes. Chilling the dough will help it firm up and make it easier to handle.
3. How can I make gluten-free Buckeye Brownie Cookies?
   You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Make sure the other ingredients you’re using are also gluten-free.
4. Why did my cookies come out cakey?
   Overmixing or too much flour can lead to a cakey texture. Be sure to handle the dough gently and measure correctly!
5. How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
   The cookies should look set around the edges and slightly soft in the middle. They will firm up as they cool, so avoid baking them until they look fully firm.

Buckeye Brownie Cookies are not just a treat; they are a delightful experience. Whether you are enjoying them by yourself or sharing them with friends and family, every bite is sure to bring a smile. Happy baking!