Introduction

Chocolate Peanut Butter Swirl Cookies are a delightful treat that combines rich cocoa with creamy peanut butter in every bite. These cookies feature a beautiful marbled appearance and a perfect balance of flavors, making them an irresistible snack for any occasion.

A white plate holds a stack of round cookies with a marbled swirl pattern. Each cookie has two main colors: dark brown chocolate and light brown peanut butter, twisted together in thick, wavy layers that cover the top surface. The cookies' texture looks soft and slightly cracked, with the peanut butter parts smoother and the chocolate parts more crumbly. The cookies are closely stacked, filling the plate in a casual pile. The setting features a white marbled background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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 the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. In a large bowl, cream the softened butter with granulated and brown sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract. Gradually add the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Set aside.
Step 3: For the peanut butter dough, whisk the flour, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. In another large bowl, cream the softened butter with sugars until fluffy. Mix in the peanut butter until smooth. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients until just combined.
Step 4: Take equal portions (about 2 tablespoons each) of chocolate and peanut butter dough and gently roll them together by hand to create a swirl effect. Be careful not to overmix to keep distinct swirls.
Step 5: Place the combined dough balls on the prepared baking sheets spaced about 2 inches apart.
Step 6: Bake for 10-12 minutes, until edges are set but centers remain slightly soft. Let cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips & Variations

For a crunchy texture, add chopped peanuts to the peanut butter dough.
Use chunky peanut butter for added texture and extra peanut flavor.
Chill the dough balls for 15 minutes before baking to prevent spreading.
Swap cocoa powder for melted chocolate in the chocolate dough for a richer taste.

Storage

Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, warm cookies in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5 minutes or until soft and fragrant.

How to Serve

A white plate filled with several round cookies that each have a swirled pattern of two colors. The cookies have one layer of rich dark brown chocolate dough intertwined smoothly with a light brown peanut butter dough, creating a marbled effect. The texture on the cookies looks soft and slightly cracked on the chocolate parts, while the peanut butter parts appear creamy and smooth. The cookies are stacked in a loose pile on the white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use natural peanut butter instead of creamy?

Yes, natural peanut butter can be used, but it may change the texture and cause the dough to be slightly softer. You might need to chill the dough before baking to help it hold its shape.

What if I don’t have parchment paper?

You can grease your baking sheets lightly with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking, but parchment paper is recommended for even baking and easy cleanup.