Introduction

These Delicious Chocolate Peanut Butter Swirl Cookies combine two classic flavors in one irresistible treat. With a soft, chewy texture and a beautiful marbled appearance, they’re perfect for anyone who loves the rich taste of chocolate paired with creamy peanut butter.

A white plate holds a stack of round swirl cookies, each cookie showing two main layers twisted together: a rich dark brown chocolate layer and a golden peanut butter layer. The swirls form spiral patterns, giving each cookie a marbled look with smooth, slightly cracked textures. The cookies are thick and soft, layered in a loose pile, with the chocolate parts looking dense and the peanut butter parts creamy and a bit crumbly. The white marbled surface beneath the plate is softly blurred, focusing attention on the detailed textures of the cookies. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

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
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 to prevent sticking.
Step 2: For the chocolate dough, whisk together 1 cup flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl.
Step 3: In a large bowl, cream ½ cup softened butter with ½ cup granulated sugar and ¼ cup brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
Step 4: Beat in 1 egg and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until well combined, then gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined. Set aside.
Step 5: For the peanut butter dough, whisk together ¾ cup flour, baking soda, and salt in another medium bowl.
Step 6: In a large bowl, cream ¼ cup softened butter with ¼ cup granulated sugar and ¼ cup brown sugar until fluffy.
Step 7: Add ½ cup creamy peanut butter and mix until smooth, then beat in 1 egg and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
Step 8: Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients until just combined.
Step 9: Take equal portions (about 2 tablespoons each) of chocolate and peanut butter dough. Gently roll them together without overmixing to create distinct swirls.
Step 10: Place the combined dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Step 11: Bake for 10-12 minutes, until edges are set but centers remain slightly soft. Let cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips & Variations

For extra texture, add chopped peanuts or chocolate chips into either dough before combining.
Use natural peanut butter for a less sweet, more intense peanut flavor.
If you prefer a firmer cookie, bake for an additional 1-2 minutes but watch carefully to avoid dryness.

Storage

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months. Reheat gently in a microwave for about 10 seconds or allow to come to room temperature for best texture.

How to Serve

A round cookie with two distinct halves, one side light golden brown with visible chocolate chips and a soft, slightly bumpy texture; the other side dark chocolate, rich and slightly cracked with embedded chocolate chips. The cookie is placed on crumpled brown parchment paper with a few extra chocolate chips scattered around it, all set on a white marbled textured surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Yes, crunchy peanut butter works well and adds a pleasant texture, but it may change the consistency of the peanut butter dough slightly.

Can I make these cookies dairy-free?

You can substitute the unsalted butter with a plant-based margarine or coconut oil to make these cookies dairy-free. Make sure your peanut butter is also free of dairy ingredients.