Description

These Chocolate Peanut Butter Brownies combine rich, fudgy chocolate brownie batter with a creamy peanut butter swirl, creating a deliciously decadent treat that balances intense chocolate flavor with a salty-sweet peanut butter ribbon. Perfect for dessert or snacks, these brownies are easy to make using simple ingredients and baking techniques.

Ingredients

Scale

Brownie Batter

1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
4 oz (115g) semi-sweet chocolate, chopped or chocolate chips
1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
1/4 cup (50g) light brown sugar
2 large eggs, at room temperature
1 large egg yolk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2/3 cup (85g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
1/3 cup (30g) unsweetened cocoa powder, sifted
1/2 teaspoon baking powder (optional)
1/4 teaspoon salt

Peanut Butter Swirl

1/2 cup (125g) creamy peanut butter
2 tablespoons powdered sugar
2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk (optional)

Optional Mix-Ins & Toppings

1/2 cup chocolate chips or chunks
1/4 cup roasted peanuts, chopped
Sea salt flakes for garnish

Instructions

Prepare the Pan and Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving overhang to easily lift out the brownies after baking.
Melt the Chocolate & Butter: In a heatproof bowl, melt the butter and semi-sweet chocolate together either in the microwave in 20-second bursts, stirring between each, or over a double boiler. Allow the mixture to cool slightly to prevent scrambling the eggs later.
Whisk Wet Ingredients: Add granulated and brown sugars to the melted mixture and stir until smooth and glossy. Whisk in the eggs and egg yolk one at a time, then add vanilla extract. This step promotes the iconic crackly top of brownies.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder if using, and salt. Fold these dry ingredients gently into the wet mixture with a spatula until just combined, being careful not to overmix for fudgy texture.
Make the Peanut Butter Swirl: In a small bowl, combine creamy peanut butter, powdered sugar, and add heavy cream or milk if needed for a smoother consistency. This mix keeps the swirl soft and stable when baked.
Assemble the Brownies: Pour half the brownie batter into the lined pan. Spoon dollops of peanut butter swirl over the batter, then add the remaining brownie batter on top. Dot more peanut butter over the surface and use a knife or skewer to gently create swirls without losing the distinct patterns.
Bake to Perfection: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. Begin checking at 28 minutes with a toothpick inserted in the center; it should come out with moist crumbs but no raw batter for fudgy brownies.
Cool and Cut: Allow brownies to cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes. For clean edges, chill in the fridge for an hour before cutting into 16 squares. Use a hot knife wiped between cuts to create bakery-style slices.

Notes

For fudgier brownies, shorten baking time slightly.
Do not overmix the batter to ensure fudgy texture.
Warming peanut butter slightly can help achieve a smoother swirl.
Storing brownies in an airtight container keeps them fresh for up to 4 days at room temperature.
Freeze individually wrapped brownies for up to 2 months; reheat in microwave before serving.
Optional mix-ins like chopped peanuts or chocolate chips add texture and flavor variety.
Serving warm brownies with vanilla ice cream enhances the dessert experience.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: Chocolate brownies, peanut butter swirl, fudgy brownies, dessert, baked goods, chocolate dessert, peanut butter dessert