Peanut Butter Brownies

This peanut butter brownie recipe delivers a rich and fudgy treat with an irresistible swirl of creamy peanut butter running through every bite. It perfectly combines chocolate and peanut butter, two flavors that never fail to delight, making it an impression-worthy dessert or snack at any gathering.

I first baked this recipe for a weekend get-together and it was gone within hours. Since then it has become my go-to when I want something comforting and indulgent but not too complicated.

Ingredients

• Three quarters cup all purpose flour: spooned and leveled to ensure the right structure in the brownies
• Half cup unsweetened cocoa powder: for that deep chocolate flavor choose a good quality brand for richer taste
• Half teaspoon baking powder: to help just a little lift for tender texture
• Half cup salted butter: melted and cooled buttery richness that makes the batter silky smooth
• Three quarters cup granulated sugar and three quarters cup light brown sugar: together add sweetness and a subtle molasses note
• Two extra large eggs: at room temperature these bind the batter and contribute to the fudgy texture
• Two teaspoons pure vanilla extract: enhances the overall flavor profile
• Half teaspoon kosher salt: balances sweetness and intensifies chocolate notes
• Half cup chocolate chips: any variety you like provide extra pockets of melted chocolate in every bite
• One cup creamy peanut butter: divided with two thirds mixed into the batter and one third warmed for the swirl topping

Instructions

Spoon together dry ingredients:

In a small bowl whisk the all purpose flour unsweetened cocoa powder baking powder and chocolate chips until evenly combined to ensure distribution throughout the batter

Mix wet ingredients:

In a medium bowl stir the melted and cooled salted butter then add granulated sugar light brown sugar eggs vanilla extract and kosher salt combine just until mixed taking care not to overwork the eggs

Bring it all together:

Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture fold carefully just until no streaks of flour remain. Be gentle as overmixing can make the brownies tough rather than tender and fudgy

Layer the batter:

Line a nine by nine inch baking dish with parchment paper leaving an overhang for easy removal lightly spray the paper with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking. Spread half of the brownie batter evenly across the pan

Add peanut butter dollops:

Use a spoon to place small dollops of two thirds cup creamy peanut butter across the batter layer. This adds pockets of creamy richness inside the brownies

Top with remaining batter:

Carefully spread the remaining batter over the peanut butter dollops making sure they are covered but still noticeable for the swirl effect

Make the peanut butter swirl:

Heat the last third cup of creamy peanut butter in the microwave briefly about ten seconds until soft then drizzle evenly over the top of the brownie batter using the tip of a knife create swirls by gently dragging through the peanut butter painterly style to form pretty ribbons

Bake and cool:

Place in a preheated oven at three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit bake for about thirty minutes or until a toothpick tester inserted near the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs. Let cool completely at room temperature for two hours to set perfectly before slicing into sixteen squares and serving

One of my favorite parts about this recipe is the peanut butter swirl. It reminds me of baking with my family when my niece insisted on the swirling step. Seeing those shiny ribbons of peanut butter spread across the chocolate crust made the kitchen smell heavenly and made the treat feel extra special.

Storage Tips

Store these brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. If you want them a little firmer or prefer chilled desserts you can keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week. Before serving warm for a few seconds in the microwave to soften the peanut butter swirl again.

Ingredient Substitutions

Feel free to swap salted butter for unsalted and add a pinch more salt if you like. You can substitute creamy peanut butter with crunchy peanut butter for added texture or try almond butter for a different nutty twist. Use dark cocoa powder if you prefer a more intense chocolate flavor or add espresso powder for depth.

Serving Suggestions

These peanut butter brownies pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. A drizzle of caramel sauce or fresh berries also complements the rich chocolate peanut butter flavors nicely. Serve slightly warmed to enjoy the melted peanut butter in full glory.

Seasonal Adaptations

During the colder months add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients for cozy warming spice notes. In summer try topping the brownies with chopped roasted peanuts or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt to balance the sweetness and add crunch. These adjustments keep the recipe feeling fresh and inviting all year round.

This recipe combines comforting flavors with simple preparation to deliver a crowd-pleasing treat that’s sure to satisfy. Enjoy the luscious swirl of peanut butter in every bite!

FAQs about Recipes

→ How does the peanut butter swirl affect texture?

The peanut butter swirl creates pockets of creamy, smooth texture within the fudgy brownies, balancing richness with a nutty contrast.

→ What type of chocolate chips works best?

Semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips add a nice bittersweet balance, while milk chocolate chips provide a sweeter, creamier flavor.

→ Why is it important not to overmix the batter?

Overmixing develops gluten which leads to tougher brownies, so gentle mixing ensures a tender, soft crumb.

→ Can I use natural peanut butter for the swirls?

Natural peanut butter may alter the texture and melt differently, so creamy peanut butter is preferred for smooth swirls.

→ Is there a recommended baking pan size?

A 9x9-inch baking dish works well to ensure even baking and proper thickness for fudgy brownies.