Have you ever wished for a dessert that combines the gooey richness of brownies with the nutty sweetness of peanut butter? Look no further—Buckeye Brownie Cookies are here to satisfy your cravings!
These cookies bring together the chewy texture of brownies and the classic Buckeye candy flavor—a luscious peanut butter center coated with chocolate. With every bite, you’ll enjoy layers of indulgence: fudgy cookie base, creamy peanut butter filling, and a melt-in-your-mouth topping.
Whether you’re preparing a quick family dessert, baking for the holidays, or just treating yourself on a cozy evening, these cookies are a crowd-pleasing, nostalgic treat that never disappoints.
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Why You’ll Love Buckeye Brownie Cookies
- Quick & Easy – Only a few steps, perfect for beginners.
- Perfect Texture – Chewy edges, soft centers, with a creamy peanut butter surprise.
- Kid-Friendly – Fun to make with kids; they’ll love pressing peanut butter cups into warm cookies.
- Make-Ahead Friendly – Prepare the dough in advance and bake fresh anytime.
- Versatile – Easy to customize with chocolate chips, nuts, or drizzled chocolate.
Ingredients for Buckeye Brownie Cookies
Here’s everything you’ll need (with quantities for reference):
- ½ cup unsalted butter – softened at room temperature
- ½ cup granulated sugar – adds sweetness and crisp edges
- ½ cup brown sugar – keeps cookies moist and chewy
- ¾ cup cocoa powder – use high-quality unsweetened cocoa
- 1 cup all-purpose flour – gives structure
- 1 teaspoon baking powder – helps cookies rise
- ¼ teaspoon salt – balances sweetness
- 2 large eggs – for binding and softness
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – enhances overall flavor
- 12 peanut butter cups (halved) – the iconic Buckeye touch
📌 Tip: Use mini peanut butter cups if you want bite-sized cookies.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Oven
Set oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step 2: Cream Butter & Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
Step 3: Add Eggs & Vanilla
Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Slowly add this to the wet mixture. Mix until just combined—do not overmix.
Step 5: Shape Dough
Scoop out tablespoon-sized balls of dough and place them on prepared baking sheets, leaving 2 inches between each cookie.
Step 6: Bake
Bake for 10–12 minutes, until edges are set but centers look slightly soft.
Step 7: Add Peanut Butter Cups
While cookies are still warm, press ½ peanut butter cup into the center of each cookie. Let cool on wire racks.
🍪 Your chewy, fudgy, peanut butter–topped cookies are ready!
Pro Tips for Perfect Buckeye Brownie Cookies
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients – Ensures smooth mixing.
- Don’t Overmix – Overmixing makes cookies tough. Stop once flour disappears.
- Chill the Dough – Optional but helps cookies keep shape & intensifies flavor.
- Slightly Underbake – Cookies firm up as they cool, keeping centers chewy.
- Rotate Baking Sheets – For even baking if making multiple trays.
How to Serve Buckeye Brownie Cookies
These cookies are delightful on their own, but here are some creative serving ideas:
- 🍦 With Ice Cream – Top warm cookies with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream.
- ☕ With Coffee – Perfect for afternoon pick-me-up.
- 🥛 With Milk – A nostalgic combo kids and adults love.
- 🍫 With Chocolate Drizzle – Melt some chocolate and drizzle over cooled cookies for extra decadence.
Storage & Make-Ahead Guide
- Room Temperature – Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Refrigerator – Stays fresh for about 7–8 days.
- Freezer (Dough) – Roll dough into balls, freeze on a tray, then transfer to a bag. Bake from frozen +2 minutes.
- Freezer (Baked Cookies) – Wrap cooled cookies individually in plastic wrap. Freeze up to 3 months.
📌 To refresh frozen cookies: warm in oven at 350°F for 5 minutes.
Variations to Try
- Double Chocolate Buckeye Cookies – Add chocolate chips into the dough.
- Nutty Buckeyes – Fold in chopped pecans or walnuts.
- Holiday Version – Use white chocolate drizzle and red/green sprinkles.
- Salted Buckeye Cookies – Sprinkle sea salt flakes on top for a sweet-salty twist.
- Protein Boost – Replace 2 tbsp flour with chocolate protein powder.
Nutrition Facts (per cookie, approx. 35g)
- Calories: 150
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Sugar: 10g
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Protein: 2g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Cholesterol: 20mg
FAQs About Buckeye Brownie Cookies
❓ What are Buckeye Brownie Cookies?
They’re a dessert mash-up combining chewy brownie-like cookies topped with peanut butter cups—named after the famous Buckeye candies from Ohio.
❓ Can I make them ahead of time?
Yes! You can refrigerate dough for up to 48 hours or freeze shaped dough balls for 3 months.
❓ Can I use natural peanut butter instead of cups?
Yes, but it’s softer and oilier. Freeze small peanut butter balls first to keep shape while baking.
❓ How do I prevent cookies from spreading too much?
Chill dough for at least 30 minutes before baking.
❓ Can I make them gluten-free?
Yes—substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Conclusion
Buckeye Brownie Cookies are the ultimate dessert for chocolate and peanut butter lovers. They’re easy to make, freezer-friendly, and absolutely irresistible. With chewy brownie texture and creamy peanut butter centers, they’re perfect for holidays, parties, or late-night cravings.
So grab your mixing bowl, whip up a batch, and watch these cookies disappear in minutes. Once you try them, they’ll become a family favorite you’ll bake again and again.
