Irresistible Buckeye Brownie Cookies: The Ultimate Peanut Butter Chocolate Treat
If you’re a fan of the classic combination of peanut butter and chocolate, then prepare to meet your new favorite dessert: Buckeye Brownie Cookies. These delightful treats are a harmonious marriage of rich, fudgy brownies and creamy, sweet peanut butter, all topped with a smooth layer of chocolate. While you might simply call them “peanut butter brownie amazingness” or “chocolate peanut butter delights,” their official name gives a nod to a beloved Midwestern confection: Buckeye candy.
The Inspiration: What is Buckeye Candy?
For those unfamiliar, Buckeye candy is a beloved treat, particularly popular in the Midwest, with its origins firmly rooted in Ohio. Picture this: a rich, creamy peanut butter fudge ball, partially dipped in melted chocolate. The key word here is “partially.” The dipping process leaves a small circle of peanut butter visible at the top, making the candy strikingly resemble the dark brown nut from the Ohio buckeye tree. This iconic confection is not just a dessert; it’s a symbol of Ohio pride, often found at holiday gatherings, potlucks, and special events across the state.
These Buckeye Brownie Cookies take that same delightful concept and transform it into an even more decadent cookie form. Instead of just a peanut butter center, you get a soft, chewy brownie base, making each bite an explosion of flavor and texture that is utterly irresistible. It’s a genius fusion that brings together the best of both worlds: the fudginess of a brownie and the distinct taste and visual appeal of a traditional Buckeye.
Why These Peanut Butter Brownie Cookies Are a Must-Try
Regardless of the name’s regional origin, these brownie cookies are truly addicting. Just like my popular Chocolate Chip Blondies, they offer a rich, delicious experience that’s incredibly hard to resist. What makes them even better is how surprisingly easy they are to make, especially since this recipe cleverly uses a boxed brownie mix of your choice. This simple shortcut means you can whip up a batch of these glorious treats without spending hours in the kitchen, making them perfect for last-minute cravings, parties, or just a sweet indulgence.
This particular recipe was adapted from a wonderful find on Tastes of Lizzy T’s. I followed the original recipe closely, with just one minor adjustment to perfectly suit the size of a standard brownie mix box commonly found in most grocery stores. Back in the day, I used to have a fantastic brownie master mix recipe; if you happen to have a similar homemade mix, you can certainly use it here. Just measure out 15.5 ounces to match the boxed mix quantity.
Important Note on Brownie Mix Sizes
A crucial detail to remember when preparing these cookies is to **check the weight of your brownie mix box**. My recipe below is tailored for a 15.5-ounce box of fudge brownie mix. However, the original recipe I adapted from used a larger, 19.5-ounce box. This slight difference means that if your box is larger, you’ll need to adjust the other ingredient measurements accordingly to maintain the perfect consistency and flavor. Always double-check your box size first, then proceed with the appropriate measurements to ensure your Buckeye Brownie Cookies turn out absolutely perfect!
Trust me when I say, these cookies are truly extraordinary. If I were to use stronger language on this blog (which I generally don’t!), I would describe them as “bleeping” amazing. They are an absolute must-try for anyone who appreciates the rich, decadent flavors of chocolate and peanut butter in one perfect bite. Their rich brownie base, combined with the creamy peanut butter and crisp chocolate coating, creates a symphony of textures and tastes that will leave you reaching for just one more.
Pro Tips for Perfect Buckeye Brownie Cookies
To ensure your baking experience is as smooth as possible, here are a few tips and tricks I’ve learned along the way:
- Tackle Sticky Dough: The brownie dough for these cookies can be quite sticky. To make scooping easier and cleaner, keep some cooking spray nearby. A quick spritz on your cookie scoop before each use will prevent the dough from sticking and allow it to release effortlessly onto your baking sheet. This ensures uniform cookies and saves you a lot of frustration!
- Room Temperature Ingredients: For the peanut butter mixture to combine smoothly with the powdered sugar, ensure your peanut butter is at room temperature. If it’s too cold, it will be stiff and harder to mix. Similarly, softened cream cheese for the brownie base contributes to a more tender and well-mixed dough.
- Precision in Peanut Butter Balls: While forming the peanut butter balls, try to keep them roughly 1 inch in diameter. This size fits perfectly into the baked brownie cookie and allows for that classic “buckeye” look once chocolate is added. Having them all the same size also ensures even cooking and presentation.
- Don’t Overbake: Brownie cookies can go from perfectly fudgy to dry very quickly. Keep a close eye on them during the last few minutes of baking. They should look set around the edges but still appear slightly soft in the center. They will continue to set as they cool.
- Melting Chocolate: When melting the almond bark, do so in short intervals in the microwave, stirring after each. This prevents burning and ensures a smooth, dippable consistency. If it’s too thick, a tiny bit of coconut oil or shortening can help thin it out, but almond bark is usually quite forgiving.
- Cooling is Key: Allow the cookies to cool for at least 5 minutes on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack. This allows them to firm up slightly and prevents them from breaking apart. Cooling completely on a wire rack ensures the chocolate topping sets properly and prevents condensation that can make the bottom soggy.
Essential Tools for Baking Success:
Having the right tools can make all the difference in your baking journey. For these Buckeye Brownie Cookies, you’ll find the following items incredibly helpful:
- Cookie scoop: Essential for perfectly portioned, round cookies and managing sticky dough.
- Insulated baking sheet or other cookie sheet: Helps in even baking, preventing burnt bottoms.
- Parchment paper sheets or silicone baking mat: Ensures easy release and prevents sticking.
Before you dive into the recipe, I want to quickly introduce you to another one of my amazing creations: Monster Cookies! These soft, chewy, and utterly delightful cookies are packed with the goodness of peanut butter, chocolate chips, oatmeal, and colorful M&M’s. If you love a cookie with a bit of everything, I promise you’ll fall head over heels for these irresistible treats. They are a different kind of magic but equally satisfying!
Buckeye Brownie Cookies
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
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Ingredients
- 15.5 ounce box fudge brownie mix
- 3.25 tablespoons butter melted
- 3.25 oz. cream cheese softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 4 ounces almond bark chocolate
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 C). In a medium bowl, beat together the brownie mix, melted butter, softened cream cheese, and egg until well combined. The dough will be quite sticky. Spray your cookie scoop with cooking spray before portioning, then scoop the dough onto an ungreased cookie sheet. Aim for about 18-24 cookies, depending on your scoop size. Gently smooth the edges of each dough ball to form a round cookie.
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In a separate bowl, combine the powdered sugar and creamy peanut butter. Mix thoroughly until the mixture is completely smooth and combined. Roll this peanut butter mixture into small, approximate 1-inch balls. Ensure you have one peanut butter ball for each brownie cookie. Set these aside.
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Bake the cookie dough for 12-13 minutes. It’s important to monitor them closely to prevent overcooking or undercooking; the edges should be set, and the centers still slightly soft.
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Immediately after removing the cookies from the oven, gently press one peanut butter ball into the center of each hot cookie. The warmth of the cookie will slightly soften the peanut butter mixture. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
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While the cookies are cooling, melt the almond bark chocolate. Place it in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave for 60 seconds. Stir well, then continue to microwave in 15-second intervals, stirring after each, until the chocolate is completely smooth and melted. Spoon approximately 1/2 tablespoon of the melted chocolate over the top of each peanut butter ball, ensuring it covers the peanut butter completely, leaving a small edge of peanut butter visible if you wish to mimic the classic Buckeye look. Allow the chocolate to set and harden before serving.
Nutrition
The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.
More Peanut Butter and Brownie Creations!
Can’t get enough of that delightful peanut butter and brownie pairing? You’re in luck! I have a couple of other fantastic recipes that celebrate this iconic duo:
- First, give my Peanut Butter Marbled Brownie Skillet Pie a try. It’s a stunning dessert that’s perfect for sharing (or not!). The beautiful swirls of peanut butter and chocolate create a show-stopping presentation and an unforgettable flavor.
- And for something just as rich but even simpler, try these amazing One-Bowl Fudge Brownies with Peanut Butter Frosting. They are incredibly easy to make, require minimal cleanup, and deliver that intense fudge brownie flavor complemented by a luscious peanut butter frosting.
You’ll absolutely love both of these recipes if you’re a true peanut butter and chocolate enthusiast. Each offers a unique way to enjoy these complementary flavors, ensuring there’s always a delicious option for your sweet cravings!
