How to Make Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies from Scratch

Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies combine two dessert favorites into one soft, chewy, and irresistible treat. With rich chocolate brownie dough swirled together with creamy peanut butter cookie dough, every bite is a balance of sweet, nutty, and indulgent flavor—lightened up for a more balanced treat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Two-in-One Dessert: The best of both worlds—brownies and peanut butter cookies in every bite.
Lightened Up: Lower in calories and made with better-for-you ingredients.
Fun to Make: Swirling the doughs together is easy and visually stunning.
Perfect Texture: Soft, chewy, and slightly crisp on the edges.

Ingredients

For the Brownie Dough

• 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1/4 cup sugar substitute (like erythritol or stevia blend)
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup whole wheat pastry flour
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• Pinch of salt

For the Peanut Butter Dough

• 1/3 cup natural peanut butter (no sugar added)
• 2 tbsp light butter or margarine, softened
• 1/4 cup sugar substitute
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp baking soda
• 1/3 cup whole wheat pastry flour
• Pinch of salt

Instructions

Prepare the Brownie Dough

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• In a bowl, whisk applesauce, sugar substitute, egg, and vanilla.
• Stir in cocoa powder, flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix until smooth and thick.

Prepare the Peanut Butter Dough

• In another bowl, mix peanut butter, light butter, sugar substitute, and vanilla until creamy.
• Add baking soda, flour, and salt. Stir to form a soft dough.

Combine and Swirl

• Scoop 1/2 tbsp of each dough and press them gently together.
• Roll lightly into a ball and place on the baking sheet.
• Use your fingers or a toothpick to gently swirl the two doughs together on the top.

Bake

• Bake for 9–11 minutes until cookies are just set in the center.
• Let cool on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Nutritional Information (Per Cookie, Approximate)

Calories: 95 | Carbs: 9g | Fat: 5g | Protein: 3g | Sugar: 2g | Fiber: 2g

Tips for Success

• Don’t Overmix the Swirl: A few turns is enough to get the visual effect without blending the doughs.
• Chill if Sticky: If either dough feels too soft to handle, refrigerate for 15 minutes before scooping.
• Natural Peanut Butter: Use a smooth, natural peanut butter with no added sugar for best texture.
• Portion Evenly: A small cookie scoop helps keep your portions even for consistent baking.

Why This Recipe Works

• Flavor Contrast: Peanut butter’s salty richness balances the deep cocoa flavor beautifully.
• Health-Conscious Swaps: Applesauce replaces oil and sugar is reduced without sacrificing taste.
• Texture Perfection: Soft, fudgy centers with just enough crisp around the edges.
• Kid and Crowd-Friendly: These cookies are a hit at gatherings, lunchboxes, or just for a treat at home.

Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies bring together the beloved flavors of chocolate and peanut butter in a cookie that’s just as beautiful as it is delicious. With lightened ingredients and a soft, chewy texture, these cookies are a sweet indulgence you can feel good about enjoying—again and again.