There’s something magical about Chocolate Peanut Butter Brownies — that mix of rich cocoa and creamy peanut butter feels like pure comfort in every bite. They’re dense, gooey, and packed with chocolate flavor, with swirls of peanut butter baked right in.
The first time I made these, it was one of those rainy afternoons when everyone in the house wanted something sweet. I grabbed my brownie mix, some peanut butter, and decided to swirl them together. The smell alone was incredible, but the taste? Unreal. Now, they sit right beside my White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies and Pistachio Chocolate Bar Cookies as one of my most-requested bakes.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper and lightly grease.
- In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, sugar, and cocoa powder. Add vanilla extract and eggs, mixing until smooth. Stir in flour, baking powder, and salt just until combined.
- In a separate bowl, mix peanut butter, powdered sugar, and melted butter until smooth and creamy.
- Pour half the brownie batter into the pan. Drop spoonfuls of peanut butter mixture across the surface, then pour the remaining brownie batter on top. Add more peanut butter dollops and swirl gently with a knife.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean.
- Cool completely before slicing into squares.
Nutrition
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Why You’ll Love Chocolate Peanut Butter Brownies
They’re everything a dessert should be — fudgy, gooey, and bursting with flavor. The salty-sweet balance keeps every bite exciting, and they’re simple to make with pantry staples.
If you love indulgent desserts like my Toffee Chocolate Chip Cheeseball or Banana Pudding Poke Cake, these brownies will feel like a warm hug from the oven.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Brownie Base:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
For the Peanut Butter Swirl:
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
If you’re a chocolate lover, you’ll also adore my Pink Party Donuts — same joy, just in a more playful form.
How to Make Chocolate Peanut Butter Brownies
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper and lightly grease.
Step 2: Mix the Brownie Batter
In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, sugar, and cocoa powder. Add vanilla extract and eggs, mixing until smooth. Stir in flour, baking powder, and salt just until combined.
Step 3: Prepare the Peanut Butter Swirl
In a separate bowl, mix peanut butter, powdered sugar, and melted butter until smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Layer the Batter
Pour half the brownie batter into the pan. Drop spoonfuls of peanut butter mixture across the surface, then pour the remaining brownie batter on top. Add a few more peanut butter dollops and swirl gently with a knife.
Step 5: Bake
Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean (a little fudgy is perfect).
Step 6: Cool and Slice
Cool completely before slicing into squares.
If you love easy bakes with big payoff, this one’s just as satisfying as my Loaded Cornbread Casserole.
Tips for Perfect Chocolate Peanut Butter Brownies
- Don’t overmix the batter: Keeps the texture fudgy, not cakey.
- Warm the peanut butter slightly: Makes it easier to swirl.
- Let cool completely: The flavors settle and the texture firms up beautifully.
- Add chocolate chips: For an extra-rich version.
These are the same kinds of simple baking tricks that make my Garten’s Cranberry Orange Bread turn out bakery-perfect every time.
How to Store and Freeze
Storage: Keep brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Fridge: For a fudgier texture, store in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Freezer: Wrap slices in plastic wrap and freeze up to 2 months.
Like my Christmas Cherry Bombs, these brownies freeze and thaw beautifully for easy holiday prep.
Flavor Variations
- Chunky Style: Add chopped peanuts for crunch.
- Reese’s Upgrade: Stir in chopped peanut butter cups.
- Salted Caramel Swirl: Drizzle caramel over the peanut butter before baking.
- Dark Chocolate Version: Use dark cocoa powder and reduce sugar slightly.
If you enjoy creative flavor twists, this one’s as adaptable as my Cajun Seafood Alfredo.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use boxed brownie mix?
Absolutely! Prepare as directed, then add the peanut butter swirl for a quick version.
2. Can I use natural peanut butter?
Yes, but make sure it’s well-stirred — natural oils can make it too runny.
3. How do I make them extra fudgy?
Bake just until the center is set and cool completely before slicing.
4. Can I add frosting?
Sure! A drizzle of chocolate ganache or peanut butter glaze is amazing.
The Final Bite
These Chocolate Peanut Butter Brownies are a dessert dream come true — rich, decadent, and full of creamy peanut butter swirls. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or yourself (no judgment here!), they’re guaranteed to disappear fast.
Serve them with a mug of my Hot Cocoa Mix Recipe for the ultimate cozy dessert moment.