Name: Peanut Butter Brownies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 2⅔ cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup cocoa powder; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon salt; 2 cups sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup butter (softened); 4 large eggs; 1 cup whole milk; 1 cup creamy peanut butter

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These Peanut Butter Swirl Brownies are rich, fudgy, and packed with that classic flavor combo we all love. They’re super easy to make, and in less than an hour, you’ll have a delicious batch of brownies ready to enjoy. Perfect for sharing, or you know, keeping them all to yourself (no judgment here!).

There’s something timeless about chocolate and peanut butter together. These brownies are all about that magical combo, with a fudgy chocolate base and creamy peanut butter swirls. What’s even better, this recipe uses ingredients you probably already have in your pantry, making it a go-to whenever you’re craving something sweet.

Why you’ll love these Peanut Butter Brownies

Quick and Easy:
No complicated steps here—just mix, swirl, and bake. You’ll have these ready in no time, which is great when you’re short on time but still want something homemade.
Rich Flavor:
The cocoa and peanut butter give these brownies a deep, satisfying taste that’s rich without being overly sweet. Each bite is a perfect balance of flavors.
Great for Sharing:
This recipe makes plenty, so they’re perfect for sharing with friends and family. Or, you know, saving a few for yourself to enjoy later.

Chocolate Comfort

There’s something about the mix of chocolate and peanut butter that just feels like a hug in dessert form. It reminds me of simple, happy moments—like sharing treats with friends or indulging in a cozy dessert after a long day. The rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter together create this comforting, satisfying treat that always hits the spot.

Ingredients Needed for Peanut Butter Brownies

All-purpose flour: Helps give the brownies their structure, making them just the right mix of fudgy and cakey.
Cocoa powder: This is where the deep chocolate flavor comes from. Use unsweetened cocoa powder to keep the sweetness balanced.
Baking soda and baking powder: These help the brownies rise just enough to stay soft and chewy.
Salt: A little bit goes a long way in bringing out the flavors in the chocolate and peanut butter.
Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps keep the brownies nice and moist.
Vanilla extract: Adds a hint of warmth that complements the chocolate and peanut butter.
Margarine or butter: Butter brings that yummy rich flavor.
Eggs: They bind everything together and add to that fudgy texture.
Whole milk: Helps create a smooth batter and adds a bit of moisture.
Creamy peanut butter: The star of the show, bringing that classic nutty flavor that pairs so well with chocolate.

How to make Peanut Butter Brownies

**For more detailed instructions, please refer to the printable recipe card below.**

Sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.

Cream together the softened butter and sugar.

Beat in the eggs one at a time and stir in the vanilla extract.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the whole milk.

Pour the brownie batter into your prepared baking dish.

Pour warmed peanut butter on top.

Swirl and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes.

Variations

Chocolate Chip Swirl: Toss some chocolate chips into the batter before swirling in the peanut butter. You’ll get little pockets of melty chocolate in every bite.
Nutty Crunch: If you like a bit of texture, mix some chopped peanuts or pecans into the peanut butter before swirling. It adds a nice crunch that goes great with the fudgy brownies.
Salted Caramel Peanut Butter: Drizzle some salted caramel over the peanut butter before swirling it into the batter. Sweet, salty, and totally addictive.
Espresso Brownies: Add a teaspoon of instant espresso powder to the brownie batter for a deeper, richer chocolate flavor with a hint of coffee.
Marshmallow Swirl: For a gooey twist, swirl in some marshmallow fluff alongside the peanut butter. It adds an extra layer of sweetness and texture.

Serving Suggestions

Classic Squares: Just slice the brownies into squares and serve them as is. They’re rich and satisfying on their own.
A La Mode: Warm up a brownie square and top it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The warm brownie and cold ice cream combo is pure bliss.
Chocolate Drizzle: Melt some extra chocolate and drizzle it over the brownies before serving. It adds a touch of elegance and extra chocolatey goodness.
Whipped Cream Topping: Add a dollop of whipped cream on top of each brownie for a light, creamy contrast to the rich chocolate.
With Fresh Berries: Pair the brownies with some fresh raspberries or strawberries on the side. The berries add a nice pop of color and a touch of tartness.

Peanut Butter Brownies. by Tessie's Table.

Storage and Freezing

How should I store Peanut Butter Brownies?

Keep the brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. They’ll stay moist and delicious without any need for refrigeration. If you like your brownies a bit firmer, store them in the fridge for up to a week. The cool temperature gives them a denser, chewier texture.

Can I freeze Peanut Butter Brownies?

Wrap individual brownie squares in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months. To enjoy later, just thaw at room temperature or warm them up in the microwave.

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Tips & Tricks

Don’t Overmix: When you’re combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until everything is combined. Overmixing can make the brownies tough instead of fudgy.
Room Temperature Ingredients: Let your butter and eggs come to room temperature before you start. It makes the batter smoother and helps everything mix together more evenly.
Swirling Technique: When you’re swirling in the peanut butter, be gentle. You want to create distinct swirls, not blend it all together.
Check for Doneness: Brownies can be a little tricky to get just right. Start checking them a few minutes before the suggested baking time. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out with a few moist crumbs—not wet batter.
Cutting Clean Squares: Let the brownies cool completely before slicing. Use a sharp knife and wipe the blade between cuts to get clean, neat squares.

More Yummy Sweet Treats

FAQ

Can I use natural peanut butter? Yes, but keep in mind that natural peanut butter is usually a bit runnier and might be harder to swirl. Just stir it well before using to make sure it’s as smooth as possible.
Can I add other mix-ins to the batter? Definitely! Feel free to throw in some chocolate chips, nuts, or even dried fruit. Just don’t overload the batter, or the brownies might not bake evenly.
How do I make the brownies extra fudgy? For a fudgier texture, you can reduce the flour slightly and make sure not to overbake them. Taking them out of the oven when they’re still a bit underbaked in the center will give them that perfect fudgy consistency.
Can I double the recipe? Sure thing! Just use a larger baking dish, like a 9×13 inch, and you may need to increase the baking time a bit. Keep an eye on them so they don’t overbake.
Is it okay to use margarine instead of butter? Yes, margarine works fine. The flavor will be a bit different, and the brownies might be a bit softer, but they’ll still be delicious.
Can I use a different type of milk? You can! Almond, oat, or even soy milk can be used instead of whole milk. Just keep in mind that the flavor and texture might vary slightly.
How can I tell if the brownies are done baking? The best way is to insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out with a few moist crumbs but