Description

If you're looking for a dessert that is the perfect marriage of chocolate and peanut butter, you’ll absolutely adore these Buckeye Brownie Cookies. Each cookie embodies the rich, fudgy texture of classic brownies, enhanced by a creamy peanut butter center and drizzled with a layer of smooth semi-sweet chocolate. Whether you're indulging in a sweet treat after dinner, hosting a gathering, or simply wanting something delicious to accompany your afternoon coffee, these cookies fit the bill perfectly. They are easy to make and are sure to impress anyone who tries them.

Crafted using a simple fudge brownie mix as a base, these cookies deliver an indulgent flavor profile that's sure to satisfy your cravings. Imagine biting into a soft brownie cookie, only to find a luscious peanut butter ball nestled in the middle, topped with silky chocolate. This delightful treat not only satisfies your sweet tooth but also offers a rich blend of textures and tastes that will surely leave you coming back for more.

Ingredients

• 1 box (19.5-ounce) fudge brownie mix
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• ¼ cup butter, melted
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 egg
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 4 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips

Preparation Method

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or opting for an ungreased cookie sheet. This step ensures that your cookies bake evenly and won’t stick to the pan.

In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the fudge brownie mix, vanilla extract, cornstarch, melted butter, softened cream cheese, and egg. Use a hand mixer on medium speed to blend the mixture until it becomes smooth. Be prepared, as the dough will be quite sticky, which is perfectly fine for the texture of the cookies.

Next, scoop the brownie dough using a spoon or cookie scoop to form balls approximately 1 to 1.5 tablespoons in size. Place these dough balls onto the prepared cookie sheet, ensuring they are evenly spaced. Take a moment to smooth down the edges of each scoop to give your cookies a neat, round shape prior to baking.

Slide the baking sheet into the oven and allow your cookies to bake for around 12 minutes. Keep an eye on them; they should be set around the edges while still remaining soft in the center. This method is what gives these cookies their signature chewy, brownie-like texture.

Meanwhile, take this opportunity to prepare the delightful peanut butter balls. In a separate mixing bowl, combine the powdered sugar with the creamy peanut butter. Stir until both ingredients are thoroughly mixed together, then take portions of this mixture and roll them into small balls, each about one inch in diameter. Set the peanut butter balls aside for later assembly.

As your cookies reach the 12-minute mark, remove them from the oven. While they are still warm, gently press a peanut butter ball into the center of each cookie. The heat from the cookies will slightly soften the peanut butter, creating a delicious melding of flavors.

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for approximately 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is essential, as it helps firm up the cookies, making them easier to handle.

While the cookies are cooling, it's time to prepare the chocolate topping. In a microwave-safe bowl, measure out the semi-sweet chocolate chips. Heat them for 30 seconds in the microwave, checking and stirring after each interval until the chocolate is smooth and completely melted.

Once your cookies are completely cooled, use a spoon to drizzle about half a tablespoon of the melted chocolate on top of each cookie, ensuring you cover the peanut butter ball entirely. Give the chocolate a moment to set before serving or storing your cookies.

Tips and Conclusion

For best results, if you find that your dough is too sticky to manage, place it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This will make it much easier to shape into the cookie balls. Additionally, ensuring that your dough balls are uniform in size will help achieve consistent baking results.

Be mindful not to over-bake the cookies; they should be firm around the edges yet soft in the center upon removal from the oven, which guarantees that chewy texture so desired in brownie cookies. Allow ample cooling time after baking so that they retain their shape and texture.
Once you’ve taken the time to make these delectable Buckeye Brownie Cookies, your taste buds will undoubtedly thank you. They merge the rich essence of brownies with the creamy, nutty notes of peanut butter and the sweet touch of chocolate in a manner that is simply irresistible. Perfect for any occasion and delightful any time of day, these cookies are a must for your baking repertoire.

So, whether it's a family gathering, a potluck, or simply a treat for yourself, these cookies promise to bring joy to every bite. Enjoy the cooking process and the delicious results, and feel free to get creative with variations like adding nuts, swapping in dark chocolate chips, or enhancing the brownie mix with flavors like espresso for a unique twist. Happy baking!