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This decadent Buckeye Brownie Cookie recipe combines the rich fudginess of brownies with the beloved peanut butter-chocolate combo of classic buckeyes, creating an irresistible treat that looks as impressive as it tastes. Perfect for holiday cookie exchanges or anytime you need a special dessert that wows.
I first made these cookies for a neighborhood potluck last winter, and they disappeared faster than any other dessert. My neighbor's son, who claims to hate peanut butter, somehow managed to eat three before confessing his newfound appreciation!
Ingredients
- Fudge brownie mix. The foundation of our cookies provides that perfect chewy texture and deep chocolate flavor. Choose a premium brand for best results.
- Melted butter. Adds richness and helps create the perfect cookie texture. Use unsalted for better control of the final flavor.
- Cream cheese. The secret ingredient that makes these cookies extra fudgy and helps maintain their shape. Make sure it's fully softened.
- Egg. Binds everything together and adds structure to the cookies.
- Powdered sugar. Creates the perfect sweetened peanut butter filling. Sift it first for the smoothest texture.
- Creamy peanut butter. The star of the buckeye filling. Traditional varieties work better than natural ones which can separate.
- Semisweet chocolate chips. For the authentic buckeye finish. Premium brands melt more smoothly.
How To Make Buckeye Brownie Cookies
- Prepare the cookie base
- Combine only the dry brownie mix with melted butter, softened cream cheese, and egg in a large mixing bowl. Stir until thoroughly incorporated. The batter will be thick and somewhat sticky, similar to truffle dough. This texture is crucial for creating the perfect cookie base.
- Shape and bake
- Scoop generous tablespoon-sized portions of the brownie batter and roll into balls. Place them about 2 inches apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet. These cookies spread very little, so you can fit more on a sheet than with traditional cookies. Bake at 350°F for exactly 11-12 minutes until the edges are set but centers still appear slightly underdone.
- Create peanut butter centers
- While cookies bake, mix peanut butter and powdered sugar in a medium bowl until completely combined. The mixture will be thick but pliable. Roll into small balls about the size of a large marble. For perfect uniformity, use a teaspoon measure for each ball.
- Assemble the cookies
- Allow cookies to cool for 3-5 minutes on the baking sheet, then use your thumb to gently press an indentation into the center of each cookie. Place a peanut butter ball into each indentation, pressing down slightly. The warmth from the cookies will help the peanut butter adhere.
- Add the chocolate topping
- Melt chocolate chips in the microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring between each until smooth. Use a small spoon to drizzle melted chocolate over each peanut butter center, allowing some to drip down the sides. Let the chocolate set completely before serving.
The first time I made these, my daughter insisted we use chunky peanut butter instead of smooth. While I was skeptical, the texture contrast was amazing! Now we alternate between smooth and chunky depending on who's coming for dinner. These cookies have become our special weekend baking project when cousins visit.
Make-Ahead Options
These cookies work beautifully for make-ahead planning. You can prepare the brownie cookie base up to 3 days before assembly and store in an airtight container. The peanut butter filling can also be made ahead and refrigerated. When ready to serve, simply assemble with the chocolate topping. This makes them perfect for busy holiday seasons when time is limited but impressive treats are needed.
Perfect Pairings
Serve these indulgent cookies with a cold glass of milk for the classic combination, or elevate the experience with coffee for adults. The bitter notes in coffee perfectly balance the sweetness of these treats. For a truly decadent dessert spread, pair with vanilla ice cream and let guests create their own cookie sandwiches.
The Story Behind Buckeyes
These cookies are inspired by the classic Buckeye candy, named for their resemblance to the nut of the Ohio buckeye tree. Traditional buckeyes are peanut butter balls dipped partially in chocolate, leaving a spot on top that resembles the "eye" of the buckeye nut. This recipe cleverly transforms that beloved candy into a more substantial cookie treat while maintaining the iconic flavor combination that makes buckeyes so popular throughout the Midwest, especially during holiday seasons.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use homemade brownie mix instead of boxed mix?
Yes, you can substitute homemade brownie mix, but ensure it's a fudgy rather than cakey formula. You'll need about 2 cups of dry homemade brownie ingredients to replace the boxed mix.
- → Why is cream cheese added to the brownie cookie base?
Cream cheese adds richness and helps create a chewy, fudgy texture while balancing the sweetness of the brownie mix. It also contributes to the cookies holding their shape during baking.
- → Can I substitute natural peanut butter for the creamy peanut butter?
Natural peanut butter isn't recommended as it separates and has a different consistency. The peanut butter filling needs to hold its shape, which commercial creamy peanut butter accomplishes better.
- → How should these cookies be stored?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. The cookies can also be frozen for up to 3 months if wrapped well.
- → Why are they called Buckeye cookies?
They're inspired by buckeye candies, a traditional Ohio treat named after buckeye nuts (the state tree). The classic peanut butter ball partially dipped in chocolate resembles the buckeye nut with its brown shell and lighter exposed center.
- → Can I make the peanut butter centers ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the peanut butter balls a day in advance and refrigerate them. This can actually make them easier to work with as they'll be firmer when placing on warm cookies.