These decadent peanut butter chocolate chip brownies combine the rich, fudgy texture of classic brownies with a creamy peanut butter swirl and crunchy peanut topping. Each bite delivers indulgent chocolate flavor with the perfect nutty contrast.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ultimate indulgence: Fudgy, gooey brownies meet peanut butter and chocolate chips in every bite.
- Simple ingredients: Pantry staples come together to create a bakery-quality treat.
- Texture contrast: Moist brownies, melted chocolate, and crunchy peanuts for layered satisfaction.
- Perfect for any occasion: Ideal for dessert tables, gifting, or late-night cravings.
ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Unsalted butter
- Semi-sweet chocolate, chopped or chips
- Granulated sugar
- Brown sugar
- Eggs
- Vanilla extract
- All-purpose flour
- Unsweetened cocoa powder
- Salt
- Peanut butter (creamy or crunchy)
- Chocolate chips (semi-sweet or milk)
- Roasted peanuts (optional, for topping)
directions
- Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Melt butter and chocolate: In a saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, melt butter and semi-sweet chocolate together. Stir until smooth. Let it cool slightly.
- Mix wet ingredients: Whisk in granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla until fully incorporated.
- Add dry ingredients: Sift in flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Fold gently until just combined.
- Swirl in peanut butter: Pour half the batter into the prepared pan. Drop spoonfuls of peanut butter across the surface and swirl lightly. Pour in the remaining batter and repeat the peanut butter swirl on top.
- Add toppings: Sprinkle chocolate chips and peanuts evenly over the top.
- Bake: Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs.
- Cool and cut: Let brownies cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares.
Servings and timing
- Servings: 9 squares
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 35 minutes
- Total time: 50 minutes
storage/reheating
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days, or refrigerate for up to 1 week.
- Reheating: Warm individual squares in the microwave for 10–15 seconds to revive the gooey texture.
FAQs
Can I use natural peanut butter?
Yes, but make sure it’s well stirred and not too oily for the best texture.
Can I substitute the chocolate chips?
You can use white chocolate, dark chocolate, or even butterscotch chips for a different twist.
How do I make these brownies extra fudgy?
Avoid overbaking and slightly underbake for a gooier center. Let them cool fully before cutting.
Can I freeze the brownies?
Yes. Wrap individual slices tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature.
What size pan should I use?
An 8×8-inch pan works best for thick, fudgy brownies. A 9×9 pan will yield thinner brownies.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour substitute. Ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
How can I make them less sweet?
Reduce the sugar slightly or use darker chocolate to cut the sweetness.
Can I use a boxed brownie mix?
Yes—prepare the mix as directed and add peanut butter, chocolate chips, and peanuts as shown.
Do I need to refrigerate them?
Not necessarily. Store at room temperature unless you want to extend freshness.
Can I add other nuts?
Chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds can be used instead of or in addition to peanuts.
Conclusion
These Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Brownies are a match made in dessert heaven—chocolatey, nutty, and perfectly sweet. Whether you’re baking for a party or just for yourself, this easy recipe guarantees maximum flavor with minimal effort. Enjoy them warm, cold, or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
PrintPeanut Butter Chocolate Chip Brownies
Rich, fudgy brownies swirled with creamy peanut butter and studded with chocolate chips, creating the perfect blend of sweet and salty in every bite.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Total Time: 40 mins
- Yield: 9 brownies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp baking powder
- 1/3 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together melted butter and sugar until smooth.
- Add eggs and vanilla extract; whisk until fully combined.
- Sift in cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder. Stir until just combined.
- Fold in chocolate chips.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
- Drop spoonfuls of peanut butter over the top of the batter and swirl gently with a knife or toothpick.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs.
- Let cool completely before cutting into squares.
Notes
- Use natural peanut butter for a less sweet swirl, or sweetened for more contrast.
- Don’t overbake — the brownies should be slightly gooey in the center.
- Can be stored in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Try adding chopped nuts for extra crunch.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 45mg