Introduction
Few desserts can match the delightful harmony of chocolate and peanut butter. Among the many creations that celebrate this duo, Buckeye Brownie Cookies stand out as indulgent, eye-catching, and incredibly satisfying. They take inspiration from the classic Buckeye candies, which feature a creamy peanut butter ball dipped in chocolate, but here they are transformed into a cookie form with a rich brownie base.
These cookies are chewy, fudgy, and crowned with a sweet peanut butter center that’s blanketed in silky melted chocolate. They are perfect for special occasions, holiday cookie trays, or anytime you want to impress family and friends with a treat that tastes as amazing as it looks.
In this detailed guide, we’ll walk through the ingredients, step-by-step preparation, and provide helpful tips to ensure your cookies come out perfectly every time. We’ll also cover FAQs so you feel confident tackling this recipe in your kitchen.
Ingredients with Quantities
To make 24 cookies, you’ll need the following:
- 1 box fudge brownie mix (18.3 oz)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 egg
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil (for melting chocolate)
Directions and Preparation Method
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and to make cleanup easier.
Step 2: Prepare the Brownie Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the brownie mix, flour, 1/4 cup vegetable oil, egg, and softened cream cheese. Stir until a thick, sticky dough forms. The cream cheese helps create a softer texture, keeping the cookies fudgy in the center.
Step 3: Shape and Bake the Cookies
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of the dough and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Leave about 2 inches of space between each cookie, as they will spread slightly.
Bake the cookies for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers remain soft. Do not overbake, as the cookies continue firming up as they cool.
Step 4: Cool the Cookies
Allow the cookies to cool completely on the pan. This step is crucial, as the peanut butter filling will not adhere properly to warm cookies.
Step 5: Make the Peanut Butter Balls
In a separate bowl, mix the peanut butter and powdered sugar until smooth and pliable. Roll the mixture into small 1-inch balls—one for each cookie.
Step 6: Assemble the Cookies
Once the cookies are fully cooled, press a peanut butter ball gently into the center of each cookie. The indentation will form naturally and hold the peanut butter filling in place.
Step 7: Prepare the Chocolate Topping
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips with 1 tbsp vegetable oil in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until the mixture is smooth and glossy.
Step 8: Top with Chocolate
Spoon the melted chocolate over each peanut butter ball, allowing it to drip slightly down the sides for that classic “buckeye” look.
Step 9: Let the Chocolate Set
Allow the chocolate to firm up at room temperature. If you’re short on time, place the cookies in the refrigerator for 15–20 minutes to speed up the setting process.
Helpful Tips for Success
- Don’t skip the flour – Adding a little flour helps the dough hold its shape, preventing the cookies from spreading too thin.
- Use creamy peanut butter – Natural or chunky peanut butter can alter the texture. Stick to a smooth, creamy variety for best results.
- Soften the cream cheese fully – This ensures it blends evenly into the dough without lumps.
- Melt chocolate gently – Overheating can cause chocolate to seize. Short microwave bursts with stirring in between are safest.
- Storage – Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
FAQs
1. Can I use homemade brownie batter instead of boxed mix?
Yes, you can. If using a homemade brownie recipe, reduce the liquid slightly to ensure the dough is thick enough to roll into balls.
2. Can I freeze Buckeye Brownie Cookies?
Absolutely! Freeze the cookies in an airtight container with parchment between layers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
3. What type of chocolate works best?
Semi-sweet chocolate chips strike the perfect balance between sweetness and richness. However, dark chocolate can also be used if you prefer a less sweet option.
4. Why add cream cheese to the dough?
Cream cheese softens the texture of the cookies, creating a moist and fudgy result instead of a dry, crumbly base.
5. Can I make these ahead of time for a party?
Yes. Bake the cookies and add the peanut butter filling up to 2 days in advance. Add the chocolate topping the night before or the morning of the event for the freshest look.
6. What if my dough is too sticky?
If the dough feels hard to handle, refrigerate it for 30 minutes before shaping. A chilled dough is easier to scoop and less messy.
7. Can I substitute powdered sugar with granulated sugar for the peanut butter filling?
Powdered sugar is best because it dissolves smoothly. Granulated sugar will make the filling gritty and less cohesive.
8. How do I prevent chocolate from cracking when it sets?
Ensure the cookies and peanut butter balls are at room temperature before adding the melted chocolate. Sudden temperature changes can cause cracking.
9. Are these cookies gluten-free?
Not as written, since the brownie mix and flour contain gluten. However, you can use a gluten-free brownie mix and substitute with gluten-free flour.
10. How many calories are in one cookie?
Each cookie contains about 190 calories, making them a rich and indulgent treat.
Conclusion
Buckeye Brownie Cookies bring together three irresistible elements—chewy brownies, creamy peanut butter, and rich chocolate—for a dessert that feels both nostalgic and luxurious. Their layered flavors and textures make them a standout addition to holiday platters, bake sales, or family gatherings.
The best part? They’re simple to make, thanks to the shortcut of using a boxed brownie mix, while still tasting homemade and gourmet. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a beginner, these cookies are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will disappear quickly from any table.
So, gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and prepare to impress with a batch of Buckeye Brownie Cookies that are as beautiful as they are delicious.