Buckeye Brownie Cookies Recipe

Buckeye Brownie Cookies Recipe

These Buckeye Brownie Cookies are a delightful combination of rich chocolate, creamy peanut butter, and a luscious brownie texture. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth or impressing guests at any gathering!

Ingredients

For the Brownie Cookies:

  • 1 box (19.5 oz, family size) fudge brownie mix
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch
  • ¼ cup butter, melted
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 egg

For the Peanut Butter Filling:

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 cup creamy peanut butter

For the Chocolate Topping:

  • 4 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven:
    • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or use an ungreased cookie sheet.
  2. Prepare the Brownie Dough:
    • In a medium bowl, combine the brownie mix, vanilla extract, cornstarch, melted butter, softened cream cheese, and egg.
    • Use a hand mixer to blend until the dough is smooth. Note: The dough will be sticky.
  3. Shape the Dough:
    • Scoop about 1–1.5 tablespoons of dough per cookie and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Smooth the edges to form round cookie shapes.
  4. Bake the Cookies:
    • Bake the cookies for 12 minutes, or until they are set but still soft in the center.
  5. Prepare the Peanut Butter Balls:
    • While the cookies bake, mix the powdered sugar and creamy peanut butter in a medium bowl until smooth.
    • Roll the mixture into small 1-inch balls, one for each cookie.
  6. Add Peanut Butter to Cookies:
    • As soon as the cookies come out of the oven, press a peanut butter ball lightly into the center of each cookie.
    • Let the cookies cool for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
  7. Melt the Chocolate:
    • In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips in 30-second intervals, stirring after each until smooth.
  8. Top the Cookies:
    • Spoon about ½ tablespoon of melted chocolate onto each cookie, covering the peanut butter ball.
    • Allow the chocolate to set completely before serving or storing.

Nutrition Info (Approximate):

  • Calories: ~250 kcal per cookie
  • Servings: 24 cookies

30 Popular Questions & Their Answers About Buckeye Brownie Cookies

General Questions

  1. Q: Can I use a different brownie mix?
    A: Yes, any fudge-style brownie mix will work, but results may vary slightly.
  2. Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
    A: Yes, you can refrigerate the dough for up to 24 hours. Let it sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before shaping.
  3. Q: Can I use crunchy peanut butter?
    A: Yes, but the texture of the peanut butter ball may be less smooth.
  4. Q: Can I freeze the cookies?
    A: Yes, freeze the baked and cooled cookies for up to 3 months in an airtight container.
  5. Q: Are these cookies gluten-free?
    A: Not with the boxed mix. Use a gluten-free brownie mix to make them gluten-free.

Ingredient Questions

  1. Q: Can I use margarine instead of butter?
    A: Yes, but butter provides better flavor and texture.
  2. Q: Can I replace cream cheese?
    A: Mascarpone cheese can be used as a substitute, but cream cheese works best.
  3. Q: What type of chocolate chips should I use?
    A: Semi-sweet chocolate chips are ideal, but milk or dark chocolate can also be used.
  4. Q: Can I use homemade brownie mix?
    A: Yes, but ensure it’s thick enough to form a dough.
  5. Q: Can I reduce the sugar?
    A: You can reduce the powdered sugar slightly in the peanut butter filling, but the texture may change.

Preparation Questions

  1. Q: Why is my dough so sticky?
    A: The dough is meant to be sticky. Chilling for 15–20 minutes can make it easier to handle.
  2. Q: How do I make uniform cookies?
    A: Use a cookie scoop for evenly sized cookies.
  3. Q: Can I make mini cookies?
    A: Yes, use smaller scoops of dough and adjust the baking time to 8–10 minutes.
  4. Q: Why are my cookies spreading too much?
    A: Ensure your dough is chilled and avoid overmixing.
  5. Q: How can I keep the cookies soft?
    A: Store them in an airtight container with a slice of bread to retain moisture.

Baking Questions

  1. Q: Can I bake multiple trays at once?
    A: Yes, but rotate the trays halfway through for even baking.
  2. Q: How do I know when the cookies are done?
    A: The edges should be set, and the centers should look slightly underbaked.
  3. Q: Can I bake these on a silicone mat?
    A: Yes, silicone mats work well and prevent sticking.
  4. Q: Can I use parchment paper?
    A: Yes, parchment paper makes cleanup easier and prevents sticking.
  5. Q: Why are my cookies hard?
    A: They may have been overbaked. Check for doneness at 10 minutes.

Customization Questions

  1. Q: Can I add other mix-ins?
    A: Yes, try adding chopped nuts, toffee bits, or mini chocolate chips.
  2. Q: Can I use dark chocolate for the topping?
    A: Yes, dark chocolate adds a richer flavor.
  3. Q: Can I drizzle the chocolate instead of covering the peanut butter ball?
    A: Yes, a drizzle is a great option for a lighter topping.
  4. Q: Can I make these cookies nut-free?
    A: Use a nut-free butter like sunflower seed butter.
  5. Q: Can I add sea salt on top?
    A: Yes, sprinkle flaky sea salt on the chocolate topping for a sweet and salty twist.

Serving & Storage Questions

  1. Q: How should I store these cookies?
    A: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
  2. Q: Can I refrigerate these cookies?
    A: Yes, but let them come to room temperature before serving.
  3. Q: Can I make these cookies smaller or larger?
    A: Yes, adjust the size and baking time accordingly.
  4. Q: Can I gift these cookies?
    A: Absolutely! Package them in a decorative tin or box for a thoughtful gift.
  5. Q: Can I serve these cookies warm?
    A: Yes, warm them slightly in the microwave for a gooey treat.

Enjoy crafting and devouring these Buckeye Brownie Cookies—a delightful combination of chocolate and peanut butter that’s perfect for any occasion! 🍫🥜🍪

Tips to Make Buckeye Brownie Cookies Even More Decadent

Enhancing the Dough

  1. Use High-Quality Brownie Mix: Choose a premium brownie mix for richer flavor and better texture.
  2. Add Espresso Powder: Stir in 1 teaspoon of espresso powder to the dough to enhance the chocolate flavor.
  3. Incorporate Chocolate Chunks: Fold in chopped chocolate or chocolate chunks for gooey bites in the cookies.
  4. Chill the Dough: Chill the dough for 15–20 minutes before shaping to make it easier to handle.
  5. Use Dark Cocoa Powder: If using homemade brownie mix, substitute some regular cocoa powder with dark cocoa powder for deeper flavor.

Perfecting the Peanut Butter Filling

  1. Add a Touch of Honey: Mix in 1 tablespoon of honey with the peanut butter for added sweetness and a smoother texture.
  2. Sprinkle Sea Salt: Add a pinch of sea salt to the peanut butter mixture to balance the sweetness.
  3. Use Crunchy Peanut Butter: For texture, replace creamy peanut butter with crunchy peanut butter or a mix of both.
  4. Add a Splash of Vanilla: Enhance the filling with ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract.
  5. Make a Double Filling: Place a smaller ball of peanut butter inside a larger ball for a layered effect.

Elevating the Chocolate Topping

  1. Use Dark Chocolate: Replace semi-sweet chocolate chips with dark chocolate for a more decadent finish.
  2. Drizzle Instead of Covering: Create a decorative chocolate drizzle on top for a lighter look.
  3. Add Caramel: Drizzle caramel over the chocolate for an indulgent touch.
  4. Sprinkle Crushed Peanuts: Add a sprinkle of finely crushed peanuts on top of the melted chocolate for texture.
  5. Incorporate White Chocolate: Swirl melted white chocolate into the topping for a marbled effect.

Baking Techniques

  1. Use a Cookie Scoop: This ensures uniform-sized cookies for even baking.
  2. Don’t Overbake: Remove cookies when the centers are still slightly soft to keep them fudgy.
  3. Use Parchment or Silicone Mats: Prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
  4. Bake in Batches: Bake one tray at a time for consistent results.
  5. Test for Doneness: Check cookies at 10 minutes to avoid overbaking.

Presentation Tips

  1. Decorate with Gold Leaf: Add edible gold leaf to the chocolate topping for a luxurious finish.
  2. Top with a Chocolate Curl: Garnish each cookie with a chocolate curl or a piece of peanut butter cup.
  3. Dust with Cocoa Powder: Lightly dust the tops with cocoa powder for a sophisticated look.
  4. Use Holiday Sprinkles: Add festive sprinkles to the chocolate topping for seasonal flair.
  5. Serve Warm: Heat the cookies slightly before serving for a gooey center and melty chocolate.

Flavor Variations

  1. Add Cinnamon or Nutmeg: Mix a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg into the dough for a warm, spiced note.
  2. Incorporate Toffee Bits: Fold in toffee bits to the brownie dough for a caramel crunch.
  3. Use Almond Butter: Substitute peanut butter with almond butter for a nutty variation.
  4. Make it Minty: Add a drop of peppermint extract to the chocolate topping for a holiday twist.
  5. Pair with Ice Cream: Serve the cookies warm with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream for an ultra-decadent dessert.

With these tips, your Buckeye Brownie Cookies will be even more indulgent, impressive, and impossible to resist! 🍫🥜🍪

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