Fudgy Peanut Butter Brownies – The Ultimate Chocolate & Peanut Treat

There’s something universally comforting about the swirl of peanut butter and chocolate. For many, peanut butter brownies bring back memories of school bake sales, birthday parties, and late-night kitchen raids. In my house, peanut butter brownies were a special treat reserved for weekends when everyone needed a little cheering up. I remember my grandmother pulling out her worn, cocoa-stained recipe card, the one she had scribbled on years ago in her elegant cursive. As she stirred, the scent of melted chocolate would fill the air, signaling that something delicious was on the way.

These brownies aren’t just dessert—they’re a ritual. Whether you’re baking them for a celebration, a cozy fall afternoon, or a quiet evening with tea, they represent the simple joys in life. Chocolate and peanut butter, two pantry staples, come together in perfect harmony to make something that feels indulgent but requires minimal effort. And when that first bite melts in your mouth—dense, rich, and slightly salty—it’s pure bliss.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Unbeatable Flavor Combo: Chocolate and peanut butter are a match made in dessert heaven.
• Simple Pantry Ingredients: Everything you need is probably already in your kitchen.
• Beginner-Friendly: You don’t need fancy equipment or advanced baking skills.
• Perfect Texture: Fudgy center, lightly crisp edges, and smooth peanut butter swirls.
• Versatile: Great for lunchboxes, holiday trays, or midnight snacks.

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INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:

• 1 cup (227 g) unsalted butter
• 1¼ cups (175 g) semisweet chocolate chips
• 1¼ cups (150 g) all-purpose flour
• ½ cup (50 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
• 1 cup (220 g) packed light brown sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 Tbsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup creamy peanut butter

How to Make Peanut Butter Brownies

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Melt the base:
In a saucepan over low heat, melt the butter and ¾ cup of the chocolate chips, stirring until glossy. Let cool for 5 minutes before proceeding.

2. Sift dry ingredients:
In a medium bowl, sift the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. This prevents clumps and ensures even texture.

3. Whisk wet ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk the slightly cooled chocolate mixture with granulated sugar and brown sugar until thick and creamy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in the vanilla.

4. Combine wet and dry:
Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet mix until just combined. Fold in the remaining chocolate chips.

5. Swirl with peanut butter:
Pour the batter into a parchment-lined 8×8-inch pan. Drop spoonfuls of peanut butter across the top and use a knife or toothpick to create elegant swirls—don’t overdo it or you’ll lose the marble effect.

6. Bake:
Bake at 350°F for 40–45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out with moist crumbs. For gooier brownies, pull them out at around 35 minutes.

7. Cool completely:
Let the brownies cool in the pan. This step helps them set properly for clean slicing.

HELPFUL TIPS:

• Peanut Butter Swirls: If your peanut butter is too stiff, microwave it for 10–15 seconds to make swirling easier.
• Cooling Time Matters: Don’t rush the cooling process—it ensures perfect fudgy texture.
• Mix Smart: Use a wooden spoon or silicone spatula instead of a hand mixer to avoid overmixing.
• Grease the Pan Well: Even with parchment, a little butter under the paper makes removal easier.

DETAILS:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 12 brownies
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

NOTES:

You can double the recipe for a 9×13-inch pan—adjust baking time to 45–50 minutes. For a deeper chocolate flavor, use dark chocolate chips.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION (per serving, approx.):

• Calories: 430
• Fat: 26g
• Carbohydrates: 48g
• Sugar: 36g
• Protein: 6g

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Can I use natural peanut butter?
Yes, but be sure it’s well-stirred. Natural peanut butter tends to be runnier and may change the swirl consistency.

What’s the best way to store peanut butter brownies?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze them individually and thaw before serving.

How do I know when they’re done baking?
The edges will look set, but the center may jiggle slightly. Insert a toothpick—it should come out with moist crumbs, not raw batter.

Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1:1 baking blend.

STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS:

Keep the brownies at room temperature for short-term snacking. Wrap tightly in plastic or foil to preserve moisture. To freeze, wrap each piece individually in parchment and place in a zip-top bag—perfect for portioning out later.

Related Recipes:

If you loved this recipe, try these next:

• Trisha Yearwood’s Butterscotch Bars: A Chewy, Golden Southern Treat
• Oreo-Stuffed Red Velvet Brownies
• Outrageous Snickers Brownies

Conclusion

These peanut butter brownies are everything you want in a dessert: rich, chocolaty, and just the right amount of salty sweetness. They’re the kind of treat that brings people together, whether it’s a family gathering, a special celebration, or just another Tuesday night. When life calls for comfort, this recipe delivers it—one thick, fudgy square at a time.