Get ready to embark on a journey of indulgence with our delectable Buckeye Brownie Cookies recipe. Combining the timeless duo of chocolate and peanut butter, these cookies offer a rich brownie-like base, a creamy peanut butter filling, and a luscious chocolate topping. Perfect for any occasion, from casual gatherings to special celebrations, these cookies are sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz bittersweet chocolate, chopped
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 2 eggs
• ½ cup + 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ¼ teaspoon baking powder
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 4 oz semisweet chocolate

Directions:

1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Melt Chocolate: In a heatproof bowl set over a saucepan of barely simmering water, melt the bittersweet chocolate and butter together, stirring occasionally until smooth. Set aside to cool slightly.
3. Prepare Wet Ingredients: In a medium bowl, stir together the eggs, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until well combined. Set aside.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder until evenly distributed.
5. Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Add the melted chocolate mixture to the egg mixture and stir until thoroughly combined. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until a smooth batter forms.
6. Prepare Peanut Butter Filling: In a separate bowl, mix together the peanut butter and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. Roll the mixture into 24 balls and set aside.
7. Form Cookie Dough: Scoop about 1 1/2 tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them a few inches apart. If the batter is too thin, chill it in the refrigerator until firm enough to handle.
8. Bake: Bake the cookies for 10 minutes or until they are firm around the edges, being careful not to overbake.
9. Add Peanut Butter Centers: Remove the cookies from the oven and immediately press a peanut butter ball lightly into the center of each cookie. Allow the cookies to cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheets before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Top with Chocolate: Melt the semisweet chocolate and spoon it over the peanut butter centers of the cookies. Allow the chocolate to set before serving.
11. Serve and Enjoy: Once the chocolate has set, serve these decadent Buckeye Brownie Cookies and delight in every bite of their irresistible flavor.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 24

Serving and Storage Tips:

Serving Suggestions:

• Enjoy Buckeye Brownie Cookies warm with a glass of cold milk for the ultimate indulgent treat.
• Serve them at parties or gatherings as a decadent dessert option that will impress guests of all ages.
• Package them in decorative bags or boxes to give as homemade gifts for birthdays, holidays, or special occasions.

Storage Tips:

• Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days to maintain their freshness.
• For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2-3 months.
• Thaw frozen cookies at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving, or reheat them in the microwave for a few seconds to enjoy them warm.

Variations:

1. Nutella Swirl: Swirl a spoonful of Nutella into the peanut butter filling for an extra layer of chocolate hazelnut goodness.

2. Salted Caramel: Drizzle homemade or store-bought salted caramel sauce over the chocolate topping for a sweet and salty flavor contrast.

3. Almond Joy Inspired: Top each cookie with a whole almond before adding the chocolate topping for a nod to the classic candy bar.

4. Espresso Infusion: Add a teaspoon of instant espresso powder to the cookie dough for a subtle coffee flavor that enhances the chocolate.

5. White Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted white chocolate over the cooled cookies for a decorative touch and a hint of sweetness.

6. Mint Chocolate Chip: Fold chopped mint chocolate or add a drop of peppermint extract to the cookie dough for a refreshing twist.

7. Raspberry Ripple: Place a dollop of raspberry jam on top of the peanut butter filling before adding the chocolate topping for a fruity burst of flavor.

8. Coconut Crunch: Mix shredded coconut into the peanut butter filling or sprinkle it over the chocolate topping for added texture and tropical flair.

9. S’mores Variation: Place a toasted marshmallow on top of the peanut butter filling before adding the chocolate topping for a campfire-inspired treat.

10. Oreo Delight: Crush Oreo cookies and sprinkle them over the chocolate topping for a cookies and cream twist on classic Buckeye Brownie Cookies.

11. Maple Pecan: Replace the peanut butter filling with maple cream and top with chopped pecans for a sweet and nutty variation.

12. Dark Chocolate Orange: Add orange zest to the cookie dough and top with candied orange peel for a sophisticated flavor combination.

13. Chili Chocolate: Stir a pinch of chili powder into the chocolate topping for a spicy kick that pairs perfectly with the rich chocolate and peanut butter.

14. Lemon Raspberry: Add lemon zest to the cookie dough and top with a dollop of raspberry preserves for a refreshing citrusy twist.

15. Cinnamon Roll Inspired: Swirl cinnamon sugar into the cookie dough and top with a drizzle of cream cheese frosting for a decadent cinnamon roll-inspired treat.