Fudgy and chewy Peanut Butter Brownies are the ultimate dessert indulgence. These brownies combine rich chocolate with creamy peanut butter swirls to create a decadent treat that’s both gooey and chewy in every bite. Best of all, this recipe is incredibly easy and doesn’t require any fancy tools. Whether you’re whipping up something special for a celebration or simply treating yourself, these brownies hit the spot. Bursting with deep chocolate flavor and perfect texture, they balance fudgy richness with just the right chew.
Why You’ll Love These Peanut Butter Brownies
If you’re a fan of peanut butter and chocolate, this dessert is going to become your go-to favorite. The blend of intense chocolate and salty-sweet peanut butter is absolutely addictive. The chewy edges contrast beautifully with the fudgy center, offering a multi-textured experience in every bite. This recipe is also beginner-friendly, comes together quickly, and is guaranteed to impress at any gathering. Plus, with simple pantry staples and no mixer required, cleanup is a breeze!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make these rich and chewy peanut butter brownies:
- 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter
- 1 cup (175g) semisweet chocolate chips, divided
- 1¼ cups (150g) all-purpose flour
- ½ cup (50g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1 cup (220g) packed light brown sugar
- 3 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
Step-by-Step: How to Make Peanut Butter Brownies
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease and line an 8×8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper.
- Melt Butter and Chocolate: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Remove from heat and whisk in ½ cup chocolate chips until smooth. Alternatively, melt in the microwave and stir.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the flour and cocoa powder. Stir in the salt.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: Whisk sugars, eggs, and vanilla into the melted chocolate mixture until smooth.
- Combine All: Gently fold the dry mixture into the wet ingredients. Mix in the remaining ½ cup chocolate chips.
- Add to Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth it out with a spatula.
- Swirl Peanut Butter: Spoon peanut butter over the top by the teaspoon and create swirls using a knife or skewer.
- Bake: Bake for 40-45 minutes until the center is just set. For ultra-fudgy brownies, bake for about 35 minutes.
- Cool and Slice: Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.
Helpful Tips
- Allow eggs to reach room temperature so they incorporate easily into the batter.
- For the most accurate results, weigh your flour. If using cups, fluff, spoon, and level for best results.
- Avoid over-mixing to keep the brownies soft and rich.
- For neat slices, clean your knife with a damp cloth or run it under warm water between cuts.
- Avoid getting water in the chocolate while melting—it can cause it to seize.
- Sift dry ingredients to aerate and remove any clumps.
- Swirl the peanut butter gently to maintain distinct patterns.
Substitutions And Variations
- Nut-Free: Replace peanut butter with sunflower seed butter.
- Vegan: Use dairy-free butter, flaxseed eggs, and vegan chocolate chips.
- Gluten-Free: Swap the flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
- Add-Ins: Enhance texture with chopped nuts, white chocolate chips, or a pinch of flaky sea salt.
- Swirl Options: Try swirling in almond butter or Nutella for a tasty variation.
Storage Instructions
Once cooled, store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. To extend shelf life, refrigerate them for up to 1 week or freeze individually wrapped pieces for up to 3 months. Let thaw at room temperature before serving.
Nutritional Information
Each brownie (1 of 12 servings) contains approximately:
- Calories: 494
- Carbohydrates: 57g
- Protein: 7g
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 41g
- Cholesterol: 82mg
- Sodium: 269mg
Serving Suggestions
- Enjoy warm with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Add a drizzle of melted peanut butter or chocolate sauce.
- Perfectly pairs with a cold glass of milk or a steaming cup of coffee.
- Cut into bite-sized pieces for parties or lunchbox treats.
Frequently Asked Questions About Peanut Butter Brownies
Can I use natural peanut butter? Natural peanut butter tends to separate and may not swirl well. Opt for a creamy, no-stir version for best results.
How do I know when the brownies are done? Give the pan a gentle shake—the center should be set and no longer jiggle. Insert a toothpick; it should come out with moist crumbs, not wet batter.
Can I double the recipe? Absolutely. Double the ingredients and use a 9×13-inch baking dish. Extend the baking time slightly, and keep an eye on doneness.
Why did my brownies turn out cakey? Cakey texture usually results from over-mixing or baking too long. Stick to the suggested mixing technique and check for doneness early.
Conclusion
Thank you for giving these fudgy and chewy Peanut Butter Brownies a try! This recipe is one of my favorites because it’s so straightforward yet utterly delicious. The intense chocolate flavor combined with luscious peanut butter swirls delivers a nostalgic yet elevated dessert experience. I hope these brownies bring joy to your kitchen as they do to mine. Happy baking, and thank you for being a cherished part of our food-loving community!
Print
Fudgy and Chewy Peanut Butter Brownies
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 brownies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Fudgy and Chewy Peanut Butter Brownies are rich, gooey, and loaded with swirls of creamy peanut butter. This easy one-bowl recipe is packed with deep chocolate flavor and chewy edges—perfect for any occasion. Make a batch today and enjoy the ultimate chocolate-peanut butter treat!
Ingredients
1 cup (227g) unsalted butter
1 cup (175g) semisweet chocolate chips, divided
1¼ cups (150g) all-purpose flour
½ cup (50g) unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
1 cup (220g) packed light brown sugar
3 large eggs, at room temperature
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
½ cup creamy peanut butter
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease and line an 8×8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper.
- Melt Butter and Chocolate: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Remove from heat and whisk in ½ cup chocolate chips until smooth. Alternatively, melt in the microwave and stir.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the flour and cocoa powder. Stir in the salt.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: Whisk sugars, eggs, and vanilla into the melted chocolate mixture until smooth.
- Combine All: Gently fold the dry mixture into the wet ingredients. Mix in the remaining ½ cup chocolate chips.
- Add to Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth it out with a spatula.
- Swirl Peanut Butter: Spoon peanut butter over the top by the teaspoon and create swirls using a knife or skewer.
- Bake: Bake for 40-45 minutes until the center is just set. For ultra-fudgy brownies, bake for about 35 minutes.
- Cool and Slice: Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.
Notes
Room temp eggs blend better.
Avoid over-mixing to keep the texture fudgy.
Swirl gently for distinct peanut butter ribbons.
For clean slices, use a warm knife and wipe between cuts.
Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days or freeze up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 494
- Sugar: 41g
- Carbohydrates: 57g
- Protein: 7g