Peanut Butter Brownies Recipe – Fudgy & Irresistibly Delicious
Rich, fudgy, and irresistibly nutty, Peanut Butter Brownies Recipe are the ultimate dessert for anyone who loves the classic combination of chocolate and peanut butter. Each bite delivers a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and decadent flavors that melt in your mouth, making them a favorite for parties, family gatherings, or even a cozy night in.
What sets these brownies apart from regular chocolate brownies is the creamy peanut butter swirl that creates a beautiful marbled effect while adding depth of flavor. Easy to make yet indulgent, these brownies satisfy chocolate cravings without requiring complicated steps or rare ingredients. Whether baked for a special occasion or as a weekend treat, Peanut Butter Brownies are a versatile, crowd-pleasing dessert that always disappears fast.

Ingredients Needed
Here’s a simple, wholesome ingredient list for Peanut Butter Brownies, along with approximate calorie counts per ingredient:
| Ingredient | Quantity | Approx. Calories |
|---|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 1 cup | 455 |
| Unsweetened cocoa powder | ½ cup | 100 |
| Baking powder | 1 tsp | 2 |
| Salt | ¼ tsp | 0 |
| Unsalted butter | ½ cup (1 stick) | 810 |
| Granulated sugar | 1 cup | 774 |
| Brown sugar | ½ cup | 418 |
| Eggs | 2 large | 140 |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp | 12 |
| Creamy peanut butter | ½ cup | 760 |
| Optional: chocolate chips | ½ cup | 400 |
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it. - Prepare Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. - Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, melt the butter. Stir in granulated sugar and brown sugar until smooth. Beat in eggs, one at a time, then add vanilla extract. - Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the brownies tender. - Prepare Peanut Butter Swirl
Warm the peanut butter slightly to make it easier to swirl. Drop small spoonfuls over the brownie batter and use a knife or skewer to create a marbled effect. - Optional Chocolate Chips
Sprinkle chocolate chips over the top for extra richness. - Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter). - Cool and Serve
Allow brownies to cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then remove and cut into squares. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Tips for Customizing the Recipe
- Nutty Twist: Add chopped peanuts or walnuts for extra crunch.
- Swirl Variations: Swap peanut butter with almond butter, Nutella, or cookie butter for a different flavor profile.
- Chocolate Upgrade: Use dark chocolate chips for a richer, slightly less sweet taste.
- Healthier Version: Substitute half the flour with almond flour and reduce sugar slightly.
- Fudgier Brownies: Bake for a few minutes less to maintain a gooey center.
Nutritional Information (Per Brownie – Approximate)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250–300 kcal |
| Protein | 6 g |
| Carbohydrates | 30 g |
| Fat | 15 g |
| Saturated Fat | 5 g |
| Sugar | 22 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sodium | 120 mg |
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
- Dust lightly with powdered sugar or drizzle with chocolate ganache for a fancy presentation.
- Pair with a cold glass of milk or coffee for a classic combination.
- Great for lunchboxes, parties, or as an indulgent snack any time of day.
Peanut Butter Brownies Recipe
12 brownies
servings15
minutes25
minutes25-300
kcalIngredients
1 cup all-purpose flour
½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tsp baking powder
¼ tsp salt
½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick), melted
1 cup granulated sugar
½ cup brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ cup creamy peanut butter
Optional: ½ cup chocolate chips
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large bowl, combine melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth. Beat in eggs, one at a time, then add vanilla extract.
- Gradually fold dry ingredients into wet mixture until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Drop small spoonfuls of peanut butter over the batter. Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl it for a marbled effect.
- Optional: Sprinkle chocolate chips on top.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Let cool 10–15 minutes, then cut into squares. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Recipe Video
Notes
- Use full-fat butter for richer and fudgier brownies.
Natural peanut butter can be used, but warm it slightly to make swirling easier.
Avoid overmixing the batter; gentle folding keeps brownies tender and fudgy.
FAQs
1. Can I make Peanut Butter Brownies ahead of time?
Yes! These brownies can be made a day in advance and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 2–3 days. For longer storage, wrap them tightly and refrigerate for up to a week, or freeze for up to 3 months.
2. Can I use natural peanut butter instead of creamy peanut butter?
Absolutely! Natural peanut butter works well, but it may be slightly less sweet and more runny. Warming it slightly before swirling into the batter can help it spread and marble more easily.
3. How do I make fudgier Peanut Butter Brownies?
For extra fudgy brownies, reduce the baking time by 3–5 minutes and avoid overmixing the batter. Slightly underbaked brownies will remain soft and gooey in the center.
4. Can I make these brownies gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or almond flour. Be mindful that almond flour may slightly alter the texture, making brownies denser but still delicious.
5. Can I add extra chocolate to the recipe?
Definitely! Chocolate chips, chunks, or even white chocolate can be folded into the batter for added richness. Sprinkle some on top before baking for a gooey chocolate layer.
Conclusion
Peanut Butter Brownies are a timeless treat that blends the richness of chocolate with the creamy, nutty flavor of peanut butter. Simple to prepare yet incredibly satisfying, this recipe produces brownies that are fudgy, flavorful, and visually irresistible with their marbled swirl. Perfect for gatherings, gifts, or indulgent home desserts, these brownies prove that a few simple ingredients can create a decadent and memorable sweet treat that everyone will love.
