Buckeye Brownie Cookies: A Chocolate Peanut Butter Dream

If you’re the kind of person who can’t decide between rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter, let us introduce you to your new favorite treat: Buckeye Brownie Cookies.

Inspired by the iconic Ohio buckeye candy, these cookies are soft, fudgy, and topped with a sweet peanut butter center crowned in melted chocolate. They’re a decadent fusion of a brownie, a cookie, and a buckeye, all in one bite-sized masterpiece. Perfect for holidays, potlucks, or whenever your sweet tooth needs something extraordinary.

Ingredients & Why They Work

• 1 box fudge brownie mix (19.5 oz) – This is the base of the cookie. It gives that signature brownie flavor and chewy texture.

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract – Enhances flavor and brings warmth to the chocolate base.

• 1 teaspoon cornstarch – Adds structure to the dough and keeps cookies from spreading too much.

• ¼ cup butter, melted – Provides fat for richness and chewiness.

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened – Adds moisture, soft texture, and a subtle tang to balance the sweetness.

• 1 egg – Binds the ingredients together and gives the cookies lift.

For the peanut butter filling:

• 1 cup powdered sugar – Sweetens and firms up the peanut butter mixture.

• 1 cup creamy peanut butter – The heart of the buckeye flavor; smooth, rich, and perfectly spreadable.

For the topping:

• 4 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips – Melted over the peanut butter centers for that buckeye candy finish.

How to Make Buckeye Brownie Cookies

1. Preheat & Prep
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment or use an ungreased cookie sheet.

2. Make the Cookie Dough
   In a medium bowl, combine:

   • Brownie mix

   • Vanilla extract

   • Cornstarch

   • Melted butter

   • Softened cream cheese

   • Egg

   Mix with a hand mixer until a sticky dough forms.

3. Scoop & Shape
   Scoop out heaping tablespoons of dough and gently smooth into round cookie shapes. These cookies won’t spread much, so form them close to the final shape.

4. Bake
   Bake for 12 minutes until the cookies are set but still soft in the center.

5. Make Peanut Butter Balls
   While cookies bake, stir together powdered sugar and peanut butter until smooth. Roll into 1-inch balls, one for each cookie.

6. Add Buckeye Centers
   Once cookies are out of the oven, immediately press a peanut butter ball into the center of each cookie. Let cool on the tray for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

7. Melt the Chocolate
   In a microwave-safe bowl, heat chocolate chips in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth and glossy.

8. Top the Cookies
   Spoon about ½ tablespoon of melted chocolate over the peanut butter balls, leaving the edges visible like a traditional buckeye.

9. Cool & Store
   Let the chocolate set completely. Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days (or refrigerate to keep them firm).

Why Everyone Loves These Cookies

• Three irresistible layers: Fudgy brownie base + sweet peanut butter + silky chocolate topping.

• Easy to make: Thanks to brownie mix and simple ingredients.

• Crowd-pleasing: Perfect for cookie exchanges, parties, or gifting.

• Make-ahead friendly: The cookies hold up well and taste even better the next day!

Pro Tips for Perfect Buckeye Cookies

• Use room temperature cream cheese to avoid lumps in your dough.

• Don’t overbake—they’ll continue to set as they cool.

• Chill the peanut butter balls for 10 minutes before pressing into cookies to help them hold shape.

• For cleaner chocolate tops, use a piping bag or spoon chocolate from a zip-top bag with the corner snipped.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a glass of cold milk, a cup of hot cocoa, or even with coffee for an afternoon treat.

• Stack and wrap in cellophane for holiday cookie boxes.

• Crumble a few over vanilla ice cream for an epic sundae topping.

Storing & Freezing

• Store: In an airtight container at room temp for up to 5 days.

• Freeze: Flash freeze on a tray, then store in a zip-top freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Final Thoughts: A Treat That Steals the Show

Buckeye Brownie Cookies are the ultimate dessert mash-up for anyone who loves the combination of chocolate and peanut butter. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, they’re a foolproof addition to any dessert table.

Whether you’re baking for the holidays, gifting to friends, or just treating yourself after a long day, these cookies are guaranteed to impress.