If you crave the perfect marriage of creamy peanut butter and rich chocolate, these Chocolate-Peanut Butter Swirl Cookies were made just for you. Each bite delivers a deliciously balanced swirl of sweet, salty, and deep cocoa flavors in a soft, slightly crumbly cookie that practically melts in your mouth. Whether you need a showstopper for a bake sale, an after-school treat, or simply want to satisfy your inner cookie monster, this recipe promises that divine combination of flavors—plus an eye-catching swirl that makes every cookie feel a bit like edible art. Chocolate-Peanut Butter Swirl Cookies are destined to become a new favorite in your kitchen.

Chocolate-Peanut Butter Swirl Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Great cookies start with great ingredients, and this recipe is a testament to how simple pantry staples can transform into something extraordinary. Every single item here plays an important role, from binding the dough to creating those signature swirls and layers of flavor.

Peanut Butter (16-ounce/455-gram jar, not natural): Choose classic creamy peanut butter (skip the separating, oil-on-top kind!) which gives the cookies their melt-in-your-mouth texture and distinct flavor.
Granulated Sugar (2 cups/400 grams, plus more for assembling): Not just for sweetness—the sugar also helps the cookies crisp at the edges and sparkle when pressed.
Large Eggs (3): These work as the glue holding everything together and add wonderful richness and structure.
Kosher Salt (3/4 teaspoon): A little salt amplifies both the peanut butter and chocolate flavors—don’t skip it!
Bittersweet Chocolate (1/2 cup/85 grams, chopped): Deepens the chocolate swirl with intense flavor—look for a chocolate around 60-70% cocoa for best results.
Cocoa Powder (3 tablespoons): Boosts the chocolate dough’s color and richness, ensuring every bite has that true chocolate punch.

How to Make Chocolate-Peanut Butter Swirl Cookies

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pans

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, which lets the dough bake evenly to perfection. Line two large rimmed baking sheets with parchment paper, so your cookies lift off without sticking or breaking—a little care here makes cleanup easy and cookies beautiful.

Step 2: Beat the Peanut Butter and Sugar

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment (or use a handheld mixer if that’s what you have), combine the creamy peanut butter and granulated sugar. Beat on high just until the mixture comes together and looks fluffy—about a minute is all it takes. This essential first step sets the foundation for that iconic Chocolate-Peanut Butter Swirl Cookies texture.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Salt

Crack in the eggs and add the kosher salt right into the mixing bowl. Beat everything on medium speed this time, letting the mixture come together smoothly—again, about a minute. You’ll notice it turns pale and creamy, setting the perfect stage for swirling.

Step 4: Split the Dough

Now it’s time to create those swirls! Scoop out half the dough and transfer it into a separate bowl or onto a clean work surface. This step is essential—it lets you personalize half the batch with delicious chocolate, giving each cookie those signature marbled ribbons.

Step 5: Make the Chocolate Dough

Add the chopped bittersweet chocolate and cocoa powder to the remaining dough left in the mixer. Beat this mixture on medium until everything is just combined. The dough should turn a deep, chocolatey shade, dotted with little flecks of chocolate—absolutely irresistible!

Step 6: Shape and Swirl

Time for the fun part! Scoop out the peanut butter dough into one-tablespoon portions and do the same—using heaping tablespoons—for the chocolate dough. Squeeze one scoop of each together, roll them into a ball, and watch the swirled magic take form. Place the balls on your lined sheet, leaving about 1½ inches between each for spreading room. Press each ball flat with the bottom of a glass dipped in sugar. After one or two presses, the glass will pick up enough oil from the dough for the sugar to stick, creating a sparkling, crackly top.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake the cookies in your preheated oven for 14 to 16 minutes, rotating the sheets halfway through so everything bakes evenly. When they’re done, the cookies will be set and slightly puffy—resist the urge to move them right away, as they’re quite delicate out of the oven. Let them cool on the pans for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Patience pays off here: your Chocolate-Peanut Butter Swirl Cookies will be perfectly soft and hold together beautifully.

How to Serve Chocolate-Peanut Butter Swirl Cookies

Garnishes

Take your Chocolate-Peanut Butter Swirl Cookies to the next level by sprinkling a touch of flaky sea salt on top right after baking for that pro-level finish. If you’re feeling decadent, drizzle them with a little extra melted chocolate or even a light dusting of cocoa powder—they’ll look bakery-ready and taste even more luxurious.

Side Dishes

Pair your cookies with an ice-cold glass of milk for a classic treat, or serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dreamy dessert. If you love a salty twist, add a handful of roasted peanuts or pretzels on the side for an extra layer of crunch. During the holidays, a warm mug of cocoa or coffee is simply perfect.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack a handful of these cookies in a mason jar tied with ribbon for charming hostess gifts, or arrange them on a pretty platter at your next party. For lunchbox fun, wrap each cookie in parchment paper and tuck in a sweet note. If you want to go all-out, use them to make mini ice cream sandwiches for the ultimate frozen treat!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you manage to have any of these cookies left, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Layering parchment or wax paper between cookies helps prevent sticking and keeps each swirl pristine and delicious.

Freezing

Chocolate-Peanut Butter Swirl Cookies freeze beautifully! Cool them completely, then place in a single layer on a baking sheet to firm up before transferring to a zip-top bag or freezer-safe container. They’ll keep their texture and flavor for up to 2 months—perfect for last-minute cravings or making ahead for a special event.

Reheating

To revive that fresh-from-the-oven magic, warm your cookies in a 300-degree oven for 2-3 minutes or give them a 10-second zap in the microwave. This brings back their irresistible softness and melts the chocolate just enough, making each bite taste freshly baked.

FAQs

Can I use natural peanut butter for this recipe?

It’s best to stick with classic, shelf-stable peanut butter for Chocolate-Peanut Butter Swirl Cookies. Natural peanut butters tend to separate, which can make the dough oily and affect the cookies’ structure.

What if I don’t have a stand mixer?

No worries! A sturdy handheld electric mixer does the trick beautifully. The dough is thick, so mixing by hand is possible but will require some elbow grease.

Can I use milk chocolate instead of bittersweet?

If you prefer a sweeter flavor, feel free to swap in milk chocolate, though the cookies may be a bit softer and less intensely chocolatey. Bittersweet chocolate adds a richer, more complex taste that complements peanut butter perfectly.

Why are my cookies crumbly after baking?

These cookies are meant to be tender and a little delicate straight from the oven. Let them cool completely on the baking sheets to firm up before moving them—they’ll hold together beautifully once set.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! Chocolate-Peanut Butter Swirl Cookies are a huge hit at gatherings, so making a double batch is always a good idea. Just make sure to work in batches, so each cookie has room to bake and swirl properly.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so comforting about the classic chocolate and peanut butter combo, and these Chocolate-Peanut Butter Swirl Cookies bring it to life in the most delightful way. Whether you share them with friends, family, or keep a secret stash just for yourself, baking these cookies is a celebration of flavor, fun, and a little bit of kitchen magic. Give them a try—they might just become your new all-time favorite!

Chocolate-Peanut Butter Swirl Cookies Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 30 reviews

Author: Lily
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: Makes about 24 cookies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

These Chocolate-Peanut Butter Swirl Cookies are a delightful combination of rich peanut butter and decadent chocolate, swirled together in a chewy cookie. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies are a treat for both peanut butter and chocolate lovers.

Ingredients

Scale

Peanut Butter Dough:

1 (16-ounce/455-gram) jar smooth peanut butter (not natural)
2 cups/400 grams granulated sugar, plus more for assembling
3 large eggs
3/4 teaspoon kosher salt

Chocolate Dough:

1/2 cup/85 grams chopped bittersweet chocolate
3 tablespoons cocoa powder

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Heat the oven to 350 degrees. Line two large rimmed baking sheets with parchment paper.
Mix Peanut Butter Dough: In a mixing bowl, beat peanut butter and sugar until combined. Add eggs and salt, beat until well combined. Transfer half the dough.
Add Chocolate: Mix in chocolate and cocoa powder with the remaining dough.
Form Cookies: Portion peanut butter and chocolate doughs, combine and roll into balls. Flatten with a sugared glass.
Bake: Bake for 14-16 minutes at 350 degrees until set. Cool on wire racks.

Notes

For a more intense peanut flavor, use chunky peanut butter.
Ensure cookies are completely cooled before storing to prevent them from becoming soggy.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 14-16 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cookie
Calories: 180
Sugar: 15g
Sodium: 150mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 16g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 5g
Cholesterol: 25mg

Keywords: Chocolate-Peanut Butter Cookies, Peanut Butter Swirl Cookies, Chocolate Swirl Cookies