If you have a soft spot for rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter, then get ready to fall in love with the Brownie Cookie Sandwich with Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe. This delightful treat combines fudgy brownie cookies that are crisp on the edges and chewy in the center, sandwiching a luscious, velvety peanut butter frosting that perfectly balances sweet and salty. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply want to indulge your sweet tooth, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that offers the ultimate fusion of texture and flavor in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the magic starts with simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together to create such a decadent dessert. Each one plays an essential role in giving you that perfect brownie-cookie texture or that irresistibly smooth peanut butter frosting.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup / 115g, cut into chunks): Provides richness and helps create a tender crumb in the brownie cookies.
- Dark chocolate chips (10 oz / 300g plus 1/2 cup extra): Melts beautifully into the batter for deep chocolate flavor and adds delightful pockets of melted chocolate.
- Caster sugar (1 cup + 2 tbsp): Sweetens evenly and helps create a delicate crispy top on the brownie cookies.
- Eggs (3): Bind the ingredients together and add moisture, contributing to the chewy centers.
- Cocoa powder (2 tbsp): Intensifies the chocolate flavor and enhances the color of the cookies.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp + 3/4 tsp): Adds warmth and depth to both the cookie batter and the frosting.
- Salt (1/2 tsp + 1/4 tsp): Balances sweetness and enhances all the chocolate and peanut buttery notes.
- Baking powder (1/2 tsp): Gives a slight lift so the cookies aren’t too dense but just perfectly chewy.
- Plain flour (3/4 cup): The structure of your brownie cookies, making sure they hold together.
- Smooth peanut butter (1 cup): The star of the frosting, creamy and nutty, giving you that classic flavor hit.
- Confectioners’ (icing) sugar (1 cup): Sweetens and thickens the frosting for a smooth, spreadable consistency.
- Unsalted butter (2/3 stick / 70g, softened): Adds creaminess and richness to the peanut butter frosting.
- Heavy cream (1/3 cup): Gives the frosting a luscious, slightly airy finish.
How to Make Brownie Cookie Sandwich with Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Brownie Cookie Batter
Begin by melting the unsalted butter and dark chocolate chips together gently, either in a heatproof bowl over simmering water or in short bursts in the microwave. Stir until smooth and glossy—this chocolate-butter base is what gives the cookies their fudgy texture and rich flavor. Next, mix in the caster sugar while the mixture cools slightly so your eggs won’t scramble. Whisk in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, salt, and cocoa powder. Finally, sift together the plain flour and baking powder, folding them carefully into the batter. Stir in the additional dark chocolate chips for extra bursts of melty chocolate in every bite.
Step 2: Bake the Brownie Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking trays with parchment paper. Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded balls of the batter onto the trays, leaving space for spreading. Bake for about 12 to 15 minutes until the edges look set but the centers remain soft. This balance is key for that chewy interior everyone loves. Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack before assembling the sandwiches, as this will prevent the frosting from melting.
Step 3: Make the Peanut Butter Frosting
With the brownie cookies cooling, whip up the frosting by beating the softened butter, peanut butter, confectioners’ sugar, salt, and vanilla extract together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the heavy cream, beating continuously until the frosting reaches a fluffy yet spreadable consistency that will hold its shape without sliding off your brownies.
Step 4: Assemble Your Brownie Cookie Sandwiches
Once your brownie cookies are cool, spread a generous dollop of peanut butter frosting on the flat side of one cookie and sandwich it with another. Press gently to spread the frosting evenly without breaking the cookies. Repeat until you have all your sandwich cookies ready to delight.
How to Serve Brownie Cookie Sandwich with Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
Add a finishing touch to these brownie sandwiches with a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt or a dusting of cocoa powder for a visual pop. You can also press chopped peanuts on the frosting edges for extra crunch and a pretty presentation that showcases the peanut butter theme even more.
Side Dishes
Serve these sandwiches alongside a cold glass of milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The creamy ice cream and cold milk complement the richness of the brownies while balancing the intense peanut butter flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, consider stacking the brownie cookie sandwiches on a platter, layered with wax paper to keep them sticky-free. You could also drizzle melted chocolate over the top or dip half of each sandwich in melted chocolate and then sprinkle with chopped peanuts for a more decadent look and taste.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Brownie Cookie Sandwich with Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature if you plan to eat them within a couple of days. The cookies stay chewy and the frosting stays creamy, making it easy to enjoy later.
Freezing
If you want to save these delicious treats for longer, freeze the assembled sandwich cookies between layers of parchment paper in a sealed container. They freeze well for up to a month. Just thaw them in the fridge before serving to maintain the frosting’s texture.
Reheating
For that freshly baked warmth, you can gently microwave a sandwich cookie for 10 to 15 seconds. This melts the chocolate chips inside and softens the peanut butter frosting slightly, creating a delightful, gooey experience that feels freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of smooth?
Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter will add a lovely texture to your frosting, giving a bit of extra crunch in every bite. Just be sure to mix it well to keep the frosting smooth enough for easy spreading.
What if I don’t have dark chocolate chips? Can I use milk chocolate?
Yes, milk chocolate chips are a fine substitute and will give you a sweeter, milder chocolate flavor. Just keep in mind that dark chocolate provides a richer, more intense taste which balances perfectly with the peanut butter.
Is it possible to make these gluten-free?
Definitely! Swap the plain flour for a gluten-free baking blend that includes xanthan gum. The texture might be slightly different but will still taste fantastic with the peanut butter frosting.
How long does it take to make the Brownie Cookie Sandwich with Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe?
From start to finish, expect about 45 minutes to an hour including prep and baking time. It’s a relatively quick treat considering how delicious and impressive it looks once assembled.
Can I double the recipe for a larger batch?
For sure! This recipe scales up nicely. Just double all ingredients and bake the cookies on multiple trays, keeping an eye on baking time as it may vary slightly due to tray positioning.
Final Thoughts
You honestly can’t go wrong with the Brownie Cookie Sandwich with Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe. It’s a decadent yet approachable dessert that effortlessly combines classic flavors and textures in a way that feels both nostalgic and new. Baking these sandwiches is a joyful process that promises sweet rewards — so dive in, share with friends and family, and savor every delicious moment!
Print
Brownie Cookie Sandwich with Peanut Butter Frosting Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 10-20 sandwich cookies depending on size
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Indulge in the rich and decadent Brownie Cookie Sandwich with Peanut Butter Frosting, combining fudgy brownie cookies with a creamy peanut butter frosting in a delightful sandwich treat. Perfect for dessert lovers looking for a unique twist on classic brownies and peanut butter flavors.
Ingredients
Brownie Cookie Dough
- 1 stick / 1/2 cup / 115g unsalted butter, cut into chunks
- 10 oz / 300g dark chocolate chips (or buttons, melts, or block chocolate cut into chunks)
- 1 cup + 2 tbsp caster sugar
- 3 eggs
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 3/4 cup plain flour
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
Peanut Butter Frosting
- 1 cup smooth peanut butter
- 1 cup confectioners’ sugar (icing sugar)
- 2.5 oz / 5 tbsp / 70g / 2/3 stick unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/3 cup heavy cream (unwhipped pouring cream)
Instructions
- Melt Butter and Chocolate: In a heatproof bowl, melt the unsalted butter and dark chocolate chips together, either using a microwave in short bursts or a double boiler method, stirring frequently until smooth and fully combined. Set aside to cool slightly.
- Mix Brownie Cookie Batter: Whisk together the caster sugar and eggs until pale and fluffy. Add vanilla extract and mix. Gently fold in the cooled chocolate and butter mixture. Sift together cocoa powder, salt, baking powder, and flour, then fold these dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Finally, fold in the 1/2 cup of dark chocolate chips for added texture.
- Bake Brownie Cookies: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Scoop spoonfuls of the brownie batter onto the sheets, spacing them evenly. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until the edges are set but the centers remain soft. Remove from oven and let cool completely on wire racks.
- Prepare Peanut Butter Frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and smooth peanut butter until creamy. Gradually add confectioners’ sugar and continue beating until fluffy. Mix in vanilla extract and salt. Slowly add heavy cream and beat until the frosting reaches a smooth, spreadable consistency.
- Assemble the Sandwiches: Once the brownie cookies have cooled, spread a generous amount of peanut butter frosting on the flat side of one cookie. Top with another cookie, flat side down, to form a sandwich. Repeat with remaining cookies.
- Serve and Store: Serve immediately or store the brownie cookie sandwiches in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
Notes
- Ensure brownie cookies are completely cooled before frosting to prevent melting the frosting.
- You can substitute peanut butter with almond or cashew butter for a different flavor.
- For a thicker frosting, chill it slightly before assembling the sandwiches.
- Use high-quality dark chocolate for the best rich flavor.
- The sandwiches can be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw before serving.
