Brownie Mix Peanut Butter Cookies

Name: Brownie Mix Peanut Butter Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Yield: 24 cookies
Ingredients: 1 box brownie mix; 1/2 cup peanut butter; 1/2 cup vegetable oil; 2 large eggs; 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)

Highlighted under: Simple Sweet Baking

I absolutely love making these Brownie Mix Peanut Butter Cookies when I’m looking for a quick, chocolatey treat. The ease of using brownie mix as a base means I can whip them up in no time. The combination of rich, fudgy brownie and creamy peanut butter creates an irresistible cookie that satisfies my sweet tooth. Plus, the dough is so easy to work with, making it perfect for baking with friends or family. You won’t believe how quickly they vanish once they’re out of the oven!

Created by

Autumn Pierce

Last updated on 2026-02-28T10:17:35.192Z

One of my favorite kitchen memories is baking these peanut butter cookies with my kids after school. We discovered that using brownie mix significantly cuts down on prep time, making it a fun and engaging activity. Each batch came out deliciously chewy, and the kids loved rolling the dough into balls.

To add an extra layer of flavor, I like to sprinkle some flaky sea salt on top just before they go into the oven. The contrast between sweet and salty elevates the cookies in the most delightful way, creating a perfect balance that we can't resist!

Why You'll Love These Cookies
Quick and easy to make with just a few ingredients
Rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter flavor combination
Perfect for sharing or enjoying as a late-night snack

The Magic of Brownie Mix

Using brownie mix as the base for these cookies is a game-changer. It adds a depth of chocolate flavor and a distinct fudgy texture that you won’t find in traditional peanut butter cookie recipes. The mix also eliminates the need for measuring out cocoa powder, sugar, and flour, making your preparation time almost nonexistent. This allows for a seamless transition from mixing to baking, which is perfect for when you're short on time or just not in the mood for a lengthy process.

It's important to choose a high-quality brownie mix, as this will directly affect the final taste and texture of your cookies. Look for a mix that has a rich chocolate flavor, as that will enhance the overall experience. The moisture from the mix interacts beautifully with the peanut butter, resulting in a decadent cookie that is still soft and chewy. If you’re feeling adventurous, opt for a mix that includes add-ins like nuts or caramel for an exciting twist.

Perfecting Your Cookie Technique

When forming the cookie dough, it’s important to roll them into uniform balls to ensure even baking. Aim for tablespoon-sized portions; this will help the cookies maintain their shape and size while baking. Also, remember that the cookies will spread a bit during baking, so placing them about 2 inches apart is crucial. For an extra touch, you can press a few chocolate chips into the tops of the dough balls before baking to enhance both the visual appeal and the chocolate flavor.

Baking time is key to achieving the perfect texture. Keep an eye on your cookies around the 10-minute mark. The edges should be set, while the centers remain slightly soft—they will continue to firm up as they cool. For best results, avoid opening the oven door too soon, as this can cause the cookies to bake unevenly. A good sign that they’re ready is when they have a slight puffiness, setting the stage for a cookie that’s chewy on the inside yet slightly crispy on the outside.

Ingredients

For the Cookies

1 box brownie mix
1/2 cup peanut butter
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs
1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)

Make sure to prepare your baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper for easy removal!

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Mix the Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the brownie mix, peanut butter, vegetable oil, and eggs. Stir until well combined. If using, fold in chocolate chips.

Form the Cookies

Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place them onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers are still soft.

Cool

Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Once cooled, store any leftovers in an airtight container.

Pro Tips

For an extra touch, add a swirl of peanut butter on top of the cookie dough before baking.

Storage and Freezing Tips

These Brownie Mix Peanut Butter Cookies are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, but they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To maintain their chewy texture, you can place a slice of bread in the container; the cookies will absorb moisture from the bread, keeping them soft longer.

If you want to make a batch ahead of time, these cookies freeze exceptionally well. After they have cooled completely, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They can be frozen for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy them, simply thaw at room temperature or warm them in the microwave for a few seconds to restore their gooey goodness.

Flavor Variations and Add-Ins

While the original recipe is delicious, you can easily customize these cookies to fit your flavor preferences. For a nutty twist, consider adding chopped peanuts or a swirl of your favorite nut butter into the dough. Alternatively, you could experiment with different types of chocolate chips, like white chocolate or dark chocolate, to change the flavor profile. For even more decadence, drizzles of melted chocolate or a sprinkle of sea salt can elevate the taste significantly.

If you're looking to make these cookies a bit healthier, you can substitute the vegetable oil with coconut oil for a hint of tropical flavor. Additionally, using natural peanut butter will give the cookies a more pronounced nutty taste and a heartier texture. Just be aware that this might alter the moisture content slightly, so adjust the oil accordingly to achieve the perfect dough consistency.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use natural peanut butter?

Yes, but it may affect the texture slightly. Natural peanut butter can make the cookies a bit more crumbly.

→ How do I store the cookies?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

→ Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Absolutely! You can freeze the formed cookie balls for up to 3 months. Just bake them straight from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

→ What can I substitute for vegetable oil?

You can use melted coconut oil or melted butter as a substitute.