Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Add the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until fully combined. Stir in the chocolate chips.
Chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to make it easier to handle.
Prepare the Peanut Butter Filling:
While the dough chills, prepare the peanut butter filling. In a small bowl, mix together the peanut butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and softened butter until smooth and well combined. The mixture should be firm enough to roll into balls.
Form the Cookies:
Once the cookie dough has chilled, scoop out a tablespoon-sized portion of dough and flatten it into a disc. Place a small ball of the peanut butter mixture (about 1 teaspoon) in the center of the disc. Gently fold the dough around the peanut butter to form a ball, ensuring the peanut butter is completely encased by the cookie dough. Repeat this process for all the cookies and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly soft. Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare the Chocolate Coating:
Once the cookies are cool, melt the chocolate chips and vegetable oil in a heatproof bowl over a double boiler or in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
Dip each cookie halfway into the melted chocolate, allowing any excess chocolate to drip off. Place the coated cookies back on the parchment paper and let them set at room temperature or in the refrigerator until the chocolate hardens.
Tips for Serving and Storing:
Serving: These Buckeye Brownie Cookies are best served at room temperature, allowing the chocolate coating to maintain its smooth texture. They make a great addition to a dessert platter or a sweet gift when packaged in a decorative box.
Storage: Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If you’d like to keep them fresh for longer, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
Serving Suggestions: Pair these cookies with a cold glass of milk or a cup of coffee to enhance the rich chocolate and peanut butter flavors. They also work wonderfully as a special treat for holidays or celebrations.
Variants:
Gluten-Free Version: For a gluten-free version, swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the baking powder and other ingredients are also gluten-free.
Nut-Free: If you or someone you know has a peanut allergy, you can substitute the peanut butter with a nut-free alternative like sunflower seed butter. The rest of the recipe remains the same.
Vegan Version: To make these cookies vegan, substitute the butter with vegan butter and use a dairy-free chocolate for the coating. You can also replace the eggs with flaxseed eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water = 1 egg).
FAQ:
1. Can I make these cookies ahead of time? Yes, you can make the cookies ahead of time and store them in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh for up to a week at room temperature or longer in the fridge.
2. How do I prevent the peanut butter filling from melting out? Make sure to chill the cookie dough before forming the cookies, and ensure the peanut butter filling is firmly enclosed inside the cookie dough. This will help keep the peanut butter from leaking during baking.
3. Can I use a different type of chocolate for the coating? Absolutely! You can use milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate, depending on your preference. Each will add a slightly different flavor but will still pair wonderfully with the peanut butter filling.
4. How can I make these cookies even more decadent? For an extra layer of indulgence, you can drizzle additional melted chocolate over the cooled cookies or add crushed nuts (such as peanuts or almonds) on top of the chocolate coating for a crunchy finish.
5. Are these cookies difficult to make? While the process involves a few steps, it’s fairly straightforward. The key is to make sure the dough is chilled before forming the cookies and to allow the chocolate coating to fully set before serving.
Conclusion:
These Buckeye Brownie Cookies are the perfect treat for anyone who loves the rich, indulgent flavors of chocolate and peanut butter. With their chewy, brownie-like texture and creamy peanut butter center, these cookies offer a unique twist on two classic favorites. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply indulging in a sweet craving, these cookies will satisfy your taste buds and leave everyone asking for more. Try them today and experience the perfect combination of chocolate, peanut butter, and brownie goodness!
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