Buckeye Brownie Cookies: A Decadent Chocolate-Peanut Butter Delight

Buckeye Brownie Cookies are a dreamy combination of rich brownie, creamy peanut butter, and smooth melted chocolate. They take inspiration from classic Buckeye candies but elevate the concept with a chewy, fudgy cookie base. Perfect for parties, holidays, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth, these cookies are as impressive as they are indulgent.

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Ingredients

• 1 box fudge brownie mix (19.5 ounces or family size)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• ¼ cup butter, melted
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 egg
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 4 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Cookie Dough
   • Preheat the oven to 350°F.
   • In a medium bowl, combine the brownie mix, vanilla extract, cornstarch, melted butter, softened cream cheese, and egg using a hand mixer. The dough will be sticky, but this is normal.
2. Shape the Cookies
   • Scoop the dough onto an ungreased baking sheet, forming evenly sized mounds. Smooth the edges to create round cookie shapes.
3. Bake the Cookies
   • Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12 minutes.
4. Make the Peanut Butter Centers
   • While the cookies are baking, mix the powdered sugar and peanut butter in a medium bowl until smooth.
   • Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls, one for each cookie. Set them aside.
5. Add the Peanut Butter Filling
   • When the cookies come out of the oven, press a peanut butter ball gently into the center of each cookie. The warmth of the cookies will soften the peanut butter slightly.
   • Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
6. Top with Melted Chocolate
   • Melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl, heating in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until fully melted.
   • Spoon about ½ tablespoon of melted chocolate over each cookie, covering the peanut butter ball completely.
7. Set and Serve
   • Allow the chocolate to set before serving. Store cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh.

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Tips for Success

• Smooth Peanut Butter: Use creamy peanut butter for the filling to achieve a rich, velvety texture.
• Prevent Sticky Hands: If the peanut butter mixture is sticky while rolling, lightly dust your hands with powdered sugar.
• Chocolate Drizzle: For a decorative touch, drizzle extra chocolate over the cookies or sprinkle with crushed peanuts before the chocolate sets.
• Storage: These cookies can be stored at room temperature for 3-4 days or refrigerated for up to a week.

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Buckeye Brownie Cookies deliver a mouthwatering combination of textures and flavors. With a chewy brownie base, creamy peanut butter center, and smooth chocolate topping, they’re guaranteed to be a hit at any gathering!