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Buckeye Brownie Cookies combine the rich fudginess of brownies with the creamy, sweet delight of peanut butter and chocolate. These cookies are a chocolate and peanut butter lover's dream, featuring a chewy brownie base, topped with a peanut butter ball and coated in smooth melted chocolate. They're perfect for parties, holidays, or satisfying a sweet craving!
Benefits of Hybrid Desserts
These Buckeye Brownie Cookies offer the perfect fusion of two beloved treats - fudgy brownies and creamy buckeye candies. Their convenient size and impressive presentation make them ideal for gatherings, while their rich flavor combination satisfies intense dessert cravings.
Complete Ingredient Requirements
- Brownie mix: 1 box (18.3 oz/519g), premium fudge variety, check expiration date, room temperature (68-72°F/20-22°C)
- Large eggs: 2 (100g total), room temperature (68-72°F/20-22°C), grade A or AA, fresh within 1 week
- All-purpose flour: 1/4 cup (30g), unbleached, protein content 10-12%, sifted and measured using spoon-and-level method
- Vegetable oil: 1/3 cup (80ml), neutral flavor, room temperature (68-72°F/20-22°C)
- Water: 1 tablespoon (15ml), filtered, room temperature (68-72°F/20-22°C)
- Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon (5ml), pure extract not imitation, clear or amber color
- Creamy peanut butter: 1 cup (250g), commercial style (not natural), room temperature, well-stirred with no oil separation
- Powdered sugar: 1 cup (120g), sifted to remove lumps, measured after sifting
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: 1 cup (170g), high-quality couverture preferred, 54-56% cacao content
- Coconut oil: 1 tablespoon (14g), refined for neutral flavor, solid at room temperature
- Equipment needed: Stand mixer or hand mixer, cookie scoop (1.5 tablespoon capacity), parchment paper, rimmed baking sheets, cooling racks, digital thermometer
Professional Assembly Instructions
- Preparation Setup
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C), position rack in center. Line baking sheets with parchment. Gather all ingredients at room temperature (68-72°F/20-22°C). Set up cooling racks.
- Cookie Base Creation
- In stand mixer with paddle attachment (or large bowl with hand mixer), combine brownie mix, eggs, flour, oil, water, and vanilla. Mix on medium speed (speed 4) for 2 minutes until dough is thick and glossy (texture similar to soft cookie dough). Dough should hold shape when scooped.
- Cookie Formation and Baking
- Using 1.5 tablespoon cookie scoop, portion dough onto prepared sheets, spacing 2 inches apart. Make indent in center using back of teaspoon (1/2 inch deep, 1 inch diameter). Bake 8-10 minutes until edges are set but centers are still slightly soft (internal temperature 165°F/74°C). Cookies should be fudgy with slight crackle on top.
- Peanut Butter Filling Preparation
- While cookies bake, combine peanut butter and powdered sugar in medium bowl. Mix until smooth and rollable (texture should hold shape when pressed). Roll into 24 one-inch balls (approximately 15g each). Chill balls at 40°F (4°C) for 10 minutes to firm.
- Cookie Assembly
- Remove cookies from oven. Immediately press chilled peanut butter balls into warm cookie centers (should sink slightly). Cool on baking sheet 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack. Cool completely to room temperature (approximately 30 minutes).
- Chocolate Coating Process
- Combine chocolate chips and coconut oil in microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals at 50% power, stirring between each, until melted (final temperature 88-90°F/31-32°C). Spoon melted chocolate over peanut butter centers, allowing some to drip down sides. Let set at room temperature (65-70°F/18-21°C) for 1 hour or refrigerate 15 minutes until chocolate is firm and glossy.
Critical Success Tips
Monitor oven temperature with separate thermometer for accuracy. Use room temperature ingredients for consistent mixing. Chill peanut butter balls sufficiently to maintain shape. Temper chocolate properly for glossy finish and clean snap.
Storage and Preservation Guide
Store in airtight container between wax paper layers. Room temperature (65-70°F/18-21°C) storage: 4 days. Refrigerated storage (40°F/4°C): 1 week. Freeze up to 3 months, thaw overnight in refrigerator.
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Serving Recommendations Guide
Serve at room temperature for optimal texture and flavor. If refrigerated, allow 15 minutes to reach room temperature before serving. Pair with cold milk, coffee, or hot chocolate for enhanced enjoyment.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Why do I need to chill the dough?
Chilling prevents cookies from spreading too much while baking and makes the dough easier to handle. Don't skip this step for best results.
- → Can I use natural peanut butter?
Regular commercial peanut butter works best as natural versions can separate and make the topping too oily.
- → How do I know when the cookies are done?
The tops should just barely lose their shine and be set around edges. Don't overbake as they'll continue cooking on the hot pan.
- → Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes, they freeze well for up to 3 months. Layer between wax paper in an airtight container.
- → Why add coconut oil to the chocolate?
Coconut oil helps thin the chocolate for easier coating and creates a smoother finish that sets firmly.