After indulging in my new favorite snack, Trail Mix Peanut Butter Bars, I couldn’t get peanut butter out of my head. So I made peanut butter cookie brownies: a peanut butter cookie layer pressed into the pan, topped with rich brownie batter and finished with an impossibly easy chocolate-peanut butter frosting.
Honestly, the frosting is so simple it’s almost embarrassing.
Baking Tips
✔ These brownies begin with refrigerated peanut butter cookie dough. I used Pillsbury Big Deluxe Reese’s Mini Pieces Peanut Butter Cookie Dough to boost the peanut butter flavor. Press the cookie dough into a 9×9 pan lined with foil. Be sure to line the pan and spray the foil with non-stick cooking spray so the brownies lift out cleanly for cutting.
✔ I used a boxed brownie mix (Betty Crocker Triple Chunk Premium Brownie Mix with Hershey’s) and prepared it according to the package directions. No need to overcomplicate the brownie layer — boxed mixes work great here.
✔ Bake the brownies for about 30 minutes. Keep an eye on them so neither the cookie layer nor the brownies burn.
✔ The frosting is a “lazy girl” version that tastes homemade with minimal effort. Combine 1/4 cup powdered sugar, 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter and one tub of whipped chocolate frosting. Mix until smooth, spread over cooled brownies, and you’re done.
Step-by-Step Guide to Peanut Butter Cookie Brownies
Leave a Review
Peanut Butter Cookie Brownies
Print Recipe
Pin Recipe
Ingredients
- 16 ounces refrigerated peanut butter cookie dough
- 1 tub whipped chocolate frosting
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
Instructions
-
Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9×9-inch pan with foil and spray with non-stick cooking spray.
-
Press the peanut butter cookie dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
-
Prepare the brownie mix according to package directions. Pour the batter over the cookie layer and spread evenly with a spatula.
-
Bake for about 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool for 15 minutes before frosting.
Make the Frosting
-
In a large bowl, combine powdered sugar, peanut butter and the tub of whipped chocolate frosting. Mix until smooth and well combined.
-
Spread the frosting over the cooled brownies. Cut into squares and serve.
Notes
- Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. Unfrosted brownies can be frozen for up to 2 months.