Description
Rich, fudgy brownies with a creamy peanut butter swirl, made with simple pantry ingredients in under 45 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder (natural)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (for topping)
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the long sides, and grease lightly.
- Melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring until liquid. Let cool for a minute.
- In a medium bowl, whisk melted butter, 1 cup sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract vigorously for 1-2 minutes until glossy and emulsified.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, and salt.
- Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Pour batter into prepared pan and spread evenly.
- Drop spoonfuls of peanut butter randomly over the batter. Sprinkle with 1 tablespoon sugar.
- Drag a knife or fork through the peanut butter and batter in a zigzag or circular motion to create swirls.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until edges are set and a toothpick inserted comes out with moist crumbs.
- Cool in the pan for at least 20 minutes before lifting out and slicing into squares.
Notes
Do not use natural peanut butter with separated oil as it is too runny for swirling. Use standard creamy peanut butter like Jif or Skippy. For cleaner cuts, chill brownies in the fridge for an hour after cooling. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt after baking for enhanced flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 22
- Sodium: 150
- Fat: 16
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Carbohydrates: 32
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 6
Keywords: brownies, peanut butter, fudgy, easy dessert, 4-ingredient, chocolate, baking, comfort food