Buckeye Brownie Cookies: A Festive Christmas Treat with Holiday Sprinkles
The holiday season is the perfect time for baking indulgent treats that everyone can enjoy. Among the many festive desserts, Buckeye Brownie Cookies stand out as a delicious combination of rich chocolate, smooth peanut butter, and festive charm. Whether you’re looking for the perfect addition to your Christmas cookie platter or a treat to share with family and friends, this dessert delivers a delightful blend of flavors and textures.
What Are Buckeye Brownie Cookies?
Buckeye Brownie Cookies are an irresistible treat inspired by the classic Buckeye candy—peanut butter centers coated with chocolate. These cookies take the concept to the next level by using a brownie base, creating a fudgy, soft texture, and then topping them with a creamy peanut butter filling, all covered in smooth, melted chocolate. Topped with holiday sprinkles, these cookies are as visually appealing as they are delicious.
The Essential Ingredients for Buckeye Brownie Cookies
To create these holiday delights, you’ll need some common ingredients for the base, peanut butter filling, and chocolate topping. Here’s a breakdown:
For the Brownie Cookie Dough:
- 1 box (18 oz) brownie mix – This is the foundation of the cookie dough, giving it a rich, chocolate flavor that is perfect for the holiday season.
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour – This small addition helps give the cookie dough structure without compromising its fudgy texture.
- 2 large eggs – Eggs are essential for binding the ingredients together and providing moisture.
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil – This adds moisture and ensures the cookie dough doesn’t become too dry.
- 1 tablespoon water – A small amount of water helps combine the dry ingredients and makes for a smooth dough.
For the Peanut Butter Filling:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter – The creamy peanut butter acts as the base for the filling, giving it a smooth and indulgent texture.
- 1 cup powdered sugar – Powdered sugar is key for sweetening the filling and helping it hold together when formed into discs.
For the Chocolate Topping:
- 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips – Semi-sweet chocolate is ideal for balancing the sweetness of the peanut butter filling.
- 1 tablespoon butter – Butter adds richness and helps melt the chocolate smoothly.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Buckeye Brownie Cookies
Making Buckeye Brownie Cookies is simple, yet requires careful attention to detail to ensure the right texture and flavor. Follow these easy steps to make the perfect batch.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
To start, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures that the cookies won’t stick and are easy to remove once baked.
Step 2: Prepare the Brownie Cookie Dough
In a large bowl, combine the brownie mix, all-purpose flour, eggs, vegetable oil, and water. Stir the ingredients together until a thick, uniform dough forms. It should be easy to roll into balls, but thick enough to hold its shape during baking.
Once the dough is ready, use your hands or a cookie scoop to roll the dough into 1 1/2-inch balls. Arrange the cookie dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring there’s enough space between each one for expansion as they bake.
Step 3: Bake the Cookies
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes. You’ll know the cookies are done when the edges are set, and the center remains soft but not raw. The key is to avoid overbaking, as this will cause the cookies to become dry.
Once baked, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 4: Prepare the Peanut Butter Filling
While the cookies are cooling, prepare the peanut butter filling. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter and powdered sugar. Mix them together until smooth and fully incorporated.
Once the mixture is ready, roll it into small 1-inch balls. Gently flatten each ball into a disc shape. These peanut butter discs will sit atop the cookie and create the signature flavor combination.
Step 5: Add the Peanut Butter Filling
After the cookies have cooled, take a peanut butter disc and place it on top of each cookie. Gently press the disc down into the cookie to ensure it adheres. The peanut butter filling should sit neatly on top of the cookie.
Step 6: Prepare the Chocolate Topping
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips and butter. Microwave the mixture in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until the chocolate and butter are fully melted and smooth.
Once the chocolate is melted, you’re ready to coat the peanut butter filling with a rich layer of chocolate.
Step 7: Assemble the Buckeye Brownie Cookies
Spoon the melted chocolate over the top of each peanut butter disc, completely covering the filling. Use the back of the spoon to spread the chocolate evenly, ensuring it covers the peanut butter filling in a smooth layer.
Once the chocolate is added, allow it to set. You can speed up this process by placing the cookies in the refrigerator for a few minutes. The chocolate topping will harden, giving the cookies their signature glossy finish.
Step 8: Add Holiday Sprinkles (Optional)
For an extra festive touch, add holiday sprinkles to the chocolate topping while it’s still soft. You can choose sprinkles in a variety of colors, such as red, green, and white, to give your Buckeye Brownie Cookies a merry Christmas touch.
Tips for the Best Buckeye Brownie Cookies
To ensure that your Buckeye Brownie Cookies are perfect every time, here are a few helpful tips:
- Chill the Peanut Butter Discs: Chilling the peanut butter discs for about 5-10 minutes before placing them on the cookies helps them hold their shape and prevents them from becoming too soft when the warm chocolate is added.
- Don’t Overbake: The key to a fudgy cookie is not overbaking it. When the edges are set and the center is still soft, take them out of the oven.
- Use Good Quality Chocolate: The flavor of the chocolate topping is crucial. Opt for semi-sweet chocolate chips or high-quality chocolate bars for the best results.
- Let the Chocolate Set: Allow the chocolate to fully harden before serving the cookies, as it will help hold everything together and give the cookies a smooth, shiny finish.
Why You’ll Love These Buckeye Brownie Cookies
Not only are Buckeye Brownie Cookies a visual treat, but they offer an explosion of flavors in every bite. The fudgy brownie base pairs perfectly with the creamy peanut butter filling, while the chocolate topping adds the ideal balance of sweetness. Topped with festive holiday sprinkles, they make a great holiday gift or addition to any Christmas celebration.
The Perfect Holiday Dessert
The rich combination of chocolate and peanut butter, paired with the fun holiday sprinkles, makes these cookies an ideal Christmas treat. Whether served at a holiday party or enjoyed with a cup of hot cocoa by the fireplace, Buckeye Brownie Cookies are sure to bring joy to anyone who tastes them.
Storage Tips for Buckeye Brownie Cookies
Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If you’d like to keep them fresh for a longer period, you can freeze the cookies for up to 3 months. Simply layer the cookies between pieces of parchment paper and store them in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw them at room temperature.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re an experienced baker or a beginner, Buckeye Brownie Cookies are an easy and delightful treat to make for the holiday season. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you can create a batch of cookies that will impress your friends and family. These cookies are a true holiday classic, perfect for any festive occasion.