Name: Copycat Buckeye Brownie Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 12 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 32 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter (melted); 1 cup packed brown sugar; ½ cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1¾ cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon salt; 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips; ½ cup unsalted butter (softened); 1 cup creamy peanut butter; 2 cups powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips; ¾ cup heavy cream

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If you have a sweet tooth and a love for the nostalgic flavors of peanut butter and chocolate, you are going to fall head over heels for this Copycat Buckeye Brownie Cookies Recipe. These cookies are an irresistible fusion of fudgy brownie richness and that classic Buckeye candy combo, delivering soft, chewy cookies loaded with gooey peanut butter filling and topped with decadent chocolate ganache. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or craving a special treat, this recipe captures every bit of that comforting, homemade goodness.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows eleven clear glass bowls on a white marbled surface, each containing different baking ingredients arranged neatly. From top left, there is a small bowl with a dark brown liquid, next to it a bowl of white liquid, and to the right a smaller bowl of white powdery salt. Below, a larger bowl of smooth light brown peanut butter sits beside a bowl of light brown brown sugar with a crumbly texture and a bowl of crushed light brown powder. Two white eggs are in a small bowl, next to a larger bowl full of dark brown chocolate chips. Near the bottom left, a bowl of white flour sits beside a bowl of white granulated sugar, and at the very bottom a bowl contains three yellow sticks of butter aligned vertically. All bowls are spaced evenly and the shot is taken from above. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Copycat Buckeye Brownie Cookies Recipe lies in its straightforward yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a vital role in building the perfect texture, flavor, and mouthfeel you crave—from the rich cocoa that gives the cookies their deep chocolate essence to the creamy peanut butter that makes the filling utterly dreamy.

1 cup unsalted butter (melted): Provides moisture and richness while creating a tender cookie base.
1 cup packed brown sugar: Adds sweetness with a hint of molasses for depth and softness.
½ cup granulated sugar: Balances the sweetness and helps with slight crisp edges.
2 large eggs: Bind everything together and add structure.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances flavor with a warm, inviting aroma.
1¾ cups all-purpose flour: Builds the cookie’s sturdy yet soft foundation.
1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Delivers that intense chocolate punch.
1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and spread evenly.
1 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies chocolate notes.
2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (for dough): Adds melty pockets of rich chocolate throughout the cookies.
½ cup unsalted butter (softened): Creamed with peanut butter for the filling’s luscious texture.
1 cup creamy peanut butter: The star of the filling, smooth and flavorful.
2 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the peanut butter filling perfectly.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (filling): Adds a hint of warmth and rounds out the filling’s flavor.
2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (for ganache): For the glossy chocolate topping that seals the deal.
¾ cup heavy cream: Creates the silky ganache that gently hardens on top.

How to Make Copycat Buckeye Brownie Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Preheat & Prep

Kick off your baking session by heating your oven to 350°F. Prepare your baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper, which keeps the cookies from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough

Begin by melting one cup of butter and letting it cool just a bit—this step ensures the butter won’t cook the eggs when mixed. In your mixer, beat the melted butter together with both brown and granulated sugars until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract, mixing well after each addition. Then, combine the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt; slowly mix on low speed just until everything comes together. Finally, fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips to scatter those melty chocolate gems throughout the dough.

Step 3: Bake the Cookies

Scoop two-inch mounds of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about two to three inches apart because these cookies do spread a little. Gently press each mound with your hand to flatten to roughly half an inch thick. Pop them in the oven and bake for 11 to 12 minutes—watch for the centers to be set but still soft; this ensures a chewy, fudgy texture rather than crisp. Once baked, allow the cookies to cool completely right on the sheets.

Step 4: Prepare the Peanut Butter Filling

In a clean mixing bowl, beat softened butter and creamy peanut butter together until wholly smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing on low speed to avoid a sugar cloud, then crank up to medium for a luscious, thick frosting-like consistency that’s perfect for spreading.

Step 5: Make the Ganache

Place chocolate chips and heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat for one minute, stir, and then microwave for an additional 15 to 30 seconds if needed. Stir again until the ganache is beautifully glossy and smooth. Let it cool to room temperature so it’s thick enough to spread but still pourable.

Step 6: Assemble the Cookies

Spread a thin layer of your silky peanut butter filling over each cooled cookie. Then top with a generous spoonful of the chocolate ganache, smoothing it gently for an elegant finish. Leave the cookies at room temperature until the ganache sets, forming a shiny, irresistible shell.

How to Serve Copycat Buckeye Brownie Cookies Recipe

The image shows nine round chocolate cookies with cracked tops, placed evenly on a silver cooling rack. Each cookie has a rich, dark brown color with lighter brown patches inside the creases, giving them a textured, chunky look. The cooling rack is placed on a white marbled surface that adds a clean and bright contrast to the dark cookies. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For an extra special touch, sprinkle crushed roasted peanuts or a light dusting of cocoa powder over the ganache before it sets. A little flaky sea salt can also elevate the sweet and salty balance beautifully, highlighting the peanut butter’s rich flavor.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair perfectly with a cold glass of milk to balance the richness. You could also serve them alongside a cup of strong coffee or hot tea, which cuts through the sweetness and rounds out the experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking these cookies on a dessert platter with fresh strawberries or raspberries for a pop of color and tartness. Gift them in a festive box with parchment paper for a thoughtful homemade present that anyone would adore.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Copycat Buckeye Brownie Cookies Recipe treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days to keep the texture fresh and the ganache glossy.

Freezing

You can freeze the cookies both before and after assembly. For best results, freeze the plain cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Once assembled, freeze in an airtight container between parchment layers. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Reheating

If you want that just-baked warmth, gently reheat frozen or refrigerated cookies in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes. Avoid the microwave as it can melt the ganache unevenly.

FAQs

What makes these cookies “copycat” Buckeyes?

These cookies mimic the beloved Buckeye candies by combining peanut butter and chocolate in a brownie cookie form, capturing the iconic flavor and texture in cookie form.

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Yes, you can, but creamy peanut butter creates a smoother filling that spreads more easily and complements the cookie’s fudgy texture better.

How long do these cookies stay fresh?

Stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, they stay fresh for about four days. Beyond that, they’re best enjoyed frozen or freshly baked.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substituting the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend designed for baking usually works well, but results might vary slightly in texture.

Is there a way to make these vegan?

To veganize this recipe, swap out butter for vegan margarine or coconut oil, use flax eggs instead of eggs, and pick dairy-free chocolate chips and cream alternatives for the ganache.

Final Thoughts

This Copycat Buckeye Brownie Cookies Recipe is an absolute keeper, blending the best of two beloved sweets into one extraordinary cookie. It’s the kind of recipe that brings smiles, warmth, and satisfied sighs with every bite. Don’t wait to try it yourself—you’re going to love sharing these little bundles of joy with everyone you know!