Crumbl Style Buckeye Brownie Cookies

Buckeye Brownie Crumbl Cookie Recipe offers an incredibly easy and utterly delicious chocolate cookie experience. Imagine a deep, fudgy chocolate brownie cookie, perfectly soft and chewy, generously topped with a rich, creamy peanut butter layer, and finished with a smooth, glistening cascade of melted chocolate. This delightful dessert brings together the iconic flavor combination of chocolate and peanut butter in a way that’s simply irresistible, making it a dream come true for any peanut butter enthusiast.

As avid fans of Crumbl Cookies and their ever-rotating menu, we frequently find ourselves inspired to recreate their magical creations in our own kitchens. Our latest obsession led us to craft this magnificent Copycat Crumbl Cookies Buckeye Brownie. The beauty of this recipe lies not only in its sensational flavor but also in its simplicity. With readily available ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up these impressive cookies without needing any advanced baking skills. It’s a truly easy cookie recipe that promises gourmet results.

The foundation of this extraordinary cookie is a rich, fudgy chocolate brownie base, designed to deliver that intense cocoa flavor and a wonderfully soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture. This decadent base is then crowned with a thick, luscious layer of smooth peanut butter, providing the perfect contrast in flavor and texture. Finally, a generous drizzle of melted chocolate encapsulates the peanut butter, creating a polished finish and an explosion of classic chocolate-peanut butter bliss with every bite. This combination is truly a personal favorite and stands out as the ultimate treat for any peanut butter lover. If you adore this pairing as much as we do, be sure to explore more of our 55 Peanut Butter Desserts for endless inspiration!

Why This Recipe Works So Well

This Buckeye Brownie Crumbl Cookie recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and offers numerous reasons why it should be your next baking project. Firstly, the harmonious blend of rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter creates a universally loved flavor profile that appeals to nearly everyone. It’s a classic pairing that never disappoints, elevated here to a gourmet cookie experience. Secondly, despite its decadent appearance and complex flavors, the recipe is surprisingly easy to follow, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels. The steps are clearly outlined, ensuring success even for beginners.

These cookies are perfect for a multitude of occasions. Whether you’re planning a festive holiday gathering, a cozy movie night in with loved ones, or simply craving a special treat to brighten your day, these cookies fit the bill. The impressive presentation and irresistible taste make them ideal for sharing or gifting. The results are consistently amazing: soft, chewy, fudgy cookies with a perfectly set peanut butter and chocolate topping that looks as good as it tastes. You’ll undoubtedly fall in love with the ultimate chocolate and peanut butter combination, delivered effortlessly. For more luscious chocolate-peanut butter inspiration, you might also want to try our Buckeye Bars Recipe or the delightfully smooth Buckeye Dip Recipe.

Essential Ingredients for Buckeye Brownie Cookies

For the Fudgy Chocolate Cookies

• All-Purpose Flour: This forms the primary structure of our cookies. Using regular plain all-purpose flour ensures the right balance of chewiness and tenderness in the final cookie. Precision in measurement is key for the best texture.
• Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: To achieve that deep, rich brownie flavor, unsweetened cocoa powder is essential. It provides intense chocolate notes without adding excess sweetness, allowing the sugar in the recipe to control the overall sweetness.
• Semi-Sweet Chocolate: Coarsely chopped semi-sweet chocolate is melted into the dough, contributing to the fudgy texture and adding a luxurious depth of chocolate flavor. Using good quality chocolate makes a noticeable difference.
• Unsalted Butter: Softened at room temperature, butter is crucial for creaming with sugar, incorporating air, and creating a tender cookie. Room temperature butter blends smoothly, preventing a lumpy dough and ensuring uniform consistency.
• Large Eggs: Also at room temperature, eggs act as a binder and add moisture, richness, and structure to the cookies. Room temperature eggs emulsify better with the other ingredients, leading to a smoother batter.
• Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and contributes to the crispness of the cookie edges. It also helps with the spreading of the cookies.
• Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and a delightful chewiness to the cookies, thanks to its molasses content. We recommend using a good quality brown sugar, or even trying a Homemade Brown Sugar Recipe for extra freshness.
• Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract enhances all the other flavors, especially the chocolate, adding a warm, aromatic depth that completes the cookie’s profile.
• Baking Powder: This leavening agent helps the cookies rise slightly and contributes to their soft, cake-like interior.
• Salt: A small amount of salt balances the sweetness and intensifies the chocolate and peanut butter flavors, making them pop.

For the Creamy Buckeye Toppings

• Powdered Sugar (Confectioners’ Sugar): Essential for creating the smooth, sweet peanut butter topping. Sifting the powdered sugar is highly recommended to prevent any lumps and ensure a silky-smooth texture.
• Creamy Peanut Butter: The star of the Buckeye topping! Creamy peanut butter is ideal for achieving a smooth, spreadable consistency that holds its shape. Avoid natural peanut butter that separates, as it can alter the texture of the topping.
• Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: Used for the final melted chocolate drizzle. Semi-sweet chocolate chips melt easily and provide a classic chocolate flavor that complements the peanut butter beautifully.
• Coconut Oil or Vegetable Oil: A small amount of oil is mixed with the chocolate chips to create a smooth, glossy chocolate coating that hardens nicely and has a pleasant snap without being brittle. Either option is perfectly fine, so use whichever you prefer or have on hand.

For a complete, detailed list of quantities and specific instructions, continue scrolling to the bottom of the page where you’ll find the full recipe card.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Your Buckeye Brownie Crumbl Cookies

• Step 1 – Prepare Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F (175°C). This ensures your oven is at the correct temperature when your cookie dough is ready, promoting even baking. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.

Step 2 – Melt the Chocolate for the Dough: Place the coarsely chopped semi-sweet chocolate into a microwave-safe bowl. Heat the chocolate in 20-30 second intervals, stirring thoroughly after each interval. Continue this process until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth. Be careful not to overheat it, as this can cause it to seize. Once melted, set the chocolate aside to cool down significantly. This cooling step is crucial to prevent the hot chocolate from cooking the eggs when it’s added to the cookie batter, ensuring a perfectly smooth and consistent dough.

Step 3 – Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Whisking ensures these dry ingredients are well combined and evenly distributed, which is important for the cookie’s texture and rise. Set this mixture aside for later use.

Step 4 – Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, using either a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment or a handheld electric mixer, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and creamy. This process incorporates air, which is vital for the cookie’s soft texture. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is well combined.

Step 5 – Add Wet Ingredients: To the creamed butter and sugar mixture, add the room temperature large egg and the vanilla extract. Beat these ingredients together on high speed until the mixture is smooth, uniformly creamy, and thoroughly incorporated. Again, pause to scrape down the sides of the bowl to catch any unincorporated ingredients.

Step 6 – Incorporate Melted Chocolate: Once the egg and vanilla are well mixed, pour the cooled melted chocolate into the butter mixture. Beat for an additional 2-3 minutes on medium-high speed until the chocolate is fully combined and the batter is a rich, uniform brown color. The mixture should appear glossy and smooth.

Step 7 – Gradually Add Dry Ingredients: Slowly add the dry ingredient mixture (flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, salt) into the wet butter and chocolate mixture. Mix on a low speed, just until the ingredients are combined and no streaks of dry flour remain. It’s crucial not to overmix the dough, as this can develop the gluten too much, resulting in tough, dense cookies instead of the desired soft and fudgy texture. Stop mixing as soon as everything is just incorporated.

Step 8 – Portion and Shape the Cookie Dough: Divide the cookie dough into 12 equal portions. A large cookie scoop (approximately ½ cup capacity) works perfectly for consistent sizing. Roll each portion into a smooth ball. Then, gently flatten out each ball slightly with the palm of your hand or the bottom of a glass. Place these flattened dough balls onto your prepared baking sheet, leaving ample space between them, as they will spread (aim for about 6 cookies per standard baking tray). This flattening step helps create the classic Crumbl cookie shape.

Step 9 – Bake the Cookies: Bake the cookies in your preheated oven for 14-16 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges are set and firm, and the tops of the cookies show a slightly crackly texture. The centers might still look a little soft, but they will continue to set as they cool. Do not overbake to maintain their fudgy interior.

Step 10 – Prepare the Peanut Butter Topping: While the cookies are baking, prepare the creamy peanut butter topping. In a medium bowl, combine the powdered sugar (preferably sifted) and the creamy peanut butter. Stir them together until they are thoroughly combined and form a smooth, thick mixture. Divide this peanut butter mixture into 12 equal portions and roll them into small balls. Flatten each ball slightly to resemble a mini hockey puck or disc. Place these discs on a plate and refrigerate them until the cookies are ready; this helps them firm up and hold their shape.

Step 11 – Create Indentations and Add Peanut Butter: Once the cookies are removed from the oven, immediately use the back of a spoon to gently create a small dip or indentation in the center of each warm cookie. This creates a perfect nest for the peanut butter topping. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for just 3 minutes to firm up slightly. After 3 minutes, carefully place one of the chilled peanut butter discs on top of each cookie, pressing down gently so it settles into the indentation.

Step 12 – Melt Chocolate for Drizzle: In a separate microwave-safe bowl, combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips and your chosen oil (coconut or vegetable oil). Heat this mixture in 20-second intervals, stirring well after each interval, until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth. The oil helps create a glossy, pourable consistency that hardens beautifully.

Step 13 – Drizzle and Set: Spoon approximately 2 teaspoons of the melted chocolate over the peanut butter portion of each cookie, allowing it to gently cascade and cover the peanut butter layer. You can use the back of the spoon to lightly spread it if needed. Once drizzled, let the cookies sit at room temperature or in the refrigerator until the chocolate topping re-hardens and sets completely. This creates the signature shiny, firm chocolate shell of a classic Buckeye.

Step 14 – Enjoy Your Masterpiece: Once the chocolate topping is fully set, your irresistible Buckeye Brownie Crumbl Cookies are ready to be savored! These cookies offer a perfect balance of rich chocolate, creamy peanut butter, and a satisfying combination of textures. Serve them fresh and enjoy the delightful flavors of this homemade copycat treat.

Storage Tips for Optimal Freshness

Proper storage is essential to maintain the deliciousness and texture of your Buckeye Brownie Crumbl Cookies. Here’s how to keep them fresh:

Room Temperature: For immediate enjoyment, store your Buckeye Brownie Crumbl Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. This will keep them fresh and soft for up to 4-5 days. Ensure they are completely cooled before storing to prevent condensation, which can make them soggy.

Refrigerator: To extend their freshness, especially if you prefer a firmer cookie or live in a warm climate, you can store these cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. The peanut butter and chocolate layers will firm up, offering a slightly different, yet equally delightful, texture.

Freezer: These cookies freeze exceptionally well, making them perfect for meal prepping or enjoying a single treat whenever a craving strikes. To freeze, wrap individual cookies tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe airtight container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. Layering with parchment paper can also help prevent sticking if stacking. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature for an hour or two before serving. For a quick treat, you can gently warm them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.

Pro Tips for Achieving Perfect Buckeye Brownie Crumbl Cookies

Elevate your baking game and ensure your Buckeye Brownie Crumbl Cookies turn out perfectly every time with these expert tips:

• Avoid Overmixing Ingredients: When combining your wet and dry ingredients, mix until just blended. Overmixing the flour can develop the gluten, leading to a tough and dense cookie texture instead of the desired soft and fudgy crumb. Stop the mixer as soon as no dry streaks of flour are visible.
• Utilize a Cookie Scoop for Consistency: For uniform cookie dough balls and consistent baking results, a large cookie scoop (about ½ cup capacity) is your best friend. Evenly sized cookies bake at the same rate, preventing some from being underdone while others are overbaked.
• Allow Chocolate Topping to Fully Harden: After drizzling or spreading the melted chocolate over the peanut butter layer, exercise patience! Allow it to fully harden and set before serving. This creates the signature satisfying “snap” of the Buckeye topping and ensures the cookie is structurally sound for the best eating experience. You can speed this up by refrigerating the cookies for a short period.
• Prepare Your Baking Sheet Thoughtfully: Always line your baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This crucial step prevents the cookies from sticking to the pan, ensures even heat distribution for consistent baking, and makes cleanup incredibly easy.
• Ensure Room Temperature Ingredients: For a smooth, emulsified batter and a tender cookie texture, make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature. Cold ingredients don’t blend as well, leading to a lumpy batter and potentially altering the cookie’s final texture. Plan ahead and take them out of the fridge an hour or two before baking.
• Chill the Dough if Too Soft: If your cookie dough feels excessively soft or sticky after mixing, don’t hesitate to refrigerate it for 10-15 minutes. This helps the butter firm up, making the dough easier to handle and preventing excessive spreading during baking, thus maintaining the cookie’s desired shape and thickness.
• Promote Even Baking with Proper Spacing: Always space your cookie dough balls evenly on the baking sheet. Overcrowding the pan can lead to uneven baking, where some cookies are undercooked due to restricted airflow, and can cause the cookies to spread into each other, resulting in a single, large cookie mass.
• Sift Powdered Sugar for Smooth Topping: For the silkiest peanut butter topping, sift your powdered sugar before mixing it with the peanut butter. This simple step eliminates any lumps, ensuring a perfectly smooth and creamy consistency that’s a delight to bite into.

More Easy Cookie Recipes to Explore

If you’ve loved making these Buckeye Brownie Crumbl Cookies, you’re in for a treat! We have a treasure trove of simple and delightful cookie recipes that are perfect for any occasion or craving. Expand your baking repertoire with these other easy-to-make favorites:

• Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies: A perfect blend of sweet and salty, these cookies are pure decadence.
• Eclair Cookies: Capture the magic of the classic French pastry in an easy-to-eat cookie format.
• Easy Cinnamon Roll Cookies: All the warm, comforting flavors of a cinnamon roll, transformed into a convenient cookie.
• Vanilla Wafer Cookies Recipe: Simple, classic, and utterly addictive, these vanilla wafers are perfect with a cup of tea or coffee.
• Caramel Apple Cookies: A taste of autumn in every bite, combining sweet apples and gooey caramel.

We invite you to try these incredibly delicious Copycat Crumbl Buckeye Brownie Cookies and experience the joy of homemade treats. We genuinely love hearing from our readers, so please don’t hesitate to leave a comment below and share your star rating after you’ve baked a batch. Your feedback means the world to us!