Homemade Crumbl Buckeye Brownie Cookies – Just Like the Bakery!

Crumbl Cookies has become a household name for cookie enthusiasts, known for their deliciously decadent and unique cookie offerings. One of the fan favorites is their Buckeye Brownie Cookie, a rich, indulgent treat that combines the beloved flavors of peanut butter and chocolate in a cookie form.

This cookie has captured the hearts of many, and for good reason – it’s the perfect balance of fudgy brownie texture with a sweet peanut butter center, all topped off with a layer of gooey melted chocolate.

While Crumbl’s cookies are undeniably delicious, making a homemade version of the Buckeye Brownie Cookie allows you to enjoy this treat fresh out of the oven, customize it to your taste, and perhaps even make a few tweaks to make it uniquely your own.

This recipe brings the Crumbl experience to your kitchen, so you can satisfy your cravings without ever leaving the house. Whether you’re a cookie enthusiast or simply looking to impress your family with a delicious dessert, this copycat recipe is sure to be a hit!

What is a Buckeye Brownie Cookie?

The Buckeye Brownie Cookie is a fusion of two beloved desserts: the classic American Buckeye candy and a fudgy, chewy brownie. Named after the Buckeye tree, which is native to Ohio and produces seeds that resemble the candy, this cookie embodies the rich, creamy, and nutty combination that makes the Buckeye candy so iconic.

At the heart of this cookie is a decadent, fudgy brownie base. It’s dense, moist, and rich, creating the perfect foundation for what comes next. The peanut butter filling in the center is smooth, creamy, and slightly sweet, offering a delicious contrast to the rich brownie.

As a finishing touch, the cookie is topped with a layer of melted chocolate that hardens into a glossy, decadent coating. The combination of chocolate, peanut butter, and brownie texture makes this cookie irresistible and impossible to stop at just one bite.

In essence, a Buckeye Brownie Cookie is a celebration of the perfect trifecta – chocolate, peanut butter, and brownies – all wrapped up in one irresistible, bite-sized treat. Whether you’re a fan of brownies or peanut butter (or both!), this cookie is the ultimate indulgence.

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Why Make a Copycat Version of Crumbl’s Buckeye Brownie Cookie?

Crumbl Cookies has gained a loyal following thanks to its mouthwatering array of gourmet cookies, and the Buckeye Brownie Cookie is no exception. But why bother making a copycat version at home when you could simply head to your local Crumbl store? There are a few compelling reasons why recreating this treat in your own kitchen might just be the better option.

First and foremost, making these cookies at home gives you the satisfaction of enjoying a freshly baked, warm cookie right from your oven. There’s something about the aroma of chocolate and peanut butter wafting through the house that makes homemade cookies feel extra special. Plus, when you make them yourself, you’re in control of every ingredient, allowing for adjustments to meet any dietary preferences or restrictions you might have.

Whether you need to make the cookies gluten-free, vegan, or dairy-free, a copycat version gives you the flexibility to experiment and customize without compromising on taste. It’s also a more budget-friendly option – Crumbl cookies are delicious, but purchasing them regularly can add up. By making these cookies at home, you can enjoy them more often for a fraction of the cost.

Finally, the joy of baking is hard to beat. There’s something magical about mixing ingredients, watching them come together, and savoring the results. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a novice, this copycat recipe is simple enough to follow, with professional results that taste just as indulgent as the Crumbl version.

Key Ingredients for Your Buckeye Brownie Cookies

To recreate the decadent Buckeye Brownie Cookies at home, you’ll need a few key ingredients that work together to create the rich, fudgy brownie base, creamy peanut butter center, and glossy chocolate topping. These ingredients are the backbone of the recipe, ensuring the perfect balance of flavors and textures.

Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need:

1. Brownie Mix

The foundation of these cookies is a rich brownie mix. While you can make a brownie batter from scratch, a good-quality brownie mix simplifies the process while still delivering that dense, fudgy texture. Choose a mix that is known for producing a moist, rich brownie with minimal effort.

2. Eggs and Butter

To bring the brownie mix to life, you’ll need eggs and butter. Eggs help bind the ingredients and give the cookies structure, while butter adds a rich, indulgent flavor. The combination of both creates a soft, chewy texture that melts in your mouth.

3. Peanut Butter

The creamy peanut butter filling is what truly makes this cookie stand out. Use a smooth, creamy peanut butter (avoid natural peanut butter with oil separation, as it may not set properly). This filling provides that signature Buckeye flavor, offering a sweet and salty contrast to the rich brownie base.

4. Powdered Sugar

To achieve the perfect consistency for the peanut butter filling, powdered sugar is essential. It gives the filling that sweet, slightly thickened texture that complements the peanut butter without being overly sweet. It also helps the filling stay intact once placed inside the cookie dough.

5. Chocolate Chips

The final touch to these cookies is a layer of melted chocolate chips. The glossy chocolate topping adds a layer of decadence and helps tie together the flavors of peanut butter and brownie. You can use milk chocolate chips for a sweeter flavor or dark chocolate chips for a slightly richer, less sweet taste.

6. Vanilla Extract

A splash of vanilla extract enhances the flavors of both the brownie base and the peanut butter filling. It adds warmth and depth, rounding out the sweet and savory notes in the cookie.

7. Flour

While the brownie mix provides the main bulk of the dough, a small amount of all-purpose flour helps to create a slightly firmer texture, making it easier to shape the cookies and bake them to perfection.

These are the essential ingredients for recreating Crumbl’s famous Buckeye Brownie Cookie at home. By using these simple yet flavorful ingredients, you’ll be able to craft a cookie that tastes just like the original, right in your own kitchen.

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

Making your own Buckeye Brownie Cookies at home is easier than you might think, and the results are totally worth it.

Here’s a simple guide to help you recreate this delicious treat in your kitchen:

Step 1: Prepare the Brownie Dough

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will ensure the cookies bake evenly and don’t stick to the sheet.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the brownie mix with the required amount of eggs, butter, and any other ingredients specified on the box. Mix until smooth, making sure there are no lumps. If you’d like to intensify the flavor, you can add a splash of vanilla extract at this point, but it’s optional.

Once your brownie dough is well-mixed, set it aside to prepare the peanut butter filling.

Step 2: Make the Peanut Butter Filling

In a separate bowl, mix together the peanut butter and powdered sugar. Stir until the mixture is smooth and firm enough to hold its shape. If it’s too soft, you can add a little more powdered sugar to thicken it up.

Once the filling is ready, use a spoon or your hands to roll small balls of peanut butter filling, roughly 1 tablespoon in size. Place them on a plate or tray and refrigerate them for about 15-20 minutes. Chilling the filling helps it hold its shape when you insert it into the cookies.

Step 3: Shape and Bake the Brownie Cookies

Take about 2 tablespoons of brownie dough and roll it into a ball. Place it on your prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each ball to allow the cookies to spread. Gently press your thumb into the center of each cookie dough ball to create a small indent. This indent is where you will place the peanut butter filling.

Once all your cookies are shaped, take the chilled peanut butter balls and gently press them into the center of each cookie. Enclose the filling by pinching the brownie dough around the peanut butter, forming a ball again. Be sure the peanut butter is fully covered by the dough.

Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are slightly firm, and the center is soft but not raw. The cookies will continue to set as they cool, so be careful not to overbake them.

Step 4: Add the Chocolate Topping

While the cookies are cooling, melt the chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl or using a double boiler. Stir the chocolate every 20-30 seconds until it’s smooth and fully melted.

Once the cookies have cooled for about 5 minutes, spoon a generous amount of the melted chocolate onto the center of each cookie, covering the peanut butter filling. Let the chocolate set at room temperature or place the cookies in the fridge for a quicker set time.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

Allow the cookies to cool completely before serving. The chocolate should harden to a glossy finish, and the peanut butter filling will stay rich and creamy in the center.

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Buckeye Brownie Cookies

To ensure your Buckeye Brownie Cookies turn out just like Crumbl’s, here are some helpful tips and tricks to keep in mind:

1. Don’t Overmix the Brownie Dough

When preparing your brownie dough, mix it just until the ingredients are combined. Overmixing can lead to a tougher texture, which is not what you want for a soft, chewy cookie. A gentle stir will do the trick.

2. Chill the Peanut Butter Filling

Chilling the peanut butter balls is essential for maintaining their shape inside the brownie dough. If the filling is too soft when you try to enclose it, it could ooze out during baking. Refrigerating it ensures it stays in place.

3. Use High-Quality Chocolate Chips

The chocolate topping is one of the key components of this cookie. Use good-quality chocolate chips (either milk or dark, depending on your preference) for a smoother, creamier melt that adds richness to each bite. You can also use a chocolate bar, broken into small pieces, for a thicker coating.

4. Do Not Overbake

Brownie cookies are best when they’re soft and chewy in the middle. Keep an eye on your baking time, and remember that the cookies will continue to cook slightly as they cool on the baking sheet. It’s better to underbake them slightly than to overbake, as this will ensure a fudgy center.

5. Let the Cookies Cool Before Adding Chocolate

After baking, give the cookies a few minutes to cool before adding the melted chocolate topping. This will help prevent the chocolate from melting into the warm cookie, ensuring a glossy, perfectly-set finish on top.

6. Experiment with Different Peanut Butters

While smooth peanut butter works best for the filling, you can experiment with different types of peanut butter to alter the flavor. If you prefer a bit of texture, crunchy peanut butter can add some fun crunch to the filling, or try using peanut butter powder for a lighter version of the cookie.

7. Add a Pinch of Salt to Balance the Sweetness

If you find the cookies to be too sweet, try adding a pinch of sea salt to the peanut butter filling. The salty-sweet contrast can elevate the flavor and balance the richness of the chocolate and peanut butter.

8. Store the Cookies Properly

To keep your Buckeye Brownie Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4-5 days. You can also refrigerate them to extend their shelf life, but allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.

With these tips and tricks, your homemade Buckeye Brownie Cookies will turn out as deliciously indulgent as the Crumbl originals!

Mistakes to Avoid When Making These Cookies

While making Buckeye Brownie Cookies at home is fairly simple, there are a few common mistakes that could impact the final result. Avoiding these pitfalls will help you achieve the perfect batch of cookies every time.

1. Overbaking the Cookies

One of the most common mistakes when baking brownie-style cookies is leaving them in the oven for too long. Brownies and brownie cookies need to be soft in the center to maintain their fudgy, gooey texture. Overbaking will result in dry, crumbly cookies that don’t have that signature brownie chewiness. To avoid this, check your cookies at the 10-minute mark and take them out as soon as the edges are set but the center still appears soft.

2. Not Chilling the Peanut Butter Filling

If you skip the chilling step for the peanut butter filling, you risk the filling melting and oozing out while baking. The filling should be firm enough to stay in the center of the dough. Chilling it for 15-20 minutes ensures that the filling holds its shape and doesn’t melt into the brownie dough.

3. Using Natural Peanut Butter

Natural peanut butter, while great for spreading on toast, is not the best option for this recipe. Natural peanut butter has a tendency to separate and can become too runny when mixed with powdered sugar. Stick to smooth, processed peanut butter for a creamy, thicker filling that holds together inside the cookie.

4. Skipping the Parchment Paper or Nonstick Spray

If you don’t line your baking sheet with parchment paper or use nonstick spray, the cookies may stick to the sheet and become difficult to remove. This can cause the edges to break off or the chocolate topping to get smudged. Always use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to make the process easier and cleaner.

5. Not Allowing the Cookies to Cool Before Adding Chocolate

It can be tempting to top the cookies with melted chocolate immediately after baking, but you should let them cool slightly. If the cookies are still too warm, the melted chocolate will run off the edges or mix into the soft center, ruining the glossy topping. Give the cookies about 5 minutes to cool before adding the chocolate.

6. Using Too Much Powdered Sugar in the Peanut Butter Filling

While powdered sugar is essential for creating a smooth and firm peanut butter filling, adding too much can result in a filling that is overly sweet and too stiff to work with. Stick to the recommended amount of powdered sugar, and adjust if needed based on the consistency of the filling.

How to Serve and Enjoy Your Copycat Buckeye Brownie Cookies

Once your Buckeye Brownie Cookies are baked and topped with that glossy layer of chocolate, it’s time to dig in!

Here are some great ideas for serving and enjoying these indulgent cookies:

1. Pair with a Glass of Milk

There’s nothing quite like the combination of chocolate and peanut butter with a cold glass of milk. The creamy milk complements the rich, dense cookies, cutting through the sweetness and making each bite even more enjoyable. This classic pairing is a surefire way to elevate your dessert experience.

2. Serve with a Scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream

For a truly decadent dessert, serve your cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cool, creamy ice cream contrasts perfectly with the warm, fudgy cookie, creating a heavenly treat. You can even drizzle some extra melted chocolate on top for added richness.

3. Enjoy as a Party or Holiday Treat

These Buckeye Brownie Cookies make an excellent choice for special occasions like birthdays, holidays, or family gatherings. Their unique flavor and appealing appearance are sure to impress guests. Serve them on a platter with other cookies or desserts for a diverse and indulgent treat table.

4. Package Them as Gifts

These cookies also make great homemade gifts. Package them in a cute gift box or tin, and you’ve got a thoughtful treat for friends and family. Add a personalized tag or ribbon to make the presentation extra special.

5. Serve with Coffee or Tea

If you’re enjoying these cookies as an afternoon snack or during a cozy gathering, pair them with a cup of coffee or tea. The rich flavors of the cookie pair beautifully with a strong cup of coffee or a soothing tea, making it the perfect pick-me-up.

6. Enjoy Warm Right Out of the Oven

While these cookies are delicious at room temperature, there’s something extra indulgent about eating them warm, straight from the oven. The chocolate topping will still be a little gooey, and the peanut butter center will be soft and creamy. Serve them immediately after baking for a fresh, melt-in-your-mouth experience.

7. Store for Later Enjoyment

If you somehow have leftovers (which is unlikely, given how delicious they are!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4-5 days. You can also freeze the cookies for longer storage – just place them in a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply let them thaw at room temperature or warm them in the microwave for a few seconds for that fresh-baked taste.

By following these simple serving suggestions, you’ll be able to enjoy your homemade Buckeye Brownie Cookies to the fullest, whether you’re indulging solo, sharing with friends, or giving them as a gift!

Conclusion

The Buckeye Brownie Cookie is the perfect blend of chocolate, peanut butter, and brownie goodness, making it a truly irresistible treat. By following this easy-to-use recipe, you can recreate the popular Crumbl cookie right in your own kitchen and enjoy a freshly baked, warm cookie without ever having to leave home.

Whether you’re baking for a special occasion, treating yourself, or sharing with friends and family, these cookies are sure to impress.

The combination of rich brownie dough, creamy peanut butter filling, and smooth chocolate topping creates a dessert experience that’s both comforting and indulgent. And with the flexibility to tweak the recipe to meet your dietary needs, you can enjoy these cookies any way you like.

So grab your ingredients, preheat the oven, and get ready to enjoy your very own batch of homemade Buckeye Brownie Cookies – you’ll be glad you did!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make the Buckeye Brownie Cookies ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cookies in advance! The brownie dough can be made and refrigerated for up to 24 hours, and the peanut butter filling can be rolled into balls and stored in the fridge as well. When you’re ready to bake, simply assemble the cookies, bake, and add the chocolate topping. These cookies can also be baked and stored for up to 4-5 days.

2. How can I make these cookies gluten-free or vegan?

To make the cookies gluten-free, you can substitute the brownie mix with a gluten-free brownie mix and use a gluten-free flour blend for any additional flour needed. For a vegan version, swap the eggs with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) and use dairy-free butter and chocolate chips. You can also choose a vegan peanut butter that’s free from animal products.

3. Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of smooth?

Yes, you can use crunchy peanut butter if you prefer a bit of texture in your filling. However, be mindful that crunchy peanut butter can be a little harder to work with when forming the filling, so ensure the mixture is firm enough to hold its shape. If you prefer the traditional smooth texture, stick with creamy peanut butter for a softer, more cohesive filling.

4. How should I store these cookies?

To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4-5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, and they’ll last up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw them at room temperature or heat them slightly in the microwave.

5. Can I freeze the dough or baked cookies?

Yes, you can freeze both the cookie dough and the baked cookies. If freezing the dough, roll the brownie dough into balls, freeze them on a baking sheet for about 1 hour, then transfer them to a ziplock bag or airtight container for storage. When ready to bake, bake the dough directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time. For baked cookies, freeze them as a whole, and reheat in the microwave for a fresh taste!