Decadent Crumbl Copycat Buckeye Brownie Cookies: Your Ultimate Chocolate Peanut Butter Dream
Prepare to indulge in the most exquisite homemade treat you’ve ever created: these incredible Crumbl Copycat Buckeye Brownie Cookies. These aren’t just cookies; they are a masterpiece of flavor and texture, featuring a rich, triple-layered design inspired by the beloved classic American buckeye candy and the famous Crumbl cookie experience. Each oversized cookie begins with a thick, unbelievably fudgy brownie base, providing a deep chocolate foundation. This is then generously crowned with a smooth, creamy, and irresistibly sweet and salty peanut butter frosting. To complete this symphony of taste, a glistening layer of silky chocolate ganache is poured over the top, creating a truly luxurious finish. For any enthusiast of the timeless combination of chocolate and peanut butter, these cookies promise an unforgettable experience, perfect for sharing, celebrating, or simply savoring a moment of pure bliss.
These magnificent cookies offer the best of both worlds: the dense chewiness of a rich brownie combined with the nostalgic flavor of a buckeye truffle. Despite their impressive appearance and gourmet taste, they are surprisingly straightforward to prepare in your own kitchen. You no longer need to wait for Crumbl’s rotating menu or stand in line; you can recreate that magical bakery experience at home with this tried-and-true recipe. They are an ideal choice for special occasions like holidays, birthday parties, potlucks, or simply when you’re craving that unique Crumbl flavor and size. Indulge in the sweet, salty, and utterly irresistible combination that defines these triple-layered delights.
Why You’ll Love Making These Buckeye Brownie Cookies
Diving into the world of homemade cookies is always rewarding, but these Crumbl Copycat Buckeye Brownie Cookies take the experience to a whole new level. Here’s why this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your baking repertoire:
- Three Layers of Pure Indulgence – Imagine a rich, fudgy brownie cookie base, perfectly chewy and intensely chocolatey. On top of that, a luscious layer of whipped peanut butter filling, light yet creamy, delivering that quintessential sweet and salty punch. Finally, a shiny, silky smooth chocolate ganache seals the deal, adding another dimension of decadent chocolate. Each component contributes its unique texture and profound flavor, ensuring that every single bite is a mini dessert experience in itself, harmonizing into a truly unforgettable treat.
- The Ultimate Crumbl Dupe Experience – These cookies are designed to mimic the beloved oversized, thick, and rich cookies found at Crumbl, but with the added satisfaction of being made by hand at home. The flavor profile is uncannily spot-on, allowing you to enjoy your favorite bakery-style indulgence without the premium price tag. Plus, making them yourself gives you complete control over the quality of ingredients, making them even more special and tailored to your taste.
- Fantastic Make-Ahead Dessert – Life gets busy, but your dessert plans don’t have to suffer. This recipe is incredibly versatile and perfect for preparing in stages. You can bake the brownie cookie bases one day, then whip up the peanut butter filling and ganache for assembly the next. Even better, individual components can be frozen separately for extended storage, allowing you to quickly assemble a show-stopping dessert whenever a craving strikes or unexpected guests arrive.
- Chocolate + Peanut Butter Lover’s Dream – If the mere mention of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups makes your heart flutter, then this cookie is your culinary soulmate. It masterfully combines the deep, comforting bitterness of chocolate with the salty, creamy richness of peanut butter. The interplay of sweet and savory, melty and chewy textures creates an addictive flavor profile that truly hits all the right notes for fans of this classic pairing.
- Conveniently Freezer-Friendly – Not only can you freeze individual components, but these fully assembled cookies also freeze beautifully. This makes them ideal for meal prepping your desserts or ensuring you always have a gourmet treat on hand. Simply pull one out of the freezer whenever you need a quick, decadent fix. They thaw perfectly, maintaining their incredible flavor and delightful texture, ready to be enjoyed as if freshly baked.
Essential Ingredients for Crumbl Copycat Buckeye Brownie Cookies
Crafting these extraordinary cookies relies on three distinct yet harmonious components, each made with simple, accessible ingredients that collectively create a treat worthy of any high-end bakery. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need:
Brownie Cookie Base
- Unsalted Butter: Melted butter is crucial here, imparting a deep, rich flavor and contributing significantly to the signature fudgy, chewy texture that distinguishes these cookies, much like a classic brownie.
- Brown Sugar: This ingredient is key for moisture, ensuring the cookies remain soft and tender. Its subtle molasses notes also add a complex depth of flavor to the chocolate base.
- Granulated Sugar: Balances the sweetness from the brown sugar and aids in developing the cookie’s structure, creating those desirable slightly crisp edges while keeping the center soft.
- Large Eggs: Eggs bind the ingredients together, providing essential structure and moisture. They help create a velvety, tender crumb in the finished brownie cookie.
- Vanilla Extract: A foundational flavor enhancer, vanilla brings warmth and sweetness, complementing and elevating both the chocolate and the peanut butter notes throughout the cookie.
- All-Purpose Flour: The structural backbone of the cookie dough, all-purpose flour provides the necessary body and consistency. Measuring it correctly (spooned and leveled) is vital for the perfect texture.
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: The source of the deep, rich chocolate flavor. Using high-quality unsweetened cocoa powder ensures an intense, authentic brownie taste.
- Salt: A non-negotiable ingredient, salt brightens and balances the sweetness, making the chocolate and peanut butter flavors more pronounced and complex.
- Baking Soda: This leavening agent helps the cookies achieve a slight rise and contributes to their characteristic soft, slightly spreadable texture during baking.
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: Folded into the dough, these chips melt into delightful pockets of extra chocolatey goodness, adding another layer of indulgence to the brownie base.
Peanut Butter Filling
- Unsalted Butter (softened): Softened butter is essential for a smooth, creamy filling. It adds richness and helps create the perfect consistency for spreading.
- Creamy Peanut Butter: The undeniable star of this layer! Opt for a “no-stir” creamy peanut butter (like Jif or Skippy) to ensure a consistently smooth, bold peanut flavor and a stable, spreadable texture that won’t separate or become too oily.
- Powdered Sugar (Confectioners’ Sugar): This fine sugar not only sweetens the filling but also gives it that characteristic thick, fluffy, and frosting-like texture that sets beautifully.
- Vanilla Extract: Just a touch of vanilla enhances the natural sweetness and nutty flavor of the peanut butter, adding depth to the filling.
Chocolate Ganache
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: These chips melt down to form the rich, glossy, and beautifully smooth ganache topping. Semi-sweet chocolate provides an ideal balance, complementing the sweetness of the peanut butter filling without being overly rich.
- Heavy Cream (Double Cream): The magic ingredient for ganache! Heavy cream creates a luxuriously smooth, shiny finish and allows the ganache to set with a soft, delectable bite. It’s crucial for achieving that professional, pourable consistency when melted.
Expert Tips for Baking Perfect Buckeye Brownie Cookies
Achieving bakery-quality results at home is entirely possible with a few key techniques. While the full, detailed instructions for these Copycat Crumbl Buckeye Brownie Cookies are provided in the recipe card below, paying attention to these expert tips will elevate your baking and ensure every layer turns out flawlessly:
- Ensure Room Temperature Ingredients: This is a fundamental rule in baking, especially for recipes with multiple components. For the brownie cookies, allow your eggs to come to room temperature. For the peanut butter filling, ensure both your butter and peanut butter are softened to room temperature. This allows all ingredients to emulsify properly, creating a smooth, cohesive dough and a perfectly creamy, lump-free filling with the best possible texture and consistency in every layer.
- Scoop the Dough Tall, Not Wide: When portioning out the brownie cookie dough, resist the urge to flatten them. Instead, use a large cookie scoop or two spoons to shape tall, slightly mounded portions. Taller dough mounds are critical for achieving that signature thick, chewy, bakery-style cookie that is characteristic of Crumbl cookies. This prevents them from spreading too thin and ensures a substantial base for your toppings.
- Avoid Overbaking the Cookies at All Costs: This is perhaps the most crucial tip for a fudgy brownie cookie. These cookies should be removed from the oven when they are just set around the edges but still appear slightly soft and underbaked in the very center. They will continue to cook and firm up as they cool on the baking sheet. Overbaking will result in a dry, cakey cookie, sacrificing that rich, moist, and delightfully fudgy texture we’re aiming for.
- Cool Completely Before Assembling: Patience is a virtue when it comes to layering these cookies. It’s incredibly tempting to dive into assembly as soon as the cookies are out of the oven, but even a little residual warmth will cause your peanut butter filling and chocolate ganache to melt, slide, and create a messy situation. Wait until the brownie bases are completely cool to the touch – ideally, transfer them to a wire rack to speed up the cooling process – before adding any toppings.
- Chill After Assembly for Optimal Setting: Once you’ve painstakingly spread the creamy peanut butter filling and poured over the glossy chocolate ganache, a brief chill in the refrigerator is highly recommended. Placing the assembled cookies in the fridge for about 15-20 minutes will allow all the layers to firm up and set beautifully. This makes them much easier to handle, stack, store, and transport without any smudging or smearing of your perfect toppings. It locks in the integrity of each delicious layer.
- Accurate Ingredient Measurement: Especially for flour and powdered sugar, precise measurements are key. Use a kitchen scale for the most accurate results, or if using measuring cups, spoon the flour into the cup and level it off with a straight edge rather than scooping directly from the bag, which can compact it and lead to excess flour. This prevents dry cookies or overly dense fillings.
Storage and Freezing Guidelines
Proper storage is essential to maintain the freshness, texture, and deliciousness of your Crumbl Copycat Buckeye Brownie Cookies. Here’s how to store them for maximum enjoyment:
- Room Temperature Storage: For short-term enjoyment, these cookies can be kept in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To prevent the ganache from sticking or smudging, it’s highly recommended to place sheets of parchment paper between layers of cookies. This keeps each cookie looking as perfect as when it was first made.
- Refrigerator Storage: If you plan to enjoy them over a longer period, store these decadent cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Be aware that the chocolate ganache will firm up significantly when chilled. For the best eating experience, allow the cookies to sit out at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving. This will soften the ganache and restore some of the brownie’s chewiness.
- Freezer Storage: These cookies are remarkably freezer-friendly! You can freeze fully assembled cookies for up to 2 months. To do so, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm (about 1-2 hours). Once firm, transfer them to an airtight freezer-safe container, layering with parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together. Alternatively, you can freeze just the unfrosted brownie cookie bases separately. This allows you to add the peanut butter filling and ganache fresh later, which can result in the best possible texture for the toppings.
- Thawing Tips: When you’re ready to enjoy a frozen cookie, the best method is to let it sit at room temperature for approximately 30 minutes. If you’re in a hurry and want a slightly softer ganache and brownie base, you can microwave a single cookie for about 10 seconds. Be careful not to overheat, as this can melt the ganache completely.
Crumbl Copycat Buckeye Brownie Cookies Recipe
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Ingredients
Brownie Cookie Base
- 1 cup unsalted butter melted
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
Peanut Butter Filling
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter (no-stir preferred)
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Chocolate Ganache
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ¾ cup heavy cream
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and ensures even baking.
Prepare the Brownie Cookie Dough:
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Melt the unsalted butter in a microwave-safe bowl or small saucepan. Allow it to cool slightly while you prepare other ingredients; it should still be liquid but not hot to the touch.
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In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or using a large bowl and electric hand mixer), cream together the slightly cooled melted butter with both the brown sugar and granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
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Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
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In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, salt, and baking soda. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed just until they are combined and no streaks of flour remain. Be careful not to overmix.
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Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips by hand using a spatula until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Scoop, Bake, and Cool the Cookies:
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Using a large ice cream scoop (about ¼ cup capacity) or two large spoons, portion out the cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Aim for tall, mounded scoops rather than flat disks to ensure thick cookies.
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Space the dough balls 2–3 inches apart to allow for spreading. Bake for 11–12 minutes. The edges should be set, but the centers should still look slightly soft and gooey.
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Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5-10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is crucial for easy assembly.
Whip Up the Peanut Butter Filling:
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In a clean stand mixer bowl (or a large bowl with a hand mixer), cream together the softened unsalted butter and creamy peanut butter until the mixture is light, smooth, and fluffy. Ensure no lumps remain.
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Add the vanilla extract and gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing on low speed until combined, then increase to medium-high and whip until the filling is thick, airy, and truly fluffy.
Prepare the Glossy Chocolate Ganache:
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Place the semi-sweet chocolate chips in a medium microwave-safe bowl. Pour the heavy cream over the chocolate chips. Microwave on high for 1 minute. Let it sit for 30 seconds, then stir gently until smooth and fully melted.
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If there are still unmelted chocolate pieces, heat in additional 15–30 second intervals, stirring well after each, until the ganache is completely smooth and glossy. Be careful not to overheat. Let the ganache cool slightly to a warm, pourable consistency before using.
Assemble Your Triple-Layered Cookies:
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Once the brownie cookies are completely cooled, take a generous spoonful of the peanut butter filling and spread it evenly over the top of each cookie. Use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to create a smooth, domed layer.
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Next, spoon a dollop of the slightly cooled chocolate ganache over the peanut butter layer. Gently spread it across the surface with a small spatula or knife, ensuring it covers the peanut butter completely.
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Allow the assembled cookies to sit at room temperature for about 1-2 hours, or place them in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes, until the ganache has fully set and is firm to the touch. This makes them easier to handle and store.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions About Buckeye Brownie Cookies
Here are answers to some common questions you might have when making these delicious Crumbl Copycat Buckeye Brownie Cookies:
Can I use natural peanut butter in the filling?
It is generally not recommended to use natural peanut butter (the kind that separates) for the peanut butter filling. Natural peanut butter tends to be too oily and thin, which can make the filling overly loose and difficult to spread evenly. It might also cause the filling to slide off the cookie base, especially at room temperature. For the best consistency, stability, and flavor, stick with a commercial “no-stir” creamy peanut butter brand like Jif or Skippy.
Why are my cookies spreading too much in the oven?
If your cookies are spreading too thin, there are a few potential culprits. One common reason is that your melted butter for the cookie dough was too warm when mixed with the sugars. Ensure the butter has cooled slightly before combining. Another factor could be overly soft dough; if your kitchen is warm, or you overmixed the dough, it might be too pliable. If you notice excessive spreading, try chilling the prepared dough for 20–30 minutes in the refrigerator before scooping and baking. This helps solidify the fats and reduces spread.
My cookies turned out dry — what might have gone wrong?
The most frequent cause of dry cookies is overbaking. These brownie cookies are meant to be wonderfully fudgy, so they should still appear slightly soft and perhaps a little underdone in the center when you pull them from the oven. They will continue to set as they cool on the baking sheet. Another potential issue is inaccurate flour measurement; scooping flour directly from the bag can compact it, leading to too much flour. Always spoon and level your flour or, even better, weigh it with a kitchen scale for precise results.
Can I use Dutch-process cocoa powder instead of natural unsweetened cocoa?
Yes, you can use Dutch-process cocoa powder, but be aware that it might slightly alter the flavor and texture of the brownie base. Dutch-process cocoa is less acidic and has a darker color and smoother, mellower chocolate flavor compared to natural cocoa. Since natural cocoa reacts with baking soda to create lift, if you use Dutch-process, ensure your baking soda is still active, as the leavening reaction might be slightly different. The overall result will still be delicious, but the chocolate notes will be deeper and less bright.
How long does the chocolate ganache typically take to set?
At average room temperature, the chocolate ganache usually takes about 1–2 hours to set completely. This time can vary depending on the ambient temperature of your kitchen. To accelerate the setting process, you can refrigerate the assembled cookies for approximately 15–20 minutes. However, avoid prolonged uncovered storage in the fridge, as the ganache can become overly firm and may lose some of its beautiful glossy finish. For best presentation, allow it to set at room temperature if time permits.
Is it possible to make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, many bakers have successfully adapted this recipe to be gluten-free. You can try substituting the all-purpose flour with a high-quality 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. It’s important to choose a blend that already includes xanthan gum or another binder, as this helps provide the necessary structure that gluten typically offers. While the texture might vary slightly from the original, you can still achieve a delicious and fudgy gluten-free cookie with this swap.
More Delicious Chocolate and Peanut Butter Cookie Recipes to Explore:
If you’ve fallen in love with the classic combination of chocolate and peanut butter in these Buckeye Brownie Cookies, you’ll be thrilled to discover these other delightful recipes:
- Boasting a rich peanut butter flavor and a delightfully buttery soft texture, Peanut Butter Sugar Cookies are elevated with a thick, homemade swirl of chocolate frosting for an indulgent, utterly irresistible treat that melts in your mouth.
- Whip up a batch of our incredibly easy Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies in minutes using everyday pantry staples. These create a wonderfully soft, delightfully chewy, and fuss-free cookie generously packed with robust peanut butter flavor and luscious, melty chocolate chips.
- Achieving a soft, chewy texture with just a few simple ingredients, these Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake Mix Cookies truly taste like peanut butter cups transformed into cookie form – they’re fast, fun, and absolutely foolproof for any baker.
- For all Reese’s fanatics, you will absolutely adore our Reese’s Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies, generously filled with chunks of real Reese’s candy, intense chocolatey richness, and that signature soft, chewy peanut butter goodness in every single bite.
- Featuring a delightfully gooey peanut butter center, these Buckeye Cookies are thick, chewy chocolate cookies that, despite their impressive and intricate appearance, are surprisingly easy to make, perfect for dazzling your guests.
Whether you consider yourself a dedicated Crumbl cookie fanatic, a connoisseur of classic chocolate and peanut butter combinations, or simply a home baker looking for an exciting new challenge, these Copycat Crumbl Buckeye Brownie Cookies are absolutely guaranteed to steal the show and become a cherished recipe in your collection. Get ready to bake, indulge, and enjoy!