Buckeye Cookies combine rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter for a cookie that’s reminiscent of the classic buckeye candy! These chewy cookies are made with a brownie base and a satisfying peanut butter middle, topped with a rich chocolate ganache. You’ll need a glass of cold milk to wash these ones down!

Welcome back to the 12 Days of Cookies! Today’s cookie is the perfect combination of peanut butter and chocolate. These Buckeye Brownie Cookies are decadent enough for a holiday dessert, but also wonderful as part of your cookie tray. Or just eat one as an afternoon snack. I won’t judge!

Welcome to 2025’s 12 Days of Cookies!
These Buckeye Brownie Cookies are Day 9 of our 12 Days of Cookies!
Be sure to check out all of the other days for more goodies!

Day 1 – Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies
Day 2 – Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
Day 3 – Chai Biscotti
Day 4 – Haystacks
Day 5 – Cherry Pie Bars
Day 6 – Cookies and Cream Cookies
Day 7 – Cranberry Orange Cookies
Day 8 – You’re on it!
Day 9 – 
Day 10 – 
Day 11 – 
Day 12 – 

What is a Buckeye?

Unless you’re an Ohio State fan, you might not be familiar with Buckeyes. The classic peanut butter balls dipped in chocolate ganache got its name for its resemblance to the nuts of the Buckeye tree, Ohio’s state tree. It’s also the mascot of THE Ohio State University, hence my intro.

I wanted to re-create these flavors in cookie form, so I’m sharing this Buckeye Cookie recipe with you today!

Ingredients for Buckeye Brownie Cookies

This easy cookie recipe starts with a brownie mix to save you some time. Here are all the ingredients you need to make these delicious cookies:

Brownie Cookies

• Brownie mix, boxed
• All-purpose flour
• Large eggs
• Vegetable oil
• Water
• Semisweet mini chocolate chips

Peanut Butter Layer

• Creamy peanut butter
• Butter, room temperature
• Pure vanilla extract
• Powdered sugar

Chocolate Ganache

• Heavy cream
• Semisweet chocolate bar, finely chopped
• Maldon Sea Salt or coarse sea salt (optional, for sprinkling. See note below!)

You’ll find a detailed list of ingredients and instructions in the printable recipe card at the end of the post!

How to Make Buckeye Cookies

First, we’ll make the brownie cookies.

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Then, prepare two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, add the boxed brownie mix and all-purpose flour, then whisk until mixed. Next, add the eggs, vegetable oil, and water. Mix with a hand mixer. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl with a rubber spatula. Fold in the mini chocolate chips and mix until well combined.
3. Using a #40 (2-tablespoon) cookie scoop, place the cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the tops have a thin film and some small cracks. Be sure not to overbake!
4. Transfer cookies from the cookie sheet to a wire cooling rack to cool completely.

Peanut Butter Layer

1. In a mixing bowl, cream together the peanut butter, butter, and vanilla. Scrape down the sides of the bowl and add the powdered sugar. Mix until well combined, scraping the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed.
2. Using the cleaned #40 cookie scoop or two tablespoonfuls of batter, form the peanut butter mixture into 23 individual balls that are about 1 1/2 inches in size. Flatten the balls into discs and place one disc on top of each cookie.

Chocolate Ganache Topping

1. In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium-high heat to just boiling. Add the chopped chocolate bar, but DO NOT stir. Remove from heat and cover. Let the melted chocolate stand for 5 minutes.
2. Remove the cover and gently whisk until completely combined and smooth, about 1-2 minutes. Whisking vigorously will create too much air and could cause it to separate. Allow to cool for about 8 minutes.
3. Spoon a little more than 1 teaspoon of the ganache over each cookie, using the teaspoon to gently guide and spread the chocolate. After the chocolate coating has completely set, sprinkle with a bit of Maldon salt.

Recipe Note

To complete the cookies, I encourage you to sprinkle them with just a touch of Maldon Sea Salt. It is a bit fancy, but it is a great finishing addition to many dishes, including grilled meats, seafood, roasted veggies, salads, and desserts! My favorite way to use it is in these Salted Chocolate Chip Cookies. Yum!

FAQs

What size brownie mix do I need?

Use an 18-oz brownie mix. You need one that’s meant to be baked in a 9×13-inch pan.

How do I store leftover Buckeye Cookies?

Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days. For longer storage, keep them in the fridge.

Can I freeze these brownie cookies?

Yes, they freeze well. After they cool, place cookies in a freezer bag or other airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. I think they taste best within the first month, though.

Chocolate and Peanut Butter Treats

If you love chocolate and peanut butter together, then these treats are for you:

• Christmas Buckeyes
• Chocolate Peanut Butter Dream Bars
• Peanut Butter Chip Chocolate Cookies
• Chocolate Peanut Butter Pudding Cake
• Chocolate Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats

And if you enjoyed this Buckeye Cookies Recipe, let me know in the comments or leave a recipe review below!

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Keep an eye out for more of my easy recipes each week!

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