Buckeye Brownie Cookies

### Instructions:

#### 1. **Prepare the Brownie Cookie Dough:**
In a large mixing bowl, combine the brownie mix, flour, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir the mixture together until well combined. The dough should be thick and slightly sticky. Fold in the chocolate chips, which will add extra richness to the cookies.

#### 2. **Make the Peanut Butter Filling:**
In a separate small bowl, mix together the peanut butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt (if desired). Stir until smooth and well combined. The peanut butter mixture should have a thick, dough-like consistency that will be easy to handle.

#### 3. **Shape the Cookies:**
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Scoop out about a tablespoon of the brownie dough and roll it into a ball. Then, gently flatten the dough ball into a disc shape. Place about 1 teaspoon of the peanut butter mixture in the center of each disc, and carefully fold the edges of the dough around the filling to completely encase the peanut butter center. Roll the dough into a ball again and place it onto the prepared baking sheet. Repeat this step until all the dough is used up, spacing the cookie balls about 2 inches apart on the sheet.

#### 4. **Bake the Cookies:**
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them, as baking times can vary depending on your oven. The cookies should be set around the edges but still soft in the center. Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

#### 5. **Add the Chocolate Topping:**
While the cookies are cooling, melt the semisweet chocolate chips and butter together in a microwave-safe bowl, heating in 20-second intervals and stirring in between until fully melted and smooth. Once the cookies have cooled, spoon a small amount of the melted chocolate on top of each cookie, spreading it gently to cover the peanut butter filling. Allow the chocolate to set before serving (you can speed this up by refrigerating the cookies for about 15-20 minutes).

#### 6. **Serve and Enjoy:**
Once the chocolate has hardened, your Buckeye Brownie Cookies are ready to be enjoyed! These cookies are rich, decadent, and the perfect combination of soft brownie, creamy peanut butter, and a glossy chocolate finish.

### Tips for Success:

– **Chill the Dough:** If you find the brownie dough too sticky to handle, try chilling it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. This will make it easier to shape and work with.

– **Peanut Butter Variations:** If you’re a fan of crunchy peanut butter, feel free to swap out the creamy peanut butter for crunchy peanut butter for a little extra texture.

– **Make Them Mini:** For bite-sized treats, you can shape the dough into smaller balls and reduce the baking time by a couple of minutes. Mini Buckeye Brownie Cookies are perfect for parties and gift-giving!

– **Storage:** Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They also freeze wonderfully for up to 3 months—just make sure to wrap them well before storing.

### Why You’ll Love Buckeye Brownie Cookies:

– **The Ultimate Chocolate and Peanut Butter Combo:** These cookies are a dream come true for anyone who loves the classic peanut butter and chocolate pairing. The gooey, chocolate brownie dough combined with the creamy peanut butter filling creates an indulgent treat that’s hard to resist.

– **Simple Yet Delicious:** Made with simple pantry staples like brownie mix, peanut butter, and chocolate, these cookies are easy to make but taste incredibly decadent. The combination of ingredients elevates the flavors into something truly special.

– **A Crowd-Pleaser:** Whether you’re serving them at a party, bringing them to a potluck, or just enjoying them with your family, these cookies are bound to impress everyone. They look fancy but are incredibly easy to make, making them the perfect go-to treat for any occasion.

– **Perfect for Gift-Giving:** Because of their rich appearance and indulgent flavors, these cookies make great homemade gifts. Package them up in a decorative box or jar for a sweet, thoughtful present.

### Conclusion:

**Buckeye Brownie Cookies** are a delightful treat that perfectly blends the rich, fudgy texture of a brownie with the creamy, indulgent flavor of peanut butter and chocolate. Whether you’re a chocolate lover, a peanut butter fan, or just someone who enjoys a delicious dessert, these cookies are sure to become a favorite. Easy to make, with minimal ingredients and maximum flavor, they’re perfect for any occasion. Give them a try today and treat yourself to this irresistible dessert that combines the best of all worlds!