These Easy Peanut Butter Brownie Magic Cookies are the easiest and most delicious healthier cookie-like snack! They’re vegan and gluten-free and a family favorite.1

If there’s one thing I’ll never stop creating new versions of, it’s a magic cookie. There’s something about the chewy, gooey, chocolatey perfection that never gets old – and this one takes things to a whole new level. Meet my Peanut Butter Brownie Magic Cookies – the ultimate mash-up of your favorite rich, fudgy brownie and a soft, chewy cookie, all in one decadent, better-for-you bite.

These cookies are packed with roasted cashews for crunch, coconut flakes for that chewy texture, creamy peanut butter for richness, cacao powder for that brownie-like flavor, and dark chocolate chips for melty goodness in every bite. And the secret ingredient that ties it all together? Sweetened condensed coconut milk – it makes these cookies perfectly moist, fudgy, and “magical” (without needing flour, eggs, or butter!).

If you’ve ever had a seven-layer bar or my original magic cookie bars, think of these as their richer, more chocolatey cousin – a one-bowl, six-ingredient cookie that’s gooey on the inside, crisp on the edges, and truly impossible to stop eating.

Why You’ll Love These Peanut Butter Brownie Magic Cookies

  • Rich and chocolatey – They taste like a fudgy brownie and a peanut butter cookie had a baby.

  • Naturally gluten-free and dairy-free – Made with sweetened condensed coconut milk and zero flour.

  • One-bowl recipe – Everything mixes up in a single bowl—no fancy equipment or chilling time needed.

  • Ultra chewy texture – Thanks to the combination of coconut flakes and condensed coconut milk.

  • Loaded with healthy fats – Cashews and peanut butter make these satisfying and energizing, not just sweet.

  • Kid-approved and adult-obsessed – Everyone loves them (and no one will believe they’re made with wholesome ingredients!).

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Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need six simple ingredients to make these fudgy, chewy, chocolate-filled cookies:

  • Cashews, cut into small pieces – I love the buttery crunch they add. Roughly chop them so they blend evenly into the batter. You can also toast them first for even more flavor.

  • Unsweetened coconut flakes – These add the signature chewy texture and light natural sweetness that make “magic” cookies so good.

  • Sweetened condensed coconut milk – This acts as the sticky binder that holds everything together while adding creamy sweetness. It’s what makes these cookies fudgy and gooey.

  • Creamy peanut butter – The star flavor that brings richness and a hint of salt to balance the sweetness. Use a smooth, drippy peanut butter (not the super thick kind from the bottom of the jar).

  • Cacao powder – Gives the cookies their deep, brownie-like flavor. You can substitute cocoa powder if that’s what you have.

  • Dark chocolate chips – Because no brownie or cookie is complete without melty pools of chocolate. Use dairy-free if needed!

That’s it – six pantry staples that come together in minutes to make the most indulgent cookies you’ll ever bake.

How to Make Peanut Butter Brownie Magic Cookies

1. Prep Your Pan and Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. These cookies are sticky and soft, so parchment is key for easy cleanup and perfect golden edges.

2. Mix It All Together

In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped cashews, unsweetened coconut flakes, sweetened condensed coconut milk, creamy peanut butter, cacao powder, and dark chocolate chips.

Use a sturdy spatula or spoon to mix until everything is evenly coated and fully combined. The mixture will be thick and slightly sticky — that’s exactly what you want.

Tip: If your peanut butter is cold or firm, warm it in the microwave for about 15 seconds so it’s easier to mix in.

3. Scoop and Shape

Use a cookie scoop or large spoon to form ¼-cup portions of dough. Press each one together gently in your hands or on the baking sheet — these cookies don’t spread, so shape them into thick rounds about 2 ½ inches wide and 1 inch tall.

Don’t worry if they look a little rustic — that’s part of their charm. The coconut and cashews create texture that makes each one look uniquely delicious.

4. Bake to Perfection

Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 13–15 minutes, or until the edges are just turning golden brown. You’ll know they’re ready when your kitchen smells like a chocolate-peanut butter dream and the tops look slightly firm.

Let them cool on the baking sheet for at least 5–10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. They’ll continue to firm up as they cool, but still stay soft and chewy in the center.

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Tips for Perfect Peanut Butter Brownie Magic Cookies

  • Don’t overbake! You want these cookies to stay soft and fudgy, not crispy. They’ll set as they cool.

  • Chop the cashews small so they mix evenly and don’t overpower each bite.

  • Use drippy peanut butter for the best texture—if yours is thick, mix in a teaspoon of melted coconut oil.

  • Let them cool completely if you want them to hold together well (especially important if you plan to stack or store them).

  • Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top right after baking for that sweet-salty magic that takes these to another level.

What Makes These “Magic”?

Traditional magic bars are made with layers of graham crackers, chocolate, coconut, and sweetened condensed milk. These cookies take that same magic concept and reimagine it in the simplest, most satisfying way — no layering, no crust, just one bowl and one bake.

The sweetened condensed coconut milk gives the cookies that sticky, caramelized chewiness that feels almost like candy, while the peanut butter and cacao powder transform them into something that tastes like a cross between a brownie and a cookie.

The result? Fudgy, rich, nutty, coconutty cookies that are crispy on the outside, chewy on the inside, and packed with chocolate. They’re truly “magic” because no one will believe how easy they are to make — or that they’re made without flour or refined sugar.

Storage and Freezing Tips

These cookies store beautifully, making them perfect for meal prep or gifting.

  • Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

  • Refrigerator: For a slightly firmer, fudgier texture, refrigerate for up to 10 days.

  • Freezer: Freeze in a single layer, then transfer to a bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. To enjoy, thaw for 15–20 minutes or warm in the microwave for 10 seconds.

They taste amazing chilled straight from the fridge, but if you want that gooey, brownie-like magic, pop one in the microwave for a few seconds to melt the chocolate chips again.

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Ingredient Swaps and Add-Ins

These cookies are super versatile, so you can easily customize them with your favorite mix-ins or swaps:

  • Nut-free version: Swap cashews for sunflower seeds or chopped pumpkin seeds, and use sunflower butter instead of peanut butter.

  • Extra chocolate: Drizzle melted chocolate on top or mix in mini chips for even more brownie flavor.

  • Add crunch: Mix in chopped pretzels or roasted peanuts for a fun salty twist.

  • Boost the flavor: Add ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract or a pinch of espresso powder to deepen the chocolatey taste.

  • Make them festive: Add crushed candy cane pieces or colored sprinkles on top for a holiday twist.

The Texture Breakdown

If you’ve ever wondered what makes Peanut Butter Brownie Magic Cookies so addictive, it’s the texture.

  • Crispy edges from the toasted coconut and nuts.

  • Chewy middle that feels almost like a brownie bite.

  • Melty chocolate that pools in the cracks.

  • Nutty crunch from the cashews.

Every bite hits a different note – creamy, crunchy, gooey, and chocolatey all at once. It’s basically dessert perfection.

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Why These Cookies Fit the Rachel Mansfield Kitchen

This recipe has everything I love in a treat:

  • It’s simple, made in one bowl with no chill time.

  • It uses real food ingredients you probably already have at home.

  • It’s naturally gluten-free and dairy-free (depending on your chocolate).

  • And most importantly – it’s absolutely delicious.

They’re indulgent enough to serve at a dinner party but wholesome enough to enjoy as an afternoon snack or post-lunch treat. Ezra and my boys always go crazy for these, especially when I serve them slightly warm with a glass of cold almond milk.

Serving Ideas

Want to level up your Peanut Butter Brownie Magic Cookies? Here are a few fun ways to enjoy them:

  • Crumbled over ice cream – A scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream + a warm cookie = heaven.

  • With coffee – Perfect with your morning latte or afternoon pick-me-up.

  • Cookie sandwich – Spread a little peanut butter or ice cream between two cookies.

  • Holiday dessert plate – These cookies look gorgeous mixed in with brownies, truffles, or chocolate bark.

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When you bite into one of these Peanut Butter Brownie Magic Cookies, you get that perfect mix of flavors — nutty peanut butter, rich cacao, toasted coconut, and melty dark chocolate. They’re chewy, sweet, and deeply satisfying while still being made with real, nourishing ingredients.

They truly check all the boxes: easy, gluten-free, dairy-free, and most importantly, absolutely delicious. Whether you bake them for a weekend treat, a holiday cookie swap, or just because you’re craving something magical, they’ll quickly become one of your favorite go-to cookie recipes.

So grab your mixing bowl, preheat that oven, and make a batch (or two). Trust me — once you taste them, you’ll understand exactly why they’re called Peanut Butter Brownie Magic Cookies.

A Few Other Healthier Cookies to Try:

Chocolate Chip Tahini Cookies

The BEST Healthy Cookies! (gluten-free)

Apple Pie Magic Cookies (gluten-free)

5-ingredient Blueberry Magic Cookies

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Peanut Butter Brownie Magic Cookies

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5 from 1 review

These Easy Peanut Butter Brownie Magic Cookies are the easiest and most delicious healthier cookie-like snack! They’re vegan and gluten-free and a family favorite.

  • Prep Time: 10 mins
  • Cook Time: 15 mins
  • Total Time: 25 mins

Yield: 1215 cookies 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper
  2. In a large bowl, mix together cookie ingredients until fully combined
  3. Scoop about 1/4 batter onto sheet to form cookie. Make sure the ingredients are pressed together then repeat for remaining batter (don’t worry about cookies spreading!)
  4. Bake in oven for 13-15 minutes or until just about golden
  5. Allow the cookies to cool for a few then enjoy!

Notes

*Store in airtight container for 5 days or freezer for 2 months

  • Author: Rachel Mansfield