Peanut Butter Cup Stuffed Brookies are a delightful treat that combines the best of brownies and cookies, all wrapped around a creamy Reese’s peanut butter cup. These easy-to-make desserts are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a birthday party, family gathering, or just a cozy night in. With minimal ingredients and maximum flavor, this recipe is sure to impress your friends and family. Plus, they are absolutely delicious served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe uses store-bought ingredients, making it simple to whip up in no time.
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of chocolate brownie, cookie dough, and peanut butter cups creates a rich taste that everyone will love.
- Versatile Dessert Option: Perfect for parties, potlucks, or just a sweet treat at home.
- Warm and Gooey: Enjoy them fresh from the oven for that melt-in-your-mouth experience.
- Kid-Friendly Fun: Great activity to do with kids; they’ll love helping to make these treats!
Tools and Preparation
To create these mouthwatering Peanut Butter Cup Stuffed Brookies, you’ll need a few key tools that make the process easy.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Muffin tin
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups
- Spoon or spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- Muffin tin: Ensures even baking and gives the brookies their perfect shape.
- Mixing bowl: Essential for combining ingredients smoothly without mess.
- Measuring cups: Accurate measurements lead to consistent results every time.
Ingredients
For the Brownie Batter
- 1 (10oz) bag of brownie mix (plus the oil & egg to make the batter)
For the Cookie Layer
- 1 (16oz) package of refrigerated cookie dough
For the Peanut Butter Center
- 12 Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups
Optional Topping
- Vanilla ice cream
How to Make Peanut Butter Cup Stuffed Brookies
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Generously grease a regular-size muffin tin to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Brownie Mix
Prepare the brownie mix according to the package directions. Set aside once mixed.
Step 3: Shape Cookie Dough
Separate the cookie dough into 12 even balls. Flatten each ball and press it down into the bottom of each muffin cup.
Step 4: Add Peanut Butter Cups
Take each Reese’s peanut butter cup and place it upside down on top of the cookie dough layer.
Step 5: Pour Brownie Batter
Evenly distribute the prepared brownie batter over each peanut butter cup until each well is about 90% full.
Step 6: Bake
Bake in your preheated oven for 18-20 minutes or until the brownie batter is cooked through.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Allow them to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before gently removing them. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream for an extra treat!
How to Serve Peanut Butter Cup Stuffed Brookies
These Peanut Butter Cup Stuffed Brookies are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can enjoy them in various ways to enhance your dessert experience.
Warm with Ice Cream
- Serve warm right from the oven and top each brookie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast between warm and cold.
Drizzle with Chocolate Sauce
- Add a drizzle of chocolate sauce on top for an extra chocolatey kick that pairs perfectly with the peanut butter flavor.
Sprinkle with Sea Salt
- A light sprinkle of flaky sea salt can elevate the sweetness and add a nice crunch, bringing out the flavors even more.
Pair with Fresh Berries
- Serve alongside fresh strawberries or raspberries to add a refreshing, fruity element that balances the rich brookies.
Enjoy as a Sundae
- Create a brookie sundae by layering pieces of the brookie with ice cream, whipped cream, and your favorite toppings.
Pack for Parties
- These brookies are great for sharing! Cut them into smaller pieces and serve at parties or family gatherings for an easy-to-eat treat.
How to Perfect Peanut Butter Cup Stuffed Brookies
To ensure your Peanut Butter Cup Stuffed Brookies turn out perfectly every time, consider these handy tips.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: This helps the brownie mix incorporate better, resulting in a smoother batter.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on them in the oven; you want them gooey in the center. They will continue cooking after being removed from the oven.
- Experiment with Cookie Dough: Try different flavors of cookie dough for unique twists, such as chocolate chip or peanut butter cookie dough.
- Chill Your Dough: If using homemade cookie dough, chilling it for 30 minutes can prevent spreading too much during baking.
- Add Toppings: Enhance each brookie by adding nuts or sprinkles before baking for added texture and flavor.
- Store Properly: Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness for up to three days.
Best Side Dishes for Peanut Butter Cup Stuffed Brookies
While these brookies are a star dessert on their own, pairing them with complementary side dishes can make for an unforgettable meal. Here are some tasty suggestions:
Fresh Fruit Salad
A vibrant mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances the richness of the brookies beautifully.Chocolate Fondue
Set up a chocolate fondue station where guests can dip fruit or marshmallows alongside their brookies for added indulgence.Whipped Cream
Light and airy whipped cream is a classic pairing that complements the dense brownie texture wonderfully.Coffee or Espresso
A warm cup of coffee or espresso serves as a perfect drink pairing that cuts through the sweetness.Milkshakes
Serve alongside thick milkshakes made from vanilla or chocolate ice cream for a decadent dessert duo.Nutty Granola
A sprinkle of nutty granola adds crunch and depth when served next to the soft brookies, enhancing every bite.Peanut Butter Dipping Sauce
Create a creamy peanut butter sauce to dip pieces of brookie into—perfect for those who can’t get enough peanut butter!Mini Cheesecakes
Individual mini cheesecakes provide another layer of richness and variety, making dessert even more exciting!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Peanut Butter Cup Stuffed Brookies, it’s easy to overlook some key steps. Here are common mistakes and how to avoid them.
Skipping the Greasing Step: Not greasing the muffin tin can lead to sticking. Always use a generous amount of cooking spray or butter for easy removal.
Overmixing the Brownie Batter: Overmixing can create tough brownies. Mix just until ingredients are combined for a softer texture.
Ignoring Baking Time: Baking too long can result in dry brookies. Keep an eye on them and start checking at 18 minutes; they should be set but not overbaked.
Using Cold Ingredients: Starting with cold cookie dough can affect how they bake. Let the refrigerated cookie dough sit out for about 10 minutes before using it.
Not Allowing to Cool: Removing them from the pan too soon can cause breakage. Let them cool for at least 5 minutes before taking them out to maintain their shape.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- They will last up to 3 days in the fridge.
Freezing Peanut Butter Cup Stuffed Brookies
- Place in a freezer-safe container or bag.
- They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating Peanut Butter Cup Stuffed Brookies
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F and warm for about 5-7 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat individual brookies for about 15-20 seconds until warm.
- Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm for a few minutes while checking frequently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Peanut Butter Cup Stuffed Brookies that might help you out!
Can I use homemade cookie dough?
Yes, homemade cookie dough works great! Just ensure it’s chilled before shaping into balls.
How do I make these gluten-free?
You can use gluten-free brownie mix and cookie dough for a gluten-free version of Peanut Butter Cup Stuffed Brookies.
What can I serve with these brookies?
They pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for extra indulgence!
How do I know when they are done baking?
Look for set edges and a slightly soft center; they will continue cooking as they cool down.
Can I add other types of candy inside?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap out Reese’s cups with other candies like Snickers or caramel-filled chocolates for different flavors!
Final Thoughts
Peanut Butter Cup Stuffed Brookies are an irresistible dessert that brings together the best of brownies and cookies. Their warm, gooey centers combined with crunchy cookie layers make them delightful treats. You can customize these brookies by adding different candy or toppings, making them perfect for any occasion. Don’t hesitate to give this recipe a try!
Peanut Butter Cup Stuffed Brookies
Peanut Butter Cup Stuffed Brookies are a heavenly combination of rich chocolate brownies and buttery cookie dough, all hugging a creamy Reese’s peanut butter cup at their core. These desserts are not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make, perfect for any occasion—from birthday parties to cozy nights in. With minimal ingredients and maximum flavor, they promise to impress your family and friends. Enjoy these warm, gooey treats fresh from the oven with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an unforgettable dessert experience.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 (10oz) bag of brownie mix (plus oil & egg)
- 1 (16oz) package of refrigerated cookie dough
- 12 Reese's Peanut Butter Cups
- Optional: Vanilla ice cream for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a muffin tin.
- Prepare the brownie mix according to package directions and set aside.
- Divide the cookie dough into 12 balls, flatten them, and press each into the bottom of the muffin cups.
- Place one Reese's peanut butter cup upside down on top of each cookie layer.
- Pour brownie batter over the peanut butter cups until about 90% full.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes or until set; let cool for 5 minutes before removing from the tin.
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brookie (60g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
