If you’re looking to combine two classic favorites into one irresistible treat, look no further than Peanut Butter Cup Stuffed Brookies. This indulgent dessert marries the rich, chocolatey goodness of brownies with the sweet, creamy allure of cookie dough and the irresistible crunch of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth or impressing guests at your next gathering, these brookies are as delicious as they are easy to make. Let’s dive into this mouthwatering recipe!
Ingredients:
- 1 (10oz) Bag of Brownie Mix: Plus the oil and egg required to prepare the batter.
- 1 (6 Pack) Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups: 12 cups in total.
- 1 (16oz) Package of Refrigerated Cookie Dough.
Instructions:
Preheat Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously grease a regular-sized muffin tin to ensure easy removal of the brookies.
Prepare the Brownie Mix: Follow the package instructions to prepare the brownie mix, setting the batter aside once it’s ready.
Prepare the Cookie Dough: Divide the refrigerated cookie dough into 12 equal balls. Flatten each ball and press it into the bottom of each muffin cup. This forms the base layer for your brookies.
Add the Peanut Butter Cups: Place a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup upside down on top of each cookie dough base. This will be the delightful surprise inside your brookies.
Add the Brownie Batter: Evenly distribute the prepared brownie batter over the peanut butter cups, filling each muffin cup until it is about 90% full.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until the brownie batter is cooked through. The tops should look set and slightly cracked.
Cool and Serve: Allow the brookies to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before removing them. Enjoy them while they’re still warm for the best experience, with gooey peanut butter and chocolate melding together in every bite.
Serving and Storage Tip:
Serving Tips:
- Serve Warm: These brookies are best enjoyed warm while the peanut butter cups are still gooey and the brownie batter is soft. Serve them directly from the oven or warm them slightly before serving.
- Pair with Ice Cream: For an extra indulgent treat, serve the brookies with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream. The warm brookies paired with cold ice cream create a delightful contrast.
- Garnish with Whipped Cream: Top each brookie with a dollop of whipped cream and a drizzle of chocolate sauce for a decadent presentation.
- Presentation: Place the brookies on a plate or platter and sprinkle with a little sea salt or powdered sugar to enhance their visual appeal and flavor.
Storage Tips:
- Cooling: Allow the brookies to cool completely in the muffin tin before transferring them to a storage container. This prevents them from becoming too soft or sticking to the tin.
- Airtight Container: Store any leftover brookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This will keep them fresh and prevent them from drying out.
- Refrigeration: For longer storage, you can refrigerate the brookies in an airtight container for up to a week. Just be sure to let them come to room temperature or warm them up slightly before serving.
- Freezing: If you want to keep the brookies for an extended period, freeze them. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To enjoy, thaw at room temperature or warm in the oven for a few minutes.
These serving and storage tips will help ensure that your Peanut Butter Cup Stuffed Brookies remain delicious and enjoyable long after they’re baked. Whether you’re serving them fresh from the oven or saving them for later, these tips will help you make the most of this delectable treat.
Variations:
- Nut Butter Cups:
- Substitute Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups with other nut butter cups, such as almond butter or cashew butter cups, for a different nutty twist.
- Stuffed with Caramel:
- Add a small spoonful of caramel sauce on top of the cookie dough before placing the peanut butter cup for an extra layer of gooey sweetness.
- Sea Salt Topping:
- Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top of the brownie batter before baking to enhance the contrast between the sweet and salty flavors.
- Chunky Peanut Butter:
- Use chunky peanut butter instead of creamy for added texture and a more pronounced peanut flavor.
- Dark Chocolate Chips:
- Mix dark chocolate chips into the brownie batter for a richer chocolate taste that pairs well with the peanut butter cups.
- Peanut Butter Swirl:
- Swirl a few spoonfuls of peanut butter into the brownie batter before baking for an extra peanutty flavor throughout the brookies.
- White Chocolate Chips:
- Incorporate white chocolate chips into the cookie dough or brownie batter for a sweet, creamy contrast to the peanut butter cups.
- Mini Chocolate Chips:
- Add mini chocolate chips to the brownie batter for additional chocolatey bites in every brookie.
- Holiday-Themed:
- Use holiday-themed cookie dough or colored candy melts on top for festive variations, such as for Christmas or Halloween.
- Dipped in Chocolate:
- After baking and cooling, dip the tops of the brookies in melted chocolate and let it set for a glossy, extra chocolatey finish.
These variations offer creative ways to customize Peanut Butter Cup Stuffed Brookies, allowing you to experiment with different flavors and textures to suit your preferences or seasonal celebrations.
FAQs:
- Can I use homemade brownie mix instead of store-bought?
- Yes, you can use homemade brownie batter. Just make sure the consistency is similar to that of a store-bought mix, so it bakes evenly.
- Can I substitute the cookie dough with a different type of dough?
- Absolutely! You can use chocolate chip cookie dough, snickerdoodle dough, or any other type of refrigerated cookie dough you prefer.
- What if I don’t have a muffin tin?
- If you don’t have a muffin tin, you can use a regular baking sheet. Just shape the cookie dough into small rounds and place them on the sheet, then top with the peanut butter cups and brownie batter.
- How do I prevent the brownie batter from overflowing?
- To avoid overflow, make sure you fill each muffin cup about 90% full. Also, using a batter that’s not too runny helps prevent spills.
- Can I use mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups?
- Yes, mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups can be used instead of regular-sized ones. You may need to adjust the baking time slightly.
- What’s the best way to store leftover brookies?
- Store leftover brookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them or freeze them.
- How do I reheat leftover brookies?
- To reheat, place the brookies in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave them for about 20-30 seconds.
- Can I make these brookies ahead of time?
- Yes, you can prepare the brookies ahead of time. Bake them and then store them as described above. You can also freeze them before baking and bake them fresh when needed.
- What if I’m allergic to peanuts?
- If you have a peanut allergy, you can use other types of nut butters or allergen-free candy cups. You can also omit the peanut butter cups entirely and use additional chocolate chips or other fillings.
- Can I make these brookies in a different size muffin tin?
- Yes, you can use mini muffin tins or jumbo muffin tins. Just adjust the baking time accordingly: mini muffin tins will require less time, and jumbo tins will require more.
These FAQs cover a range of common questions and provide solutions to ensure your Peanut Butter Cup Stuffed Brookies turn out perfectly every time. Enjoy experimenting with this delicious recipe!
Peanut Butter Cup Stuffed Brookies are a perfect fusion of brownie and cookie dough, with a surprise Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup in the middle. These delectable treats are sure to be a hit with anyone who tries them, offering a delightful blend of flavors and textures in every bite. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just treating yourself, these brookies are guaranteed to satisfy your sweet cravings. Enjoy the bliss of chocolate and peanut butter combined in this irresistible dessert!