Peanut Butter Cup Stuffed Brookies are the ultimate chocolate dessert that combines the best of brownies, cookies, and Reese’s peanut butter cups. Perfect for any occasion, these delightful treats are fun to make and even more enjoyable to eat. With their warm, gooey center and a crispy outer layer, they’re sure to be a hit at parties, family gatherings, or just as a sweet indulgence after dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This dessert requires minimal prep time and uses mostly store-bought ingredients, making it a breeze to whip up.
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of rich chocolate brownie, soft cookie dough, and creamy peanut butter creates an explosion of flavor in every bite.
- Fun Presentation: Baking in a muffin tin gives these brookies a unique shape and makes them perfect for sharing or serving at events.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy them warm by themselves or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.
- Kid-Friendly Activity: Involve the kids in the kitchen! They will love helping to assemble these delicious desserts.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start making your Peanut Butter Cup Stuffed Brookies, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Muffin tin
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups
- Spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- Muffin tin: This is essential for creating those perfect brookie shapes that hold all the deliciousness inside.
- Mixing bowl: A good mixing bowl is crucial for easily combining ingredients without making a mess.
- Measuring cups: Accurate measurements ensure that your brookies bake perfectly every time.
Ingredients
Here’s what you need to make these delightful Peanut Butter Cup Stuffed Brookies:
For the Brownie Base
- 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
Special Filling
- 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. While it’s heating up, generously grease your regular-size muffin tin to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Brownie Mix
Prepare the brownie mix according to the package directions. Set it aside once it’s mixed well to ensure it’s ready for layering.
Step 3: Shape the Cookie Dough
Separate the cookie dough into 12 even balls. Press each ball down into the bottom of each muffin cup to form a solid base.
Step 4: Add The Peanut Butter Cups
Take a Reese’s peanut butter cup and place it upside down on top of each pressed cookie dough ball. This will create a delightful center when baked.
Step 5: Pour on The Brownie Batter
Carefully distribute the prepared brownie batter over each peanut butter cup until the muffin wells are about 90% full. Be cautious not to overfill them!
Step 6: Bake
Bake in your preheated oven for 18-20 minutes or until the brownie batter is fully cooked through. Keep an eye on them towards the end so they don’t overbake.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Allow them to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before gently removing them. Enjoy your Peanut Butter Cup Stuffed Brookies warm, ideally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top!
How to Serve Peanut Butter Cup Stuffed Brookies
Peanut Butter Cup Stuffed Brookies are a delightful blend of cookie and brownie that can be served in various ways. Whether you’re enjoying them at a party or as an after-dinner treat, here are some serving suggestions to elevate your dessert experience.
With Vanilla Ice Cream
- The warm brookies paired with cold vanilla ice cream create a delicious contrast that enhances the chocolate and peanut butter flavors.
Drizzled with Chocolate Sauce
- A drizzle of chocolate sauce adds an extra layer of richness and makes your dessert visually appealing.
Topped with Whipped Cream
- Light and airy whipped cream complements the dense texture of the brookies, making it a perfect topping.
Garnished with Chopped Peanuts
- Sprinkle some chopped peanuts on top for added crunch and to enhance the peanut flavor.
Served in Individual Bowls
- For a more elegant presentation, serve each brookie in its own bowl with a scoop of ice cream on top.
Accompanied by Fresh Berries
- The tartness of fresh berries balances the sweetness of the brookies, adding freshness to your dessert plate.
How to Perfect Peanut Butter Cup Stuffed Brookies
To achieve the best results when making Peanut Butter Cup Stuffed Brookies, consider these helpful tips.
- Use room temperature ingredients: Let your egg and any other ingredients sit out before use to ensure better mixing and texture.
- Don’t overfill the muffin cups: Ensure that you fill each cup only about 90% full; this prevents overflow during baking.
- Cool slightly before serving: Allowing them to cool for a few minutes helps them set well while still being warm for serving.
- Experiment with flavors: Try using different types of cookie dough or even flavored brownie mixes for unique variations.
- Store properly: Keep leftover brookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days for best flavor retention.
- Reheat gently: If enjoyed later, warm them in the microwave for a few seconds to regain their gooey texture.
Best Side Dishes for Peanut Butter Cup Stuffed Brookies
Pairing Peanut Butter Cup Stuffed Brookies with side dishes can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some great options:
- Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits provides balance to the rich flavors of the brookies.
- Chocolate Chip Cookies: Keep it classic! Pairing with additional cookies creates a sweet platter everyone will love.
- Milkshake: A thick milkshake, especially chocolate or peanut butter flavored, complements the dessert perfectly.
- Coffee: A cup of coffee can provide a nice contrast to the sweetness and enhance the overall flavor experience.
- Brownie Bites: Serve mini brownies alongside for those who crave even more chocolate goodness.
- Cheesecake Bites: These rich treats can add variety while still keeping within the theme of indulgent desserts.
- Caramel Sauce Dip: Offer caramel sauce as a dip for those who enjoy extra sweetness and creaminess.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Peanut Butter Cup Stuffed Brookies, it’s easy to make some common errors. Here are a few mistakes to watch out for:
- Ignoring the muffin tin prep: Not greasing the muffin tin well can lead to sticking. Always use a generous amount of grease for easy removal.
- Overmixing brownie batter: Mixing too much can result in tough brownies. Stir until just combined for a fudgy texture.
- Not measuring cookie dough balls: Uneven cookie dough sizes can cause uneven baking. Use a scoop to ensure consistency.
- Skipping the cooling time: Removing them too soon may cause them to fall apart. Allow them to cool for at least 5 minutes in the pan.
- Forgetting to preheat: Baking without preheating can lead to inconsistent results. Always preheat your oven before baking.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Place parchment paper between layers if stacking.
Freezing Peanut Butter Cup Stuffed Brookies
- Freeze in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2 months.
- Make sure they are completely cooled before freezing.
Reheating Peanut Butter Cup Stuffed Brookies
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm for about 10 minutes for a freshly baked taste.
- Microwave: Heat each brookie for about 15-20 seconds for a quick warm-up.
- Stovetop: Use a skillet on low heat, covering it with a lid for about 5 minutes, checking frequently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions regarding Peanut Butter Cup Stuffed Brookies:
Can I use different types of cookies?
Yes! You can substitute with any type of refrigerated cookie dough you enjoy, such as chocolate chip or sugar cookies.
Are there alternatives to Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups?
You can use other nut butter cups or chocolate-covered candies if preferred, but Reese’s is highly recommended for the classic flavor.
How do I know when they are done baking?
The brookies should be firm around the edges and slightly soft in the center. A toothpick inserted should come out with moist crumbs.
Can I customize the filling?
Absolutely! Feel free to add chopped nuts, caramel, or flavored chocolate for extra deliciousness.
Is this recipe suitable for special diets?
This recipe may not be suitable for gluten-free or vegan diets as it uses traditional brownie and cookie dough.
Final Thoughts
Peanut Butter Cup Stuffed Brookies combine rich brownie and cookie flavors with creamy peanut butter cups, making them a delightful treat. They are perfect for parties or cozy nights at home. Customize them with your favorite toppings or ice cream and enjoy this versatile dessert that everyone will love!
Peanut Butter Cup Stuffed Brookies
Indulge in the ultimate dessert experience with these Peanut Butter Cup Stuffed Brookies! This delightful treat combines the rich flavors of brownies and cookies, all wrapped around a creamy Reese’s peanut butter cup. With a warm, gooey center and a crispy outer layer, these brookies are perfect for any occasion, from family gatherings to cozy nights at home. Easy to make and even easier to share, they can be enjoyed plain or topped with vanilla ice cream and drizzled chocolate sauce. Treat yourself and your loved ones to this irresistible dessert that will have everyone coming back for more!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Makes 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 (10 oz) bag brownie mix (plus oil & egg as required)
- 1 (16 oz) package refrigerated cookie dough
- 12 Reese's Peanut Butter Cups
- Optional: Vanilla ice cream for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a muffin tin.
- Prepare the brownie mix according to package instructions; set aside.
- Divide cookie dough into 12 balls; press each into the bottom of muffin cups.
- Place one Reese's peanut butter cup upside down on top of each cookie dough ball.
- Pour brownie batter over peanut butter cups until muffin wells are about 90% full.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes until edges are firm; cool slightly before removing from the pan.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brookie (70g)
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
