This recipe for Peanut Butter Cup Stuffed Brookies is a delightful treat that combines the best of brownies and cookies with a surprise twist of peanut butter cups. Perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering or a cozy night in, these brookies are sure to impress your guests. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal effort, you can whip up this decadent dessert that tastes like something from a fancy bakery. Get ready for a deliciously gooey experience that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: With only three store-bought ingredients plus an egg and oil, you’ll have these delicious treats ready in no time.
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of rich brownie batter, buttery cookie dough, and creamy Reese’s peanut butter cups creates an unforgettable taste sensation.
- Fun to Make: Kids and adults alike will enjoy assembling these brookies in muffin tins—it’s an interactive dessert!
- Perfectly Portion-Controlled: Each muffin-sized brookie is the ideal serving size for satisfying your sweet tooth without overindulging.
- Versatile Dessert Option: Serve them warm with vanilla ice cream for an extra special treat or simply enjoy them fresh out of the oven.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into making your Peanut Butter Cup Stuffed Brookies, gather your tools and equipment. Having everything ready will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Regular size muffin tin
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring spoons
- Spatula
- Oven mitts
Importance of Each Tool
- Muffin tin: This is essential for creating perfectly portioned brookies that have a nice shape and texture.
- Mixing bowl: A good mixing bowl allows you to easily combine all your ingredients without any mess.
- Oven mitts: Protect your hands when removing hot treats from the oven to avoid burns.
Ingredients
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
For the Surprise 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
Follow the package directions for your brownie mix, combining it with the required oil and egg. Set this mixture aside once prepared.
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, forming a base layer.
Step 4: Add the Peanut Butter Cups
Take one Reese’s peanut butter cup and place it upside down on top of each pressed cookie dough layer.
Step 5: Top with Brownie Batter
Carefully distribute the brownie batter on top of each peanut butter cup until each well in the muffin tin is about 90% full.
Step 6: Bake Your Brookies
Bake in your preheated oven for 18-20 minutes or until you can see that the brownie batter has cooked through.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Allow your Peanut Butter Cup Stuffed Brookies to cool for about 5 minutes before gently removing them from the pan. Enjoy them warm, possibly topped with vanilla ice cream!
How to Serve Peanut Butter Cup Stuffed Brookies
Peanut Butter Cup Stuffed Brookies are a delightful dessert that can be served in various ways. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your experience with this delicious treat.
A La Mode
- Serve warm brookies topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a creamy contrast.
- Drizzle chocolate syrup over the top for added sweetness and flavor.
With Fresh Berries
- Pair your brookies with fresh strawberries or raspberries for a burst of freshness.
- The acidity from the berries balances the rich flavors of the dessert.
Dusting of Powdered Sugar
- Lightly dust the brookies with powdered sugar for a touch of elegance.
- This simple addition enhances the visual appeal and adds a bit of sweetness.
With Whipped Cream
- Top each brookie with a dollop of whipped cream for extra creaminess.
- You can also add chocolate shavings or sprinkles on top for decoration.
As Part of a Dessert Platter
- Include your brookies on a dessert platter alongside cookies and brownies.
- This makes for an impressive presentation at parties or gatherings.
How to Perfect Peanut Butter Cup Stuffed Brookies
To ensure your Peanut Butter Cup Stuffed Brookies turn out perfectly every time, here are some helpful tips.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients – Allow your eggs and cookie dough to come to room temperature for better mixing and texture.
- Don’t Overfill – Fill the muffin cups only 90% full to avoid overflow during baking.
- Check for Doneness – Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out mostly clean, but slightly moist is okay!
- Cool Before Removing – Let them cool in the pan for about 5 minutes to prevent them from breaking apart when removed.
- Experiment with Flavors – Try using different flavored cookie dough or chocolate chips for unique variations.
Best Side Dishes for Peanut Butter Cup Stuffed Brookies
While these brookies are delicious on their own, pairing them with side dishes can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some great options:
- Fresh Fruit Salad – A mix of seasonal fruits adds a refreshing contrast to the rich brookies.
- Chocolate Fondue – Offer melted chocolate as a dip for an indulgent experience that complements the flavors.
- Caramel Sauce – A drizzle of caramel can add an extra layer of sweetness and richness to your dessert.
- Nutty Granola – Serve a small bowl of granola on the side for some crunch and texture contrast.
- Chocolate Milkshake – A thick milkshake made with chocolate ice cream pairs wonderfully with warm brookies.
- Coffee or Espresso – A cup of coffee or espresso balances out the sweetness and enhances flavors.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Peanut Butter Cup Stuffed Brookies, it’s easy to make mistakes. Here are some common pitfalls and how to avoid them.
- Forget to grease the muffin tin: Greasing the muffin tin is crucial. If you skip this step, your brookies may stick, making them hard to remove. Use a generous amount of cooking spray or butter.
- Not measuring ingredients accurately: Accurate measurements lead to perfect texture and flavor. Use measuring cups and spoons for both the brownie mix and cookie dough.
- Overfilling muffin tins: Filling the tins too much can cause overflow during baking. Aim for about 90% full for best results.
- Skipping the cooling time: Allowing the brookies to cool in the pan is important. If you remove them too soon, they may fall apart. Wait at least 5 minutes before taking them out.
- Using cold ingredients: Cold ingredients can affect how well your brookies bake. Make sure your eggs and cookie dough are at room temperature before mixing.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Keep each brookie separated with parchment paper to avoid sticking.
Freezing Peanut Butter Cup Stuffed Brookies
- Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to an airtight container.
- They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Peanut Butter Cup Stuffed Brookies
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place on a baking sheet and heat for about 10 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat individually in short bursts of 15-20 seconds until warm. Be careful not to overheat!
- Stovetop: Place in a non-stick skillet over low heat for a few minutes, flipping halfway through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about Peanut Butter Cup Stuffed Brookies that might help you.
Can I use homemade cookie dough?
Yes! Homemade cookie dough works just as well as store-bought for these brookies.
Can I substitute peanut butter cups?
Absolutely! Feel free to use other chocolate candies like caramel-filled chocolates or white chocolate cups if preferred.
How do I know when my brookies are done?
The tops should look set and slightly crackled. A toothpick inserted should come out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter.
What should I serve with Peanut Butter Cup Stuffed Brookies?
These brookies pair wonderfully with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for added richness.
Final Thoughts
Peanut Butter Cup Stuffed Brookies are an irresistible blend of flavors that will delight any dessert lover. Their versatility allows you to customize them with different fillings or toppings. Don’t hesitate to try this easy recipe—your friends and family will thank you!
Peanut Butter Cup Stuffed Brookies
Indulge in the ultimate dessert experience with these Peanut Butter Cup Stuffed Brookies. Combining the rich flavors of brownies and buttery cookies, this delectable treat features a surprise center of creamy Reese’s peanut butter cups that will leave everyone craving more. Perfect for gatherings or cozy nights at home, these brookies are simple to make with just a few ingredients. The delightful gooey texture and irresistible taste create a dessert that feels like a fancy bakery creation but can be whipped up in no time. Serve them warm, topped with ice cream or fresh berries for an unforgettable treat that brings joy to any occasion.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 12 brookies
- 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 oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a muffin tin.
- Prepare the brownie mix according to package instructions; set aside.
- Divide cookie dough into 12 balls and press each into the bottom of muffin cups.
- Place a Reese's peanut butter cup upside down on each cookie layer.
- Top with brownie batter until muffin cups are about 90% full.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes until brownie batter is cooked through.
- Allow to cool for 5 minutes before removing from the tin.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
