Peanut Butter Cup Stuffed Brookies have become my absolute go-to for a truly decadent treat that combines the best of both cookie and brownie worlds. I remember the first time I tried making them; the kitchen filled with the most amazing aroma of warm chocolate and peanut butter! It’s like a hug in dessert form. These brookies are incredibly satisfying with that gooey peanut butter cup surprise right in the middle. If you’ve ever wondered how to make peanut butter cup stuffed treats that impress everyone, these Brookies are your answer. They’re a game-changer, and I know you’ll adore them! Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love These Peanut Butter Cup Stuffed Brookies
- The ultimate flavor explosion: rich chocolate brownie meets chewy chocolate chip cookie.
- An irresistible gooey peanut butter cup center in every bite.
- Super quick prep time, making them perfect weeknight treats.
- A budget-friendly way to satisfy serious dessert cravings.
- Definitely family-friendly; kids and adults alike go crazy for them!
- These are truly some of the easiest baking recipes you’ll find.
- Enjoying these homemade peanut butter delights is a joy.
- They’re the best peanut butter cup stuffed desserts for any occasion.
Ingredients for Peanut Butter Cup Stuffed Brookies
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating these amazing brookies. You’ll need the essentials for both a perfect cookie and a fudgy brownie. The foundation of these Peanut Butter Cup Stuffed Brookies relies on quality ingredients that create that signature texture and flavor. We start with 1 cup unsalted butter, softened, which gives us that rich base. Then, 1 cup granulated sugar and 1 cup brown sugar, packed, provide sweetness and moisture. For binding, we have 2 large eggs and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract. The dry ingredients include 3 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda for lift, and ½ teaspoon salt to balance the sweetness. Of course, no brookie is complete without chocolate, so we’re adding 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips. The star of the show is undoubtedly 12 peanut butter cups (mini or regular size) – these are what make our peanut butter cup filling recipes so special. They melt into a gooey center, making these baked goods with peanut butter cups inside utterly irresistible.
How to Make Peanut Butter Cup Stuffed Brookies
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup a breeze, setting you up for success with these delightful chocolate peanut butter stuffed recipes.
- Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the 1 cup unsalted butter, softened, 1 cup granulated sugar, and 1 cup brown sugar, packed until the mixture is light and fluffy. This creaming process incorporates air, which is key to the texture of your brookies.
- Step 3: Beat in the 2 large eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then, stir in the 2 teaspoons vanilla extract. Your kitchen should start smelling wonderful already!
- Step 4: In a separate bowl, gently whisk together the 3 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and ½ teaspoon salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want tender brookies, not tough ones.
- Step 5: Now for the chocolatey goodness! Fold in the 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips. This is where these already-delicious chocolate peanut butter stuffed recipes get even better.
- Step 6: Scoop about 2 tablespoons of dough for each brookie. Flatten a portion of the dough in your hand, place one of the 12 peanut butter cups (mini or regular size) in the center, and then carefully wrap the dough around the peanut butter cup, ensuring it’s completely enclosed. This creates that amazing gooey center.
- Step 7: Arrange the stuffed cookie dough balls on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure to space them about 2 inches apart, as they will spread while baking.
- Step 8: Bake for 12-15 minutes. You’re looking for the edges to be golden brown and the centers to appear set but still soft. They will continue to cook slightly on the hot baking sheet.
- Step 9: Let the brookies cool on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes. This allows them to firm up just enough before you carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoying these warm is heavenly!
Pro Tips for the Best Peanut Butter Cup Stuffed Brookies
Achieving brookies perfection is all about a few key techniques. These simple tips will elevate your peanut butter cup stuffed treats from good to absolutely unforgettable. Remember, consistency is key for those amazing peanut butter cup stuffed desserts!
- For the most uniform brookies, use a cookie scoop to portion your dough.
- Chill your dough for about 15 minutes before stuffing. This helps prevent them from spreading too much and keeps that peanut butter cup nicely contained within your baked goods with peanut butter cups inside.
- Don’t overbake! The centers should look slightly underdone when you take them out; they’ll continue to cook on the baking sheet and set up perfectly as they cool.
What’s the secret to perfect Peanut Butter Cup Stuffed Brookies?
The real secret lies in the dough-to-peanut butter cup ratio and not overbaking. Ensuring the dough fully encases the peanut butter cup is crucial for that molten center. Plus, pulling them out when the edges are golden but the center is still soft guarantees a gooey surprise in your baked goods with peanut butter cups inside.
Can I make Peanut Butter Cup Stuffed Brookies ahead of time?
Yes, you absolutely can! You can prepare the dough and stuff the peanut butter cups up to 24 hours in advance. Store the shaped brookies, covered, in the refrigerator. Just bake them as usual, though you might need to add a minute or two to the baking time if they’re coming straight from the fridge.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Peanut Butter Cup Stuffed Brookies?
The most common pitfall is overbaking, which leads to a dry center. Another mistake is not properly sealing the peanut butter cup within the dough, causing it to ooze out too much. Lastly, overmixing the dough can result in tough brookies, so mix until just combined.
Best Ways to Serve Peanut Butter Cup Stuffed Brookies
These incredible Peanut Butter Cup Stuffed Brookies are a showstopper on their own, but serving them warm is truly the way to go. Imagine a slightly cooled, gooey center bursting with melted peanut butter cup goodness. They are fantastic on their own, but I love to pair them with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for an extra decadent treat. For a more casual gathering, consider serving them alongside a glass of cold milk – it’s a classic combination for a reason! These are perfect for any occasion, especially when you’re looking for delightful Peanut Butter Cup Stuffed Desserts that are sure to impress your guests. You can find more delicious dessert ideas on our recipes page.
Nutrition Facts for Peanut Butter Cup Stuffed Brookies
When indulging in these delightful Peanut Butter Cup Stuffed Brookies, it’s helpful to know what you’re getting. Each brookie is a rich treat, perfect for satisfying those sweet cravings. Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional information per serving:
- Calories: 200 kcal
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: N/A
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: N/A
- Fiber: N/A
- Sugar: N/A
- Sodium: N/A
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used and the exact size of each brookie. For more information on healthy eating, you can check out resources on healthy eating guidelines.
How to Store and Reheat Peanut Butter Cup Stuffed Brookies
Proper storage is key to keeping your homemade peanut butter cup stuffed desserts tasting their best. Once your brookies have cooled completely on the wire rack (this is important to prevent sogginess!), you’ll want to store them in an airtight container. For enjoying them over the next few days, they’ll keep well at room temperature for about 3-4 days. If you want to keep these delicious Peanut Butter Cup Stuffed Brookies around for longer, pop them into a freezer-safe container or bag, and they’ll be good for up to 3 months. To reheat, you can pop a frozen brookie in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds, or for a slightly crisper edge, warm it in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5-7 minutes until warmed through. If you’re looking for other easy dessert recipes, consider our Caramel Brownie Cheesecake.
Frequently Asked Questions About Peanut Butter Cup Stuffed Brookies
Can I use different types of peanut butter cups?
Absolutely! While regular or mini peanut butter cups are fantastic, feel free to experiment. Dark chocolate peanut butter cups, white chocolate peanut butter cups, or even Reese’s Pieces can add a fun twist. Just be sure they are fully encased in the dough to prevent excessive melting onto the baking sheet, keeping your Peanut Butter Cup Stuffed Brookies intact.
What if my dough is too sticky to stuff?
If your dough is too soft or sticky, chilling it is your best friend. Pop the dough, covered, into the refrigerator for about 15-30 minutes. This firms it up, making it much easier to handle and wrap around the peanut butter cups. This step is especially helpful if your kitchen is warm, ensuring your Peanut Butter Cup Stuffed Brownies turn out perfectly shaped.
Can I make these into larger brookies?
You certainly can! If you want to make larger Peanut Butter Cup Stuffed Brookies, simply increase the amount of dough you use for each one and ensure you have a larger peanut butter cup or even two to enclose. Just be aware that larger brookies will require a longer baking time. Keep an eye on them, checking around 18-20 minutes, until the edges are golden and the center looks set.
Are these similar to Peanut Butter Cup Stuffed Brownies?
Yes, they share a lot of similarities! Both feature that glorious peanut butter cup surprise inside. The main difference is that brookies are a hybrid, combining elements of both chewy chocolate chip cookies and fudgy brownies. So, while you get that decadent chocolate and peanut butter combination like in Peanut Butter Cup Stuffed Brownies, you also get the delightful texture of a cookie, making these brookies truly unique. For more dessert inspiration, check out our Frozen Banana Snickers.
Variations of Peanut Butter Cup Stuffed Brookies You Can Try
Once you’ve mastered the classic Peanut Butter Cup Stuffed Brookies, why not get creative? There are so many fun ways to switch up this delicious dessert. You can easily adapt these for different dietary needs or even change up the cooking method entirely. For a fun breakfast twist, imagine these flavors incorporated into Peanut Butter Cup Stuffed Waffles – just imagine that gooey center with crispy waffle edges! You might also enjoy our Korean BBQ Meatballs for a savory contrast.
- Gluten-Free Brookies: Simply swap the all-purpose flour for a good quality gluten-free baking blend. The texture will be slightly different but still incredibly delicious.
- Dark Chocolate Lover’s Dream: Use dark chocolate chips and dark chocolate peanut butter cups for a richer, more intense chocolate flavor.
- White Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups: For a sweeter, creamier contrast, try using white chocolate peanut butter cups.
- Mini Muffin Tin Brookies: Bake these in a mini muffin tin for bite-sized treats. Reduce baking time to 8-10 minutes.
Peanut Butter Cup Brookies: 12 Divine Bites
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 brookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Peanut Butter Cup Stuffed Brookies are a delightful dessert combining chocolate chip cookie and brownie flavors with a gooey peanut butter cup center. They are easy to make and perfect for sharing.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 12 peanut butter cups (mini or regular size)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in semi-sweet chocolate chips.
- Scoop out a portion of dough, flatten it, place a peanut butter cup in the center, and wrap the dough around it to enclose.
- Arrange the stuffed cookie dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spaced 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until edges are golden brown and centers are set but soft.
- Cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients for easier mixing.
- Chill the dough for 10-15 minutes to prevent spreading.
- Experiment with different chocolate chip types.
- Do not overbake; the centers should remain soft.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 4-5 days.
- Freeze for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container.
- To serve, warm brookies in the oven for a few minutes.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brookie
- Calories: 200 kcal
- Sugar: N/A
- Sodium: N/A
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: N/A
- Unsaturated Fat: N/A
- Trans Fat: N/A
- Carbohydrates: N/A
- Fiber: N/A
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: N/A
