This Peanut Butter Cup Stuffed Brookies recipe is the ultimate dessert for any occasion, whether it’s a birthday party, family gathering, or simply a cozy night in. With the delightful combination of rich brownie and chewy cookie dough, all topped with a creamy Reese’s peanut butter cup, these treats are sure to impress. They’re easy to make, fun to serve, and absolutely irresistible when enjoyed warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: This recipe uses just a few store-bought ingredients, making it simple for bakers of all skill levels.
- Decadent Flavor: The marriage of cookies and brownies creates an indulgent taste that chocolate lovers will adore.
- Perfect for Sharing: With 12 servings, these brookies are great for parties or family gatherings.
- Versatile Dessert: Serve them warm with ice cream or enjoy them on their own; they’re delicious either way.
- Fun Presentation: Baking in muffin tins gives these desserts a unique shape that adds to their appeal.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start making your Peanut Butter Cup Stuffed Brookies, gather the necessary tools and equipment. Having everything on hand will simplify the process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Regular size muffin tin
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups
- Spoon or spatula
- Oven
Importance of Each Tool
- Regular size muffin tin: This is essential for creating perfectly shaped brookies that have a lovely dome.
- Mixing bowl: A good mixing bowl allows you to easily combine your ingredients without making a mess.
Ingredients
For the Brookies
- 1 (10oz) bag of brownie mix (plus the oil & egg to make the batter)
- 1 (16oz) package of refrigerated cookie dough
- 12 Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups
- Vanilla ice cream (optional)
How to Make Peanut Butter Cup Stuffed Brookies
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures that your brookies bake evenly.
Step 2: Prepare Brownie Mix
Prepare the brownie mix according to the package directions. Set it aside once mixed.
Step 3: Prepare Cookie Dough
Separate the cookie dough into 12 even balls. Flatten each ball slightly before placing it in the bottom of each muffin cup.
Step 4: Add the Peanut Butter Cups
Place a Reese’s peanut butter cup upside down on top of each flattened cookie dough ball in the muffin tin.
Step 5: Distribute Brownie Batter
Evenly distribute the prepared brownie batter on top of each peanut butter cup until each well is about 90% full.
Step 6: Bake
Bake for 18-20 minutes or until the brownie batter is cooked through. Keep an eye on them towards the end to avoid overbaking.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Allow them to cool for about 5 minutes before carefully removing them from the pan. Enjoy warm with vanilla ice cream for an extra special treat!
How to Serve Peanut Butter Cup Stuffed Brookies
Peanut Butter Cup Stuffed Brookies are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you want to impress guests or just indulge yourself, these serving suggestions will elevate your dessert experience.
A La Mode
- Serve warm brookies topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic combination. The cold ice cream melts into the warm brownie, creating a delicious contrast.
With Whipped Cream
- Add a dollop of whipped cream on top of each brookie. This light and airy topping complements the rich flavors perfectly.
Drizzled with Chocolate Sauce
- For chocolate lovers, drizzle some chocolate sauce over the brookies. It enhances the chocolate flavor and adds an extra layer of sweetness.
Garnished with Nuts
- Sprinkle some chopped peanuts or walnuts on top for added texture and crunch. This gives a delightful contrast to the soft brownie and cookie layers.
On a Dessert Platter
- Arrange several brookies on a dessert platter alongside fresh berries. This not only makes for an attractive display but also adds freshness to each bite.
With Coffee or Milk
- Pair your brookies with a cup of hot coffee or a glass of cold milk. The richness of the dessert is nicely balanced by these classic beverages.
How to Perfect Peanut Butter Cup Stuffed Brookies
To ensure your Peanut Butter Cup Stuffed Brookies come out perfectly every time, follow these tips.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Always check expiration dates on your brownie mix and cookie dough for the best flavor.
- Grease Muffin Tin Generously: A well-greased muffin tin prevents sticking, making it easier to remove the brookies after baking.
- Don’t Overfill: Fill each muffin cup about 90% full to allow room for rising without spilling over.
- Cool Before Removing: Allow the brookies to cool for at least 5 minutes before taking them out of the tin. This helps them set properly.
- Experiment with Flavors: Try different flavored cookie doughs or chocolates for unique variations on this classic recipe.
- Serve Warm: These brookies are best enjoyed warm right out of the oven, so serve them immediately for an unforgettable experience.
Best Side Dishes for Peanut Butter Cup Stuffed Brookies
Pairing side dishes with Peanut Butter Cup Stuffed Brookies can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some great options to consider.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits provides a refreshing contrast to the rich brookies.
- Chocolate Dipped Strawberries: These add an elegant touch and complement the chocolate flavors beautifully.
- Vanilla Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a light yet satisfying side.
- Mini Cheesecakes: Small cheesecakes offer creamy texture that balances well with the dense brookies.
- Nutty Granola Bars: These bars add crunch and can be made ahead for convenience.
- Coffee Cake Bites: Soft coffee cake bites provide delicious flavors without overpowering the main dessert.
- Ice Cream Sundaes: Create mini sundaes using leftover ice cream and toppings like nuts or sprinkles.
- Fruit Sorbet: A scoop of sorbet adds a fruity freshness that pairs well with rich desserts like brookies.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Peanut Butter Cup Stuffed Brookies, it’s easy to make a few missteps. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.
- Neglecting to Preheat the Oven – Skipping this step can lead to uneven baking. Always preheat your oven to 350 degrees before you start.
- Overfilling the Muffin Cups – Filling the cups too much can cause overflow, making a mess. Fill each cup only about 90% full for best results.
- Using Cold Ingredients – If your ingredients are cold, it can affect the texture. Allow your eggs and cookie dough to come to room temperature before mixing.
- Not Greasing the Muffin Tin – Failing to grease your muffin tin can lead to sticking. Generously grease the tin to ensure easy removal of the brookies.
- Ignoring Cooling Time – Removing them too soon can cause breakage. Let them cool for about 5 minutes in the pan before taking them out.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store your Peanut Butter Cup Stuffed Brookies in an airtight container.
- They will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Peanut Butter Cup Stuffed Brookies
- Freeze brookies in a single layer on a baking sheet first.
- Once frozen, transfer them into a freezer-safe bag or container.
- They can be stored for up to 2 months.
Reheating Peanut Butter Cup Stuffed Brookies
- Oven – Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and place brookies on a baking sheet for about 5-7 minutes until warm.
- Microwave – Heat each brookie individually on high for about 10-15 seconds for a warm treat.
- Stovetop – Place a skillet over low heat and cover with a lid, warming for about 5 minutes until soft.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Peanut Butter Cup Stuffed Brookies.
Can I use homemade cookie dough?
Yes! You can definitely substitute homemade cookie dough if you prefer a more personalized touch.
What other candies can I use instead of Reese’s?
Feel free to get creative! You could use any chocolate or nut butter-filled candy like Twix or Snickers.
How do I ensure my Peanut Butter Cup Stuffed Brookies don’t stick?
Make sure you generously grease your muffin tin and allow the brookies to cool slightly before removing them.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free brownie mix and cookie dough for a delicious gluten-free option.
Final Thoughts
Peanut Butter Cup Stuffed Brookies are an incredible dessert that brings joy with every bite. Their combination of cookie, brownie, and peanut butter flavors is hard to resist. Feel free to customize them with different candies or toppings like nuts or drizzle chocolate sauce on top for even more indulgence!
Peanut Butter Cup Stuffed Brookies
Indulge in the ultimate dessert experience with these Peanut Butter Cup Stuffed Brookies! This delicious treat combines the rich, fudgy texture of brownies with the chewy goodness of cookie dough, topped with a creamy Reese’s peanut butter cup for an extra layer of indulgence. Perfect for any occasion—from birthday parties to cozy family nights—these brookies are easy to make and impossible to resist, especially when served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 (10oz) bag brownie mix (plus oil & egg)
- 1 (16oz) package refrigerated cookie dough
- 12 Reese's Peanut Butter Cups
- Vanilla ice cream (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare brownie mix according to package directions and set aside.
- Divide cookie dough into 12 balls; flatten each slightly and place in a greased regular muffin tin.
- Place a Reese's Peanut Butter Cup upside down on each ball of cookie dough.
- Pour brownie batter over the peanut butter cups until each muffin cup is about 90% full.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes or until cooked through. Allow to cool for 5 minutes before removing from the pan.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brookie (75g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 21g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
