Peanut Butter Cup Brookies Recipe

The Ultimate Peanut Butter Cup Brookies Recipe for Sweet Tooth Joy

Peanut butter cup brookies blend two beloved dessert worlds into one irresistible treat that sparks instant cravings.

Chocolate chip cookies and rich brownies merge seamlessly in this decadent fusion.

Imagine a dessert that combines fudgy, dense textures with crisp cookie edges and creamy peanut butter center notes.

Soft, gooey centers complemented by slightly crisp borders create a mouthwatering contrast that delights taste buds.

Layers of chocolatey goodness and nutty undertones change an ordinary sweet into an extraordinary culinary experience.

Each bite promises a harmonious balance between chewy, dense foundations and smooth, rich peanut butter accents.

The ultimate indulgence arrives with a perfect marriage of textures and flavors that dance across your palate.

Gather Every Ingredient for Brookie Brilliance

Base Ingredients:
  • Brownie Mix: Classic boxed mix for rich, fudgy chocolate base with deep cocoa flavor.
  • Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough: Convenient refrigerated dough for soft, buttery cookie layer.
Peanut Butter Accent:
  • Reese's Peanut Butter Cups: Iconic chocolate-peanut butter candy that adds creamy, sweet-salty crunch.
Additional Box Mix Ingredients:
  • Eggs: Binding agent that helps create structure and richness in brownies.
  • Vegetable Oil: Ensures moisture and smooth texture in brownie batter.
  • Water: Standard liquid ingredient for boxed mix hydration.

Creating Layers of Fudge and Peanut Butter Perfection

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Warm up your oven to 350°F. Grab a muffin tin and line it with cupcake liners. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Mix Brownie Batter

Gather your brownie mix ingredients:
  • Brownie mix package
  • Water
  • Vegetable oil
  • Eggs

Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl. Stir until the mixture becomes smooth and glossy. Set aside.

Step 3: Create Cookie Base

Slice refrigerated chocolate chip cookie dough into 12 even pieces. Gently press one slice into the bottom of each cupcake liner, creating a delicious cookie foundation.

Step 4: Add Peanut Butter Cup Surprise

Place one Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup upside down on top of each cookie dough layer. This creates a secret chocolate-peanut butter center that’ll make taste buds dance.

Step 5: Layer with Brownie Goodness

Carefully spoon the prepared brownie batter over the Peanut Butter Cups. Fill each liner almost to the top, leaving a small space for rising during baking.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the muffin tin into the preheated oven. Bake for 18-20 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick- it should come out with just a few moist crumbs.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Remove from the oven and let the Brookies cool in the tin for a few minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Watch them disappear quickly once served!

Insider Tricks for Baking Brookies Like a Pro

  • Chill the Cookie Dough: Refrigerate cookie dough for at least 30 minutes before slicing to ensure clean, even cuts and prevent sticking.
  • Check Baking Consistency: Test brookies with a toothpick at 18 minutes; if it comes out with a few moist crumbs, they're perfectly baked and will stay soft and fudgy.
  • Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow eggs and other cold ingredients to sit at room temperature for better mixing and a more uniform batter texture.
  • Line Muffin Tin Carefully: Gently press cookie dough and peanut butter cups to create smooth, even layers that won't shift during baking.
  • Store with Care: Keep brookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Keeping Your Brookies Fresh Warm and Delectable

  • Refrigerate: Store cooled Brookies in an airtight container, layering between parchment paper to prevent sticking. Consume within 3-4 days for optimal freshness and taste.
  • Freeze: Wrap individual Brookies tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze up to 2 months for later enjoyment. Thaw at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before serving.
  • Reheat: Warm refrigerated Brookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes. Enjoy the treats warm, with their gooey chocolate and soft cookie texture restored.

Pair These Brookies with the Perfect Beverage

  • Pair with Creamy Milk Delight: Serve these decadent Brookies alongside a cold glass of whole milk, letting the rich, smooth drink complement the intense chocolate and peanut butter flavors while cutting through the dessert's sweetness.
  • Match with Robust Coffee Companion: Brew a strong espresso or dark roast coffee to enhance the chocolate notes and provide a bold contrast to the sweet, layered Brookies, creating a sophisticated dessert experience.
  • Cool Down with Vanilla Ice Cream: Top each Brookie with a scoop of premium vanilla bean ice cream, allowing the cold, creamy texture to balance the warm, gooey dessert and create a luxurious flavor combination.
  • Elevate with Caramel Drizzle: Enhance the Brookies by drizzling warm salted caramel sauce over the top, adding an extra layer of richness that complements the peanut butter and chocolate flavors.

Take Your Brookies to New Heights with These Variations

  • Nutty Caramel Brookies: Replace Reese's Peanut Butter Cups with caramel-filled chocolate squares and sprinkle chopped pecans on top for an extra crunch and rich, buttery flavor.
  • Mint Chocolate Brookies: Swap out the regular Peanut Butter Cups with mint chocolate candies and add a few drops of peppermint extract to the brownie batter for a refreshing cool twist.
  • Berry Cheesecake Brookies: Layer a small dollop of cream cheese mixture between the cookie dough and brownie batter, then top with fresh raspberries or strawberry chunks for a fruity, tangy variation.
  • S'mores Brookies: Replace the Peanut Butter Cups with marshmallows and graham cracker pieces, creating a campfire-inspired dessert that combines classic s'mores flavors with the beloved Brookie format.

Why You’ll Fall for These Peanut Butter Cup Brookies

  • Craft Flavor Fusion: Combine the best of brownies and cookies in one decadent dessert that delivers an irresistible chocolate and peanut butter explosion.
  • Whip Up Quick Delight: Prepare these brookies in just 30 minutes using simple boxed mixes and pre-made cookie dough, making it a perfect last-minute treat for busy bakers.
  • Surprise Inside Treat: Each brookie hides a whole Reese's Peanut Butter Cup in the center, creating a delightful hidden treasure that melts and adds extra richness to every bite.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: These brookies are perfect for parties, potlucks, and family gatherings, offering a fun twist on traditional desserts that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
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Peanut Butter Cup Brookies Recipe

Peanut Butter Cup Brookies Recipe


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4.7 from 35 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Peanut butter cup brookies merge chocolate chip cookie dough with rich brownie layers for an irresistible dessert. Chocolate lovers will savor the perfect blend of fudgy, cookie-like textures crowned with classic peanut butter cups nestled inside.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 box brownie mix
  • 1 roll refrigerated chocolate chip cookie dough
  • 12 Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups

Additional Ingredients (from Brownie Mix):

  • 2 large eggs
  • ⅓ cup vegetable oil
  • ¼ cup water

Topping/Garnish:

(No additional ingredients)


Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and meticulously line a muffin tin with cupcake liners, ensuring each cavity is completely covered for effortless removal.
  2. Prepare the brownie mix according to package instructions, whisking the ingredients until achieving a silky, uniform consistency with no lumps.
  3. Slice the chilled chocolate chip cookie dough into 12 uniform portions, then gently press each slice into the bottom of the prepared cupcake liners, creating a sturdy base.
  4. Position a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup inverted on top of each cookie dough layer, strategically placing the candy to create a hidden core of chocolaty peanut butter goodness.
  5. Delicately spoon the prepared brownie batter over the peanut butter cups, filling each liner approximately three-quarters full to allow room for rising during baking.
  6. Transfer the muffin tin to the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, monitoring until the Brookies are set and a toothpick inserted near the center reveals minimal moist crumbs.
  7. Once baked, remove from the oven and allow the Brookies to cool in the tin for 5-10 minutes before carefully transferring to a wire rack to complete cooling.

Notes

  • Refrigerate Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups before preparing to ensure they hold their shape during baking and create a delightful molten center.
  • Keep cookie dough and brownie batter chilled for easier handling and precise layering in muffin cups, preventing messy mixing.
  • Use room temperature ingredients to guarantee smooth blending and consistent texture throughout your Brookies, ensuring each bite is perfectly balanced.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 20 g
  • Sodium: 180 mg
  • Fat: 16 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 39 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
Alex Reed

Alex Reed

Founder & Lead Content Writer

Expertise

Recipe Development and Testing​, Culinary Education​, Food Writing and Blogging​, Sustainable Cooking Practices, Global Cuisine Exploration

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and contemporary cooking techniques, kitchen management, and menu development. Emphasized hands-on experience in diverse culinary traditions.​

Le Cordon Bleu Paris

  • Program: Diplôme de Cuisine
  • Focus: Advanced instruction in French culinary techniques, including sauce preparation, pâtisserie, and haute cuisine.​

Alex Reed is an inventive chef and food creator with a passion for dishes that balance taste, health, and sustainability. 

Trained at Portland Community College and holding an Advanced Pastry Arts certificate from Oregon Culinary Institute, Alex brings more than 10 years of practical culinary experience to every recipe he develops. 

His background uniquely blends traditional cooking skills with modern, mindful eating principles. As the founder of Beard and Bonnet, Alex creates recipes that encourage readers to cook confidently.

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