Peanut Butter Cup Stuffed Brookies
Introduction
Peanut Butter Cup Stuffed Brookies are the ultimate indulgence—a decadent mashup of chewy brownies and soft chocolate chip cookies, with a surprise peanut butter cup nestled right in the middle. This dessert offers layers of texture and flavor that create a delightful explosion of chocolate and peanut butter in every bite. It’s rich, gooey, and downright irresistible.
Origin and Cultural Significance
Brookies—short for brownie + cookie—are a beloved hybrid dessert born from the desire to have it all. Popularized in American home kitchens and bake sales, this treat embraces the spirit of comfort food creativity. The addition of a peanut butter cup elevates the brookie into something even more special, paying homage to America’s favorite candy combination: chocolate and peanut butter. It’s a dessert that brings generations together, offering a familiar yet playful twist.
Ingredients Quantity
For the Brownie Layer:
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp baking powder
For the Cookie Layer:
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¾ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
For the Filling:
- 12 mini peanut butter cups (unwrapped)
Optional Additions
- A pinch of sea salt on top for a salty-sweet finish
- Chopped peanuts for added crunch
- Drizzle of melted chocolate or peanut butter
- Use dark chocolate chips for a more intense flavor
Tips for Success
- Chill the cookie dough slightly before layering for easier handling
- Use a muffin tin lined with cupcake liners for perfectly portioned brookies
- Let the brookies cool before removing from the tin to help them hold shape
- Don’t overbake—the centers should be slightly gooey for the best texture
- Use quality cocoa and chocolate chips for maximum flavor impact
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with liners.
- Make the brownie batter: In a bowl, combine melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla. Stir in cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder until smooth. Set aside.
- Make the cookie dough: Cream softened butter with brown sugar and granulated sugar until light. Beat in egg and vanilla. Mix in flour, baking soda, and salt. Fold in chocolate chips.
- Assemble: Add a heaping tablespoon of brownie batter to each muffin cup. Press a mini peanut butter cup into the center. Top with a scoop of cookie dough, covering the peanut butter cup completely.
- Bake for 18–22 minutes or until cookie tops are golden and set.
- Let cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before removing. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Description
These brookies are a triple-layered treat: rich brownie base, gooey peanut butter core, and chewy cookie topping. Every bite is a swirl of chocolate, buttery vanilla, and smooth peanut butter. The contrast in textures—from fudgy to crispy to melty—makes this dessert a winner for any sweet tooth.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per brookie, based on 12 servings)
- Calories: 360
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Sugar: 30g
- Protein: 5g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 160mg
Conclusion
Peanut Butter Cup Stuffed Brookies are a dream dessert for lovers of all things chocolate and peanut butter. They’re easy enough for a weekday craving but impressive enough for parties, holidays, or bake sales. Whether you eat them warm out of the oven or chilled with a glass of milk, they never disappoint.
Recommendation
Serve warm for the ultimate gooey experience. Pair with vanilla ice cream for a sundae-style treat, or package them in a gift tin to share the love. For a fun twist, try using different types of stuffed candies like caramel-filled chocolates or Nutella centers.
Embracing Healthful Indulgence
Desserts like these are about joy and balance. While they are certainly indulgent, you can embrace small portions and savor each bite mindfully. To lighten the recipe, you could reduce sugar slightly or use natural peanut butter and whole wheat flour for a fiber boost. But don’t forget—it’s okay to indulge occasionally, especially when the result is as delicious as these brookies.