Peanut Butter Cup Brownies
These decadent Peanut Butter Cup Brownies combine rich chocolatey goodness with a creamy peanut butter center, making them an irresistible treat. Perfect for any peanut butter and chocolate lover, these brownies are sure to be a hit!
Ingredients:
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the brownies and helps create a soft texture.
- 1/4 cup butter, softened: Adds richness and moisture to the brownies.
- 1 tablespoon water: Helps to melt the chocolate evenly.
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips: Used both in the batter and for topping, providing deep chocolate flavor.
- 1 large egg: Binds the ingredients together.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a hint of vanilla flavor to enhance the chocolate.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: Provides structure to the brownies.
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the brownies rise slightly.
- 3/4 cup milk chocolate chips: Adds a sweeter chocolate flavor, used in the batter and as a topping.
- 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter: The star ingredient, creating a gooey peanut butter center.
Directions:
-
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with Reynolds Staybrite muffin cups or grease the tin well. -
Melt Butter and Sugar:
In a medium-sized microwave-safe bowl, combine the sugar, softened butter, and water. Microwave on high for about 45 seconds or until the butter is melted. Stir to combine. -
Add Chocolate Chips:
Stir in 3/4 cup of the semi-sweet chocolate chips until they are completely melted and the mixture is smooth. -
Mix in Egg and Vanilla:
Stir in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined. -
Add Dry Ingredients:
Add the flour and baking soda to the chocolate mixture. Stir until fully incorporated. -
Cool the Batter:
Allow the batter to cool to room temperature. This helps prevent the chocolate chips from melting too much when added to the batter. -
Add More Chocolate Chips:
Stir in 3/4 cup milk chocolate chips and the remaining 1/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips. -
Fill Muffin Cups:
Spoon the batter evenly into the prepared muffin cups, filling each about 2/3 full. -
Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for 13-15 minutes, or until the tops are set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. -
Create the Peanut Butter Centers:
After removing the brownies from the oven, let them cool. The centers should fall slightly. If not, gently tap the centers with the back of a teaspoon to create a small well. -
Add Peanut Butter:
Place the peanut butter in a small microwave-safe bowl and microwave on high for about 45 seconds until it’s smooth and pourable. While the brownies are still warm, spoon about a tablespoon of peanut butter into the center of each brownie. -
Top with Chocolate Chips:
Sprinkle the remaining milk chocolate and semi-sweet chocolate chips on top of the peanut butter. -
Cool Completely:
Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before removing. -
Store and Reheat:
Store the brownies at room temperature or in the refrigerator. To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to enjoy a warm, gooey treat.
Tips for Perfect Brownies:
- Avoid Overbaking: To keep the brownies fudgy, remove them from the oven when a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Use High-Quality Peanut Butter: For the best flavor and texture, use creamy peanut butter that is smooth and easy to melt.
- Customize the Toppings: Feel free to add chopped nuts, crushed pretzels, or a drizzle of caramel on top for extra flavor and texture.
Conclusion
These Peanut Butter Cup Brownies are a delightful blend of rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter. Whether you serve them at a party or enjoy them as an indulgent snack, they are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. Enjoy them warm for an extra gooey treat!