Peanut Butter Stuffed Brookies are the ultimate hybrid dessert—a glorious, indulgent mashup that combines the chewy, chocolate chip cookie goodness of a classic brookie with the rich, fudgy decadence of a brownie, all wrapped around a molten, creamy Reese’s peanut butter cup center. This recipe is a stroke of genius, transforming simple, store-bought shortcuts into a dessert that looks and tastes like it came from a gourmet bakery. The magic begins with a layer of chocolate chip cookie dough pressed into a muffin tin, forming a soft, chewy base. A whole peanut butter cup, placed upside down, becomes the hidden treasure at the heart of each brookie. The cups are then filled to the brim with prepared brownie batter, which bakes into a crackly-topped, fudgy crown that envelops the peanut butter cup in rich, chocolatey goodness.
The brilliance of this recipe lies in its incredible ease and the guaranteed wow factor it delivers. Using refrigerated cookie dough and a boxed brownie mix streamlines the process, making this an accessible project for bakers of any skill level. The individual muffin-tin portions are perfect for serving—no slicing, no mess, just a perfectly portioned, self-contained treat that reveals its gooey, peanut butter heart when you bite in. The contrast of textures is sublime: the chewy cookie base, the fudgy brownie top, and the creamy, slightly melted peanut butter cup center all in one glorious bite. These brookies are the ultimate party dessert, guaranteed to be the first thing to disappear from any dessert table and leave everyone asking for the recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Ultimate Triple-Threat Dessert: Combines chocolate chip cookie, fudgy brownie, and a creamy peanut butter cup in one bite.
- Incredibly Easy & Quick: Uses convenient refrigerated cookie dough and boxed brownie mix for a stunning result with minimal effort.
- Perfect Individual Servings: Baked in a muffin tin, each brookie is a self-contained, ready-to-serve treat.
- Molten Peanut Butter Surprise: The Reese’s cup melts slightly during baking, creating a gooey, irresistible center.
- Guaranteed Crowd-Pleaser: A universally adored combination that will be the hit of any party or gathering.
Ingredients:
For the Brookies:
1 package (16.5 oz) refrigerated chocolate chip cookie dough
1 box (18 oz) brownie mix, prepared according to package directions (plus eggs, oil, and water as called for)
12 full-size Reese’s peanut butter cups, unwrapped
For the Pan:
Baking spray with flour
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously spray the cups of a 12-cup standard muffin tin with baking spray, ensuring all surfaces are well coated.
Step 2: Prepare the Cookie Dough Base
Remove the cookie dough from its packaging. Divide it into 12 equal portions (about 1½ tablespoons each). Roll each portion into a ball, then press it firmly into the bottom of one muffin cup, creating an even layer that covers the bottom completely.
Step 3: Add the Peanut Butter Cup
Place one Reese’s peanut butter cup upside down on top of the cookie dough in each muffin cup. Press it down gently so it’s nestled into the dough.
Step 4: Prepare and Add the Brownie Batter
Prepare the brownie mix according to the package directions (typically combining the mix with eggs, oil, and water). Carefully spoon the brownie batter over the peanut butter cups in each muffin cup, filling each cup almost to the top (about ¾ full). The batter will rise as it bakes.
Step 5: Bake
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the brownie tops are set and a toothpick inserted into the brownie portion (avoiding the peanut butter cup) comes out with a few moist crumbs. The tops may look slightly crackly.
Step 6: Cool Completely
Place the muffin tin on a wire rack and let the brookies cool in the pan for at least 20-30 minutes. This step is crucial—they need time to set so they hold their shape when removed. Do not attempt to remove them while warm.
Step 7: Remove and Serve
Once completely cool, carefully run a small knife or offset spatula around the edge of each brookie to loosen. Gently lift them out of the muffin tin. Serve at room temperature.
Tips:
- Spray the Pan Generously: These brookies are sticky. Don’t skimp on the baking spray to ensure easy removal.
- Upside-Down Peanut Butter Cup: Placing the cup upside down ensures the peanut butter center is perfectly positioned to melt into a gooey pocket.
- Don’t Overfill: Fill the muffin cups only about ¾ full with brownie batter to allow room for rising.
- Cooling is Non-Negotiable: The brookies need time to set. Rushing this step will result in a crumbly mess.
- Customize It: Use different flavors of peanut butter cups (dark chocolate, white chocolate) or try other filled candies.
Storage Options:
- Room Temperature: Store cooled brookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
- Refrigerator: For longer storage, keep in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Bring to room temperature before serving.
- Freezing: These brookies freeze beautifully. Wrap individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature.
- Make-Ahead: You can bake them a day in advance and store them covered at room temperature.
Peanut Butter Stuffed Brookies are the ultimate expression of dessert decadence—easy, fun, and absolutely irresistible. They prove that with a few clever shortcuts and a great idea, you can create a treat that tastes like a million bucks and brings pure joy to every single bite.
