Peanut Butter Brookies Recipe

This delectable Peanut Butter Brookies recipe brings together the classic charm of peanut butter cookies and the rich decadence of fudgy brownies in one delightful treat. With each bite, you’ll be treated to an explosion of flavors, textures, and deliciousness.

Brookies, as the name suggests, are a combination of brownies and cookies. Combining the best of both worlds, these sweet treats have a chewy cookie top layer that covers a rich, fudgy brownie bottom layer. They are often made using chocolate chip cookie dough, but this version takes them to the next level using peanut butter cups and peanut butter candy. (Those are code words for Reese’s Pieces and Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups.)

This brownie recipe is easy to make using boxed brownie mix, packaged peanut butter cookie mix, and delicious Reese’s Pieces and Peanut Butter Cups. Let’s take a look at how to make them.

Ingredients

• 7.2-ounce package of peanut butter cookie mix (plus ingredients to make as listed on the package)
• ½ cup Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, cubed or diced
• 18-ounce brownie mix (plus ingredients to make as listed on the package)
• 1 cup Reese’s Pieces

Brookie Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°. Spray a 9×13 baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.

Prepare the peanut butter cookie mix in a large bowl following the package directions.

Add peanut butter cups to the prepared batter.

In a separate bowl, prepare your brownie mix according to the package directions.

Fold in the Reese’s pieces.

Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan. 

Top with crumbled peanut butter cookie dough. (Watch the video in the recipe card to see how to do this.)

Bake for 35-40 minutes until when a toothpick is inserted, it comes out clean. Allow to cool and serve! 

For the ultimate treat, serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or chocolate ice cream.

Recipe Tips

1. Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow the eggs and butter to come to room temperature before mixing them into the dough. Room-temperature ingredients blend better and result in a smoother batter.
2. Do Not Overmix: When making the cookie dough and brownie batter, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies and dense brownies. 
3. Test for Doneness: As baking times can vary, use visual cues and touch to determine when the brookies are done. The edges should be lightly golden, and they should be set but still slightly soft in the center. They will continue to firm up as they cool.

With these helpful tips in mind, you’re well on your way to baking irresistibly delicious peanut butter brookies that will impress everyone lucky enough to taste them. 

Storage

To ensure your baked peanut butter brookies stay fresh and delicious for as long as possible, follow these storage directions:

1. Cool Completely: Allow the brookies to cool completely on a wire rack before storing. 
2. Airtight Container: Transfer the cooled brookies to an airtight container. 
3. Layer with Parchment or Wax Paper: If you cut the brookies into bars, layer parchment or wax paper between each row or stack of brookies inside the container to prevent them from sticking together.
4. Room Temperature: If you plan to consume the brookies within a day or two, they can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container. 
5. Refrigeration (Long-Term Storage): For longer storage, place the airtight container with the brookies in the refrigerator. This will help extend their shelf life and maintain their freshness for up to 3-4 days.
6. Freezing (Extended Storage): If you want to store the brookies for an extended period, freezing is the best option. Wrap each brookie individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing them in an airtight freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Label the container with the date for easy tracking. Frozen brookies can be enjoyed for up to 2-3 months.
7. Thawing Frozen Brookies: When ready to enjoy frozen brookies, remove them from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature for about 1-2 hours. Alternatively, you can gently warm them in the microwave for a few seconds or place them in a preheated oven at a low temperature (around 250°F or 120°C) for a few minutes until they are soft and warm.

Substitutions and Variation

Have fun experimenting with substitutions and variations when making peanut butter brookies. Here are some exciting ideas to get creative in the kitchen:

1. Chocolate Chip Variety: Instead of the peanut butter pieces, try using semi-sweet chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, dark chocolate chips, chocolate chunks, or even butterscotch chips to give your brookies a whole new flavor profile. 
2. Nutty Additions: Enhance the nutty goodness by adding chopped nuts like peanuts, almonds, or pecans to the cookie dough or brownie batter, providing extra crunch and flavor.
3. Flavored Extracts: Experiment with various flavored extracts, such as almond, coconut, maple, or vanilla extract to add a subtle hint of aroma and taste to the brookies.

Remember, baking is all about experimentation and having fun in the process. Feel free to mix and match these substitutions and variations to create your own signature peanut butter brookies, tailored to suit your taste.

📖 Recipe