Peanut Butter Brookies Recipe
This easy brookie recipe brings together the best of two classic treats—peanut butter cookies and fudgy brownies—into one ultimate dessert. If you have a sweet tooth that craves both chewy chocolate chip cookies and rich brownies, this is recipe is dedicated to you.
What Are Brookies?
Brookies are a delightful combination of two different batters—a brownie layer and a cookie dough layer. In this recipe, we take it up a notch with a peanut butter twist, incorporating Reese’s Pieces and Peanut Butter Cups into the mix. The result is a soft chocolate chip cookie layer on top of a rich, fudgy brownie bottom, all baked together into one delicious treat.
Ingredients
- 7.2 oz package peanut butter cookie mix (plus ingredients to make as listed on the package)
- ½ cup Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, cubed or diced
- 18 oz boxed brownie mix (plus ingredients to make as listed on the package)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Prepare a 9×13 baking dish by spraying it with non-stick cooking spray.
- Prepare the peanut butter cookie mix in a large mixing bowl according to the package directions. Stir in the cubed Peanut Butter Cups.
- In a separate bowl, prepare the brownie mix as directed on the package. Fold in the Reese’s Pieces.
- Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it into an even layer with a rubber spatula.
- Crumble the peanut butter cookie dough over the brownie batter, creating a cookie dough layer on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the brookies to cool on a wire rack before cutting into bars and serving.
For the ultimate treat, serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or chocolate ice cream.
Recipe Tips
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Bring your eggs and butter to room temperature before mixing. This ensures better blending and a smoother, more cohesive batter.
- Do Not Overmix: When preparing the cookie batter and brownie mixture, mix just until combined to avoid tough cookies and dense brownies.
- Test for Doneness: Since baking time can vary, use visual cues. The edges should be golden brown and set, while the center remains slightly soft. The brookies will 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:
- Cool Completely: Allow the brookies to cool completely on a wire rack before storing.
- Airtight Container: Transfer the cooled brookies to an airtight container.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 Variations
Get creative with these brookies by trying some of these fun substitutions and variations:
- Chocolate Chips: Swap out the Reese’s Pieces for semi-sweet chocolate chips, dark chocolate chunks, or white chocolate chips to change up the flavor profile.
- Nutty Additions: Add chopped nuts like peanuts, almonds, or pecans to the cookie dough layer or brownie portion for extra crunch.
- Flavored Extracts: Try adding vanilla extract or almond extract to the cookie or brownie mixture to add a subtle flavor twist.
Peanut Butter Brookies
Ingredients
- 7.2 ounces 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
Instructions
- 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 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!
Notes
Nutrition
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.
