Introduction:
Peanut Butter Stuffed Brookies combine the best of both worlds—rich, fudgy brownies and soft, chewy cookies—all with a delicious, creamy peanut butter filling in the center. This indulgent dessert is perfect for anyone who loves the classic combination of chocolate and peanut butter. Each bite delivers layers of flavor and texture, making these brookies a crowd-pleasing treat for any occasion.
Overview of the Recipe:
This recipe involves three layers: a gooey brownie base, a creamy peanut butter filling, and a chewy chocolate chip cookie top. The brownies provide a dense, chocolaty foundation, while the peanut butter layer adds a sweet, nutty contrast. The cookie dough, with its golden edges and soft center, finishes off these brookies with a satisfying crunch. The result is a rich, layered dessert that’s perfect for parties, potlucks, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth.
History and Origin:
Brookies, a hybrid dessert combining brownies and cookies, have become a popular treat in recent years, offering the best of both desserts in one bite. The addition of a peanut butter filling elevates this dessert by adding a creamy layer that contrasts beautifully with the rich chocolate. This combination is reminiscent of classic American flavors, where chocolate and peanut butter often come together in beloved treats like peanut butter cups.
Ingredients:
For the Brownie Layer:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp baking powder
For the Cookie Layer:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips
For the Peanut Butter Filling:
- 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Brownie Layer:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray, ensuring all sides are well-coated.
- Mix the Brownie Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine 1/2 cup melted butter, 1 cup granulated sugar, 2 large eggs, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Stir until well mixed.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon baking powder to the wet ingredients. Stir until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Spread in Baking Dish: Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
2. Prepare the Peanut Butter Filling:
- Mix the Filling: In a separate bowl, mix together 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter and 1/4 cup powdered sugar until smooth and well-combined.
- Layer the Filling: Drop spoonfuls of the peanut butter mixture over the brownie batter. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to gently spread the peanut butter layer evenly over the brownie layer.
3. Prepare the Cookie Layer:
- Cream the Butter and Sugars: In another mixing bowl, cream together 1/2 cup softened butter, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, and 1/2 cup packed brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the Egg and Vanilla: Beat in 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon salt to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Stir in Chocolate Chips: Fold in 1 cup of chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Top the Brookies: Drop spoonfuls of the cookie dough over the peanut butter layer, spreading gently to cover as much of the peanut butter layer as possible.
4. Bake the Brookies:
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean, with just a few moist crumbs attached.
- Cool: Remove the brookies from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before cutting into squares.
Serving:
Peanut Butter Stuffed Brookies are best enjoyed once they have completely cooled and the layers have had a chance to set. Serve them as a dessert at parties, family gatherings, or simply as a treat to satisfy your sweet cravings. They pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk or a hot cup of coffee.
Pairing and Serving Suggestions:
For an extra indulgent treat, serve these brookies warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. You can also drizzle them with chocolate or caramel sauce for added richness. If serving at a gathering, consider garnishing with chopped peanuts or a sprinkle of sea salt to enhance the flavors.
Variations of the Recipe:
- Nut-Free: If you’re avoiding nuts, you can substitute the peanut butter with a nut-free alternative like sunflower seed butter.
- Double Chocolate: For an even more chocolaty experience, add 1/4 cup of cocoa powder to the cookie dough or use dark chocolate chips.
- Oreo Brookies: Add a layer of crushed Oreo cookies between the brownie layer and the peanut butter filling for an extra twist.
Health Benefits:
While this dessert is an indulgence, you can make small adjustments to lighten it up. Using dark chocolate chips can increase the antioxidant content, and opting for natural peanut butter without added sugars can reduce the overall sugar content.
Notes:
- Storage: Store the brookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator, where they will last up to a week.
- Freezing: These brookies freeze well. Wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the layers in advance and refrigerate the assembled brookies (unbaked) for up to 24 hours before baking.
FAQs:
1. Can I use chunky peanut butter instead of creamy?
- Yes, chunky peanut butter will add a bit of texture to the filling, which can be a nice contrast to the soft brownie and cookie layers.
2. How do I know when the brookies are done baking?
- The brookies are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs attached. Avoid overbaking, as this can make the brownies dry.
3. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
- Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that contains xanthan gum. The texture might vary slightly, but they will still be delicious.
4. What if I don’t have powdered sugar for the peanut butter filling?
- You can use granulated sugar, but the texture of the filling may be slightly grainier. Powdered sugar dissolves more easily and provides a smoother consistency.
Conclusion:
Peanut Butter Stuffed Brookies are the ultimate dessert for those who love the combination of rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter. This layered treat is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth or impressing guests at your next gathering. Easy to make and irresistibly delicious, these brookies are sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire. Enjoy the decadent flavors and textures in every bite!