1. Preheat and Prepare:
a. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
2. Make the Brownie Layer:
a. In a bowl, combine melted butter and granulated sugar.
b. Add eggs and vanilla extract, stirring until well combined.
c. In a separate bowl, whisk together cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder.
d. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
3. Make the Cookie Layer:
a. In another bowl, cream together softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
b. Add the egg and vanilla extract, beating well.
c. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
d. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
e. Fold in the chocolate chips.
4. Assemble the Brookies:
a. Press the brownie layer evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan.
b. Place mini peanut butter cups on top of the brownie layer, evenly spacing them.
c. Drop spoonfuls of the cookie dough over the peanut butter cups, spreading it gently to cover the cups.
5. Bake:
a. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs (avoiding the melted peanut butter from the cups).
6. Cool and Slice:
a. Allow the Peanut Butter Cup Stuffed Brookies to cool in the pan for at least 1 hour.
b. Lift the brookies using the parchment paper overhang and transfer them to a cutting board.
c. Slice into squares and marvel at the layers of chocolatey and peanut butter goodness.
7. Indulge:
a. Sink your teeth into these irresistible Peanut Butter Cup Stuffed Brookies, savoring the delightful combination of brownie, cookie, and peanut butter cup in every decadent bite.
Conclusion:
Peanut Butter Cup Stuffed Brookies are the epitome of indulgence, combining the best of both chocolate and peanut butter worlds. With a fudgy brownie layer, a chewy chocolate chip cookie layer, and a surprise burst of peanut butter from the cups, these brookies are a celebration of textures and flavors. Perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying as a special treat, these Peanut Butter Cup Stuffed Brookies are a surefire way to satisfy your sweet tooth cravings. Happy baking!