Name: Rich & Fudgy Peanut Butter Cup Brownies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 7 oz Semi-sweet chocolate chips; 4 oz Unsalted butter; 3 Eggs (room temperature); 2 tsp Vanilla extract; 1 1/4 cups White granulated sugar; 3/4 cup All-purpose flour; 3 tbsp Dutch process cocoa powder; 1/2 tsp Salt; 1/2 cup Reese’s peanut butter cups (miniature, cut in half, plus more for topping); 1/2 cup Mini chocolate chips; 16 Nutter Butter cookies; 16 Miniature pretzels; 32 Candy eyes; 16 Red round candies (mini M&M’s)

Jump to Recipe

Nothing beats the decadent delight of chocolate and peanut butter combined, and this Rich & Fudgy Peanut Butter Cup Brownies Recipe brings those flavors together like a dream. Imagine biting into a fudge-dense brownie, rich with melted semi-sweet chocolate, and bursting with chunks of peanut butter cups that elevate every bite into pure bliss. This recipe offers not only a perfectly moist and rich texture but also a fun, festive twist with adorable reindeer cookie toppers that make it as charming as it is scrumptious. Whether for a holiday treat or any special occasion, these brownies will have everyone asking for seconds.

This image shows a square metal pan lined with brown parchment paper filled with a dense, dark chocolate brownie base. The top layer is scattered with many halved mini peanut butter cups, displaying the light tan peanut butter center and smooth milk chocolate coating, some pieces slightly melting into the warm brownie surface. The brownie has a rich, slightly cracked texture visible under the chocolate candies. The pan is placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are simple yet essential; each one plays a crucial role in crafting the fudgy texture, deep chocolate flavor, and irresistible peanut butter pockets of this brownie masterpiece.

Semi-sweet chocolate chips (7 oz): Melting these gently infuses the batter with rich, smooth chocolate.
Unsalted butter (4 oz): Adds creamy richness and helps achieve that melt-in-your-mouth softness.
Eggs (3, room temperature): Provide structure and help create the perfect tender crumb.
Vanilla extract (2 tsp): Enhances the chocolate and peanut butter flavors with a warm, sweet aroma.
White granulated sugar (1 1/4 cups): Balances bitterness and contributes to the moist, fudgy texture.
All-purpose flour (3/4 cup): Gives just enough structure without drying out the brownies.
Dutch process cocoa powder (3 tbsp): Offers a deep, robust chocolate flavor and rich color.
Salt (1/2 tsp): Brings out the sweetness and intensifies the chocolate notes.
Miniature Reese’s peanut butter cups (1/2 cup, halved plus extra for topping): These are the stars that add gooey, peanut buttery pockets throughout.
Mini chocolate chips (1/2 cup): Adds bursts of melty chocolate texture.
Nutter Butter cookies (16): The base for fun reindeer toppers that brighten up any serving plate.
Miniature pretzels (16): These create cute antlers and add a salty crunch to the decorations.
Candy eyes (32): Bring personality and whimsy to each reindeer cookie.
Mini red round candies (16): The perfect “noses” for your edible reindeer friends.

How to Make Rich & Fudgy Peanut Butter Cup Brownies Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

First, preheat your oven to 325° Fahrenheit to ensure it’s just right when your batter is ready. Spray an 8×8-inch baking pan with nonstick spray for easy removal, and line two sides with parchment paper to effortlessly lift out your brownies later – this little step makes cutting and serving so much neater.

Step 2: Melt Chocolate and Butter

In a large heatproof bowl, combine your semi-sweet chocolate chips and butter. Gently melt them together over a double boiler, stirring consistently to achieve a silky, glossy texture. Let this luscious chocolate mixture cool for about 5 minutes, so it won’t cook the eggs in the next steps.

Step 3: Sift Dry Ingredients

Sifting the flour, Dutch process cocoa powder, and salt ensures no lumps sneak into your batter. It also aerates these ingredients, helping create that soft, fudgy brownie texture everyone adores.

Step 4: Whip Eggs, Sugar, and Vanilla

Use a mixer with a whisk attachment and beat together your eggs, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract for about 5 minutes. This process lightens the mixture, turning it pale yellow and slightly thickened, which is key to achieving the ideal brownie crumb.

Step 5: Combine Chocolate and Egg Mixtures

Slowly stir the cooled chocolate and butter mixture into the whipped eggs and sugar, folding carefully to maintain all the airy goodness you just incorporated. This blend brings together the chocolate intensity with fluffy sweetness that forms the base of these brownies.

Step 6: Fold in Dry Ingredients

Gently fold the sifted dry ingredients into your wet mixture using a rubber spatula. Take care not to overmix here – just incorporate until no streaks of flour remain to keep the brownies tender and fudgy rather than cakey.

Step 7: Add Peanut Butter Cups and Chocolate Chips

Halve your miniature peanut butter cups and carefully fold them along with the mini chocolate chips into the batter. These goodies will melt partially into the batter as they bake, infusing every bite with rich pockets of peanut butter and chocolate yumminess.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Pour your batter evenly into the prepared pan and bake for 40 to 45 minutes at 325°. Keep an eye out for a slightly set surface with a moist center – the hallmark of those perfect fudgy brownies.

Step 9: Add Extra Peanut Butter Cups and Cool

After removing the brownies from the oven, let them rest for 10 minutes so the batter firms up slightly. Then sprinkle more halved peanut butter cups on top for an extra decorative and delicious touch. Allow your Rich & Fudgy Peanut Butter Cup Brownies Recipe to cool completely before slicing to keep those bars intact.

Step 10: Create Cute Reindeer Cookie Toppers

For a fun festive flair, use melted chocolate, frosting, or peanut butter as glue to attach miniature pretzels as antlers to each Nutter Butter cookie, then add candy eyes and a mini red candy nose. These delightful reindeer can be perched on each brownie square for a charming presentation that is sure to wow your guests.

How to Serve Rich & Fudgy Peanut Butter Cup Brownies Recipe

A single square brownie sits on light brown parchment paper over a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is thick and dark brown with a rich, slightly crumbly texture. On top, there is a layer of peanut butter cups, broken into pieces, showing a creamy light brown inside and a milk chocolate coating on the outside. The peanut butter cups are partially melted, with chocolate draping slightly over the brownie edges, giving a glossy finish. The background is softly blurred with more brownies visible but out of focus, photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted chocolate on top to glam up the surface. For an added crunch, crushed peanuts or a few extra miniature peanut butter cups can enhance every bite visually and texturally.

Side Dishes

Rich & Fudgy Peanut Butter Cup Brownies pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to balance the richness. Fresh berries or a simple berry compote can add a bright, fruity counterpoint for those who love a hint of tartness.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange the brownies on a rustic wooden board alongside your topped reindeer cookies for a cozy, festive look. You can also wrap individual brownies in clear cellophane tied with colorful ribbons to create delicious homemade gifts for friends and family, guaranteed to bring smiles.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap your brownies tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. This keeps them moist and maintains that signature fudgy texture we love so much about the Rich & Fudgy Peanut Butter Cup Brownies Recipe.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy these brownies later, freeze them in an airtight container or wrapped in foil and plastic wrap for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature when ready to savor, and they’ll taste just as delicious as freshly baked.

Reheating

To revive the warmth and gooeyness, microwave brownies for 10-15 seconds or warm gently in the oven at low heat. This step is perfect if you want to serve them alongside ice cream or simply enjoy a comforting treat.

FAQs

Can I use natural peanut butter cups instead of miniature Reese’s?

Absolutely! Any peanut butter cups will work, but miniature ones are easier to fold into the batter evenly, creating perfect pockets of peanut buttery goodness throughout your brownies.

What is the secret to keeping these brownies fudgy?

Key factors are not overmixing the batter, using room temperature eggs, and carefully timing the bake – pulling them out once just set keeps the rich fudgy consistency intact.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend, you can still enjoy these brownies without sacrificing texture or flavor.

How do the reindeer cookie toppers stay fresh?

Attach the pretzels, candy eyes, and nose right before serving to keep everything crisp and prevent sogginess, especially if making brownies in advance.

Is it possible to halve this recipe?

Yes, you can easily halve the ingredients and bake in a smaller pan, just watch the baking time closely since a thinner batter will cook faster.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about a brownie that combines impressive richness with playful peanut butter cup surprises – and this Rich & Fudgy Peanut Butter Cup Brownies Recipe delivers exactly that in every bite. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or a cozy night in, this recipe is sure to become a beloved favorite. Give it a try and watch those smiles grow with each decadent square!