Here’s my favorite recipe that combines two classic treats – brownies and cookies – with Reese’s cups tucked inside. The bottom layer is a rich, fudgy brownie, topped with chocolate chip cookie dough, and there’s a peanut butter cup surprise in every bite.
These brookies are always a hit at my house, especially when the kids have friends over. I usually make a double batch because they disappear so quickly – and let’s be honest, they’re just as good the next day with your morning coffee!
Why You’ll Love These Brookies
- 3-ingredient shortcut – Using store-bought cookie dough and brownie mix means you can skip the measuring and mixing – just grab your ingredients and get baking!
- Quick preparation – These brookies come together in just minutes and bake in about half an hour, perfect for when you need a dessert in a hurry.
- Crowd-pleasing combo – With brownies, cookies, and Reese’s cups all in one treat, you’re getting three favorite desserts combined into one irresistible bar.
- Beginner-friendly – Even if you’re new to baking, this recipe is nearly foolproof – there’s no complicated techniques or special equipment needed.
What Kind of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups Should I Use?
Regular-sized Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups are your best bet for this recipe, as they provide just the right amount of peanut butter and chocolate in each bite. While mini Reese’s cups might seem tempting, they tend to get lost in the layers of brownie and cookie dough. The classic milk chocolate version works perfectly here, though dark chocolate Reese’s can add an interesting twist if you’re looking to change things up. Just make sure your peanut butter cups are fresh and haven’t been sitting in a warm spot, as they’ll be easier to handle and won’t melt prematurely during the layering process.
Options for Substitutions
This easy dessert recipe is pretty flexible and you can switch things up based on what you have available:
- Brownie mix: Any brand of brownie mix works here, or you can use your favorite homemade brownie recipe that makes an 8×8 inch pan. Just make sure to prepare it according to the instructions.
- Store-bought cookie dough: While pre-made dough is super convenient, you can definitely use homemade chocolate chip cookie dough instead. You’ll need enough dough for a regular batch of cookies (about 24 cookies).
- Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups: Feel free to swap these with other candy – try Oreos, Snickers, Milky Way, or even Rolos. Just make sure they’re roughly the same size as regular Reese’s cups. If you’re not into peanut butter, you could even use chocolate truffles!
Watch Out for These Mistakes While Baking
The biggest challenge when making brookies is getting the perfect balance between the brownie and cookie layers – using too much of either batter can throw off the baking time and texture, so make sure to spread them evenly in your pan. A common mistake is overbaking these treats, which can make them dry and crumbly instead of soft and chewy – start checking them about 5 minutes before the suggested baking time and remove them when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs. To prevent the Reese’s cups from completely melting and losing their shape, try freezing them for 30 minutes before adding them to your brookies, and press them gently into the partially baked layers during the last few minutes of baking. For the best texture, let your brookies cool completely before cutting – this allows both layers to set properly and keeps the peanut butter cups from being too gooey.
What to Serve With Brookies?
These chocolate-peanut butter brookies are rich and indulgent, so they pair perfectly with a cold glass of milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to balance out the sweetness. If you’re serving these at a dessert party, consider adding some fresh berries on the side – strawberries or raspberries work great with chocolate and peanut butter flavors. For a fun movie night treat, serve these brookies slightly warm (just 10 seconds in the microwave does the trick) with hot chocolate or coffee. You could also make a simple sundae by crumbling a brookie over ice cream and adding a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce.
Storage Instructions
Keep Fresh: These peanut butter cup brookies stay fresh and yummy in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. I like to place a piece of parchment paper between layers to prevent them from sticking together. For the best taste and texture, enjoy them within the first couple of days!
Refrigerate: Want them to last longer? Pop your brookies in the fridge in a sealed container, and they’ll stay good for up to a week. The cold actually makes the peanut butter cups extra firm, which some folks really love!
Freeze: These treats freeze really well! Place them in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag with parchment paper between layers, and they’ll keep for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat one, just let it thaw on the counter for about 30 minutes – it’s like having freshly baked brookies on demand!
| Preparation Time | 15-20 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 18-20 minutes |
| Total Time | 33-40 minutes |
| Level of Difficulty | Medium |
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 3800-4200
- Protein: 40-50 g
- Fat: 180-210 g
- Carbohydrates: 550-600 g
Ingredients
- 10 ounces of brownie mix (follow package instructions for preparation)
- 16 ounces of store-bought chocolate chip cookie dough
- 12 unwrapped reese’s peanut butter cups
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Muffin Pan
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F.
While the oven is heating up, prepare a 12-cup muffin pan by spraying each cup generously with non-stick cooking spray.
This will help ensure easy removal of the brookies once they are baked.
Step 2: Assemble the Cookie Base
Divide your chocolate chip cookie dough into 12 equal pieces.
Take each piece and press it into the bottom of each muffin cup.
This forms the foundational cookie layer for each brookie.
Step 3: Add the Peanut Butter Cups
Place one Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup upside down into each cookie dough-filled muffin cup.
Press the peanut butter cup down slightly so it sits snugly in the dough.
Step 4: Add the Brownie Layer
Pour the prepared brownie batter over the peanut butter cups.
Add just enough batter to cover the candy and fill each muffin cup to about 3/4 full.
This will ensure the brownie layer rises and forms nicely during baking.
Step 5: Bake the Brookies
Place the muffin pan in your preheated 350°F oven and bake the brookies for 18-20 minutes.
Keep an eye on them to make sure they do not overbake and dry out.
Once they are ready, cool them in the pan for about 5 minutes.
Step 6: Finish and Enjoy
After the initial cooling period, gently remove the brookies from the muffin pan.
They should come out easily thanks to the non-stick spray.
Serve them warm for an indulgent treat that combines the best of cookies, brownies, and peanut butter cups!
