Name: Peanut Butter Brookies
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: ½ cup butter (softened); ½ cup Crisco shortening; ½ cup creamy peanut butter; ½ cup crunchy peanut butter; 1 cup brown sugar (firmly packed); 1 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 2 tsp vanilla; 2 tsp baking soda; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 3 cups chopped brownies; sugar (for rolling)

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The first time I made Peanut Butter Brookies, it was a chilly afternoon, and I was in the mood for something sweet. I had some leftover brownies and an insatiable craving for cookies. As I rummaged through my kitchen, I stumbled upon a jar of creamy peanut butter and that sparked an idea. The combination of rich brownies and soft, chewy cookies seemed like the perfect match. I decided to blend the two into one delightful treat, creating a hybrid dessert that would impress anyone. The smell filled my kitchen, wrapping me in a warm embrace, and I knew I had stumbled upon something special.

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
20 mins

Prep Time:
10 mins

Cook Time:
10 mins

Difficulty:
Medium

Calories:
150 kcal

Protein:
2 g

Diet:
Gluten-Free, Low FODMAP

Fat:
7 g

Tools Used:
Kitchen-Aid Mixer, Hand Mixer, Medium Cookie Scoop, Cookie Sheet, Parchment Paper

The Charm of This Peanut Butter Brookies

It’s All About the Texture

One of the best things about Peanut Butter Brookies is the fantastic texture contrast. The chewy cookies paired with the fudgy brownie bits create a bite that’s both soft and slightly crispy on the edges. When you sink your teeth into them, it’s like a party in your mouth!

Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether it’s a birthday party, a weekend treat, or just because you deserve something special, these brookies fit the bill perfectly. They’re a crowd-pleaser, and you can whip up a batch in no time. Trust me; your family and friends will be begging for the recipe!

Kid-Friendly Fun

Making Peanut Butter Brookies is a fun activity to do with kids. Let them help scoop the dough or roll it in sugar. It’s a great way to create memories while indulging in something delicious together. Plus, who doesn’t love a sweet treat made with love?

Endless Customization

What I love about this recipe is its versatility. You can easily swap out ingredients or add extras like chocolate chips or nuts, creating your customized version. It’s a recipe that encourages creativity, and you can tailor it to suit your taste or dietary preferences.

Freezing for Later

These brookies freeze wonderfully. You can prepare the dough ahead of time and scoop it into balls, then store them in the freezer for when you need a quick dessert fix. Just remember to add a couple of minutes to the baking time if you’re baking them from frozen!

Deliciously Indulgent

Lastly, the flavor of peanut butter is simply irresistible. It adds a nutty richness that balances the sweetness of the sugars and the chocolatey brownie bits. You’ll find that one bite is never enough!

Ingredients You’ll Need for Peanut Butter Brookies

When it comes to making Peanut Butter Brookies, the ingredients are simple but crucial for that perfect blend of flavors and textures. Each component plays a vital role, with the star players being peanut butter, brown sugar, and all-purpose flour. Together, they create a delicious harmony that makes these brookies unforgettable.

½ cup butter, softened – This adds richness and moisture to the cookies.
½ cup Crisco shortening – Helps achieve a nice chewy texture.
½ cup creamy peanut butter – The star of the recipe, providing that delicious nutty flavor.
½ cup crunchy peanut butter – Adds texture contrast in every bite.
1 cup brown sugar, firmly packed – Contributes to the sweetness and moisture in the cookies.
1 cup granulated sugar – Balances the flavors and helps achieve the right texture.
2 large eggs – Binds the ingredients together, adding richness.
2 tsp vanilla – Enhances the overall flavor profile.
2 tsp baking soda – Helps the cookies rise and develop a light texture.
2 cups all-purpose flour – The base of the cookies, providing structure.
3 cups chopped brownies – Creates that delicious brownie swirl throughout.
sugar – For rolling the cookie dough balls before baking.

Cooking Instructions for Peanut Butter Brookies

Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s dive into the cooking process. Making Peanut Butter Brookies is straightforward and fun, perfect for both novice and experienced bakers alike. Just follow these step-by-step instructions for delicious results.

Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). This is crucial for ensuring your cookies bake evenly and achieve that perfect golden-brown color.
Line your cookie sheets with parchment paper. This not only prevents the cookies from sticking but also makes for easy cleanup later.
In the bowl of an electric mixer, cream together the butter, Crisco shortening, and both types of peanut butter until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 3 to 4 minutes.
Add in the brown sugar, granulated sugar, and mix well until fully combined. The mixture should be smooth and creamy.
Now, crack in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, add the vanilla and blend until incorporated.
Gradually add the flour and baking soda, mixing until the dough is well blended. Be careful not to over-mix; you want to keep the cookies soft.
Gently fold in the chopped brownies, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Using a medium cookie scoop, scoop out portions of dough and roll them into balls. Roll each ball in sugar before placing it on the prepared cookie sheet. Leave some space between each ball as they will spread while baking.
Place the cookie sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 11 to 13 minutes. You’ll want the edges to be lightly golden while the centers remain soft.
Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy the delightful aroma filling your kitchen!

Things Worth Knowing

Chilling the Dough: If you have time, chilling the cookie dough for 30 minutes before baking can enhance the flavors and improve the texture.
Brownie Quality: The quality of your brownies will impact the overall flavor, so use your favorite homemade or store-bought version.
Measuring Flour: To get an accurate measurement of flour, fluff it up in the container with a spoon before scooping it into your measuring cup.
Cookie Doneness: If you’re unsure whether the cookies are done, gently press the tops; they should be slightly firm but still soft.

Pro Tips and Tweaks

Ready to elevate your Peanut Butter Brookies? Here are some tips to ensure everything goes smoothly:

Storage: Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Freezing: You can freeze the unbaked cookie dough or the baked cookies for future enjoyment. Just make sure they’re properly sealed in freezer bags.
Pairing: Serve these brookies with a glass of cold milk or your favorite ice cream for the ultimate dessert experience.
Variations: Feel free to add chocolate chips or chopped nuts for extra flavor and crunch.
Don’t Overbake: Keep a close eye on your cookies while they bake. They’ll continue to firm up as they cool.

Serving Suggestions

If you’re wondering how to serve your Peanut Butter Brookies, the options are endless. Here are a few ideas:

With Milk: Pair these brookies with a tall glass of cold milk for a classic combination that never fails.
Ice Cream Sandwiches: Use two brookies to create an indulgent ice cream sandwich with your favorite flavor.
Lunchbox Treat: Pack a few of these brookies for school lunches or picnics; they make for a delightful surprise!
Party Desserts: Bring them to gatherings or birthday parties to impress both kids and adults alike.
Seasonal Celebrations: These brookies are perfect for any occasion, be it a holiday celebration or a casual get-together with friends.
Storage Tips: If you make a large batch, consider freezing half for later, ensuring you always have a sweet treat on hand.

FAQ

While you can use natural peanut butter, it may change the texture of the Peanut Butter Brookies. Natural peanut butter tends to be more runny and contains less sugar, which can impact the sweetness and consistency of the dough. If you decide to try it, you might need to adjust the amount of sugar or flour to achieve the desired texture.

To store leftover Peanut Butter Brookies, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. Make sure they are fully cooled before sealing to prevent moisture buildup. You can also freeze them for later; they will keep well in the freezer for about three months if stored properly in a freezer bag.

Absolutely! Adding chocolate chips is a fantastic way to enhance the flavor of your Peanut Butter Brookies. You can mix in a cup of chocolate chips along with the chopped brownies for an even more indulgent treat. Feel free to experiment with different types of chocolate, like dark or white chocolate chips, to suit your taste.

To make Peanut Butter Brookies gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to check that all other ingredients, such as the baking soda and any brownie mix used, are also gluten-free. The texture may vary slightly, but they should still taste delicious!

Conclusion

This recipe for Peanut Butter Brookies is truly something special, combining the best of both worlds with delicious cookies and rich brownies. It’s an easy and fun way to satisfy your sweet tooth. I encourage you to try making them at home; you won’t be disappointed! Gather your loved ones, bake a batch, and enjoy the smiles that come with these delightful treats.