Craving something sweet and utterly irresistible? Look no further than this amazing recipe for Brownie and Peanut Butter Cookies! These delightful treats combine the fudgy richness of brownies with the creamy, salty crunch of peanut butter cookies, creating a flavor explosion in every bite. It’s a perfect dessert for any occasion, guaranteed to impress your family and friends. This recipe is surprisingly easy, making it a fantastic option for both beginner bakers and experienced dessert enthusiasts seeking a delicious and unique homemade cooking experience. Let's dive into this quick dinner idea that's anything but ordinary!
Ingredients:
For the Brownie Base:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
For the Peanut Butter Topping:
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
Making the Brownie Base:
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a baking sheet (approximately 9x13 inches).
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, and salt until smooth.
- Add Eggs & Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Incorporate Flour: Gradually add the flour, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Bake the Brownie Layer: Spread the brownie batter evenly onto the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs.
Creating the Peanut Butter Topping:
- Cream Together: While the brownie base is baking, prepare the peanut butter topping. In a separate bowl, cream together the peanut butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Egg & Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Spread & Bake: Once the brownie base is baked, immediately spread the peanut butter mixture evenly over the top.
- Final Bake: Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for an additional 10-12 minutes, or until the topping is set and lightly golden brown.
- Cool & Cut: Let the cookies cool completely on the baking sheet before cutting into squares.
Tips for the Best Brownie and Peanut Butter Cookies:
- Don't Overbake: Overbaking will result in dry cookies. Start checking for doneness at the lower end of the baking time.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: For best results, use room temperature eggs and butter.
- Quality Ingredients: Using good quality cocoa powder and peanut butter will enhance the flavor of your cookies.
Variations:
- Chocolate Chips: Add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to the brownie batter for extra chocolate indulgence.
- Different Peanut Butter: Use crunchy peanut butter for a more textured cookie.
- Nuts: Add chopped peanuts or other nuts to the peanut butter topping for added crunch.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Fat: 15-20g
- Sugar: 25-30g
- Protein: 4-5g
These delicious Brownie and Peanut Butter Cookies are a fantastic example of easy recipes that deliver big on flavor. They're perfect for satisfying a sweet tooth, and the combination of textures and tastes makes them a truly memorable treat. Enjoy these best recipes and share them with everyone!