Last night came around and I still hadn’t made Shane any treats to bring to work with lunch (I blame the Celtics and Red Sox for distracting me all weekend…) In any event, the last thing I wanted to do was spend the entire night in the kitchen so when I came upon this recipe I knew it was perfect. As much as I love my stand mixer, I didn’t want to break it out last night and this recipe didn’t require one! These came together quickly as I’d hoped and Shane gave them a thumbs-up after a taste test. I didn’t try one because they looked so good I knew I wouldn’t be able to stop at one!
The only slight problem I ran into with these was that the centers of the brownies didn’t fall enough as they cooled. I used the spoon to make the holes bigger (or dig a hole for the few whose centers didn’t fall at all) so it wasn’t a big deal. I don’t think these will win any points for appearance, but Shane didn’t complain.
By Tracey
Brownie Peanut Butter Cups
from Bake or Break
Ingredients:
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tablespoon water
- 3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 cup peanut butter chips plus about 1/3 cup more for garnishing
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips plus about 1/3 cup more for garnishing
- 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 F. Spray or grease 12 muffin cups. (I used my mini muffin pan and got 24 mini muffins.)
In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine sugar, butter, and water. Microwave on high for 1 minute or until butter is melted. Stir in 3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips until melted. Stir in egg and vanilla extract. Add flour and baking soda, stirring until blended. Allow to cool to room temperature. Then, stir in 1/2 cup each peanut butter chips and semi-sweet chocolate chips. Spoon batter by heaping tablespoonfuls into muffin cups.
Bake for 13-15 minutes or until top is set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out slightly wet. Place pan on wire rack. Centers of brownies will fall upon cooling. If not, tap centers with the back of a teaspoon to make a hole.
Place peanut butter in a small microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high for 45 seconds, then stir. While brownies are still hot, spoon about a tablespoon of peanut butter into the center of each brownie. Top with semi-sweet chocolate chips and peanut butter chips. Cool completely in pan.
