PEANUT BUTTER CUP BROWNIES

I found this recipe on Facebook via Chasity Blankenship-Reed. I have changed it a little bit.  YUMMY!

PEANUT BUTTER CUP BROWNIES – yields 1 dozen muffin size brownies

3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup butter, softened
1 tablespoon water
1 cup semi sweet chocolate chips (divided 3/4 cup + 1/4 cup)
1 large egg
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup all purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup milk chocolate chips (divided 3/4 cup + 1/4 cup)
1/4 cup KRAFT caramel bits
3/4 cup creamy peanut butter

  • Preheat oven to 350°.
  • 
In a medium sized microwave-safe bowl combine sugar, softened butter, and water.
  • Microwave on high for about 45 seconds or until butter is melted.
  • Stir in 3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips until melted.
  • Stir in egg and vanilla extract, mix well.
  • Add flour and baking soda, stirring until combined. Allow the batter to cool to room temperature (it won’t take very long).

 

  • Then, stir in 3/4 cup milk chocolate chips and remaining 1/4 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips.
  • Spoon batter evenly into muffin cups.
  • Bake for 13-15 minutes or until top is set and a toothpick inserted into center comes out slightly wet.
  • After brownies are out of the oven, wait for centers to fall. This will happen upon cooling. If it doesn’t happen then tap the centers with the back of a teaspoon to make a hole for the peanut butter.

 

  • Place peanut butter in a small microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high for 45 seconds then stir.
  • While brownies are still warm spoon about a tablespoon full of peanut butter into the center of each brownie.
  • Top with remaining 1/3 cup of milk chocolate, semi-sweet chocolate chips and caramels bits.
  • Cool completely in pan.
  • Store at room temperature or in the refrigerator.
  • To reheat the brownies just pop ‘em in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.

COCOA FUDGE BROWNIES

COCOA FUDGE BROWNIES
These brownies are crisp on top, have a bottom that holds together and are gooey and chewy in the center. They are also super versatile. Add walnuts, heath bar pieces, peanut butter chips or a ribbon of caramel depending on your flavor needs at the moment.

2 sticks butter, melted and cooled
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
1 cup packed brown sugar
4 LARGE eggs, at room temperature
3 teaspoons PURE vanilla extract
3/4 teaspoon sea salt
1 cup all purpose flour
1 cup QUALITY unsweetened cocoa powder
7-8 ounces roughly chopped chocolate (I use Bakers)
1/2 cup chopped walnuts

  • Preheat oven to 350°.
  • Spray an 9×9 or 8×10 baking pan with cooking oil spray. Line the pan with parchment paper. Set aside.
  • In a medium mixing bowl whisk together the melted butter, oil and sugar.
  • Add the eggs and vanilla; beating another minute until light in color.
  • In another bowl sift together the flour, cocoa powder and salt.
  • Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until JUST combined DO NOT OVER BEAT – this will make them tough if you do and DO NOT OVER BEAT your batter especially after the flour and cocoa powder are added. Doing so creates air pockets in the batter which will give you cake-like textured brownies.
  • Fold in 75% of the chocolate pieces and walnuts.
  • Pour batter into your prepared pan, smoothing the top out evenly, and top with remaining chocolate pieces.
  • Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the center of the brownies in the pan no longer jiggles and is just set to the touch (the brownies will keep baking in the hot pan out of the oven). When testing with a toothpick, the toothpick should come out dirty for fudge brownies.
  • Cool for 10 minutes and then carefully remove them from pan.
  • Allow to cool to room temperature before slicing.

NOTES:

  • Store at room temperature for 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. These brownies can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before serving.
  • Changing your chocolate flavor can alter your flavors.