Chocolate Peanut Butter Brownies

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The ultimate in easy but decadent brownie recipes, these Chocolate Peanut Butter Brownies are ready to devour in under an hour, and might just be the best and easiest brownies you'll ever make!

This recipe was originally published in April 2017. It has been updated for photos and content. 

The most popular quick and easy dessert in my house is brownies. And these Chocolate Peanut Butter Brownies are the all time favorite (so says the boyfriend). But I feel like he says that about all the brownies, so take it with a grain of salt...

With my favorite Reese's peanut butter chips and a smidgen of toffee chips, these chewy brownies are just INCREDIBLE. Like love in brownie form.

Perfect for Valentine's Day. But not just Valentine's Day, all the days really. Because chocolate, peanut butter and toffee. They're life.

If you're a brownie lover, try these super popular Marshmallow Crunch Brownies or these ultimate chewy Rolo Brownies.

Why This Recipe Works

Using Ghirardelli brownie mix makes this recipe super simple to make.

Reese's Peanut Butter Chips are a great way to incorporate peanut butter flavor without having to mess with peanut butter.

Lining a baking dish with parchment paper makes removing the brownies from the pan SUPER easy.

Using a heated knife and refrigerating the brownies makes them easier to slice in perfect squares. 

Step By Step Instructions

These Chocolate Peanut Butter Brownies are soooo easy to make with brownie mix, peanut butter chips, toffee chips, water, oil and an egg. You'll have brownies in less than an hour!

First, whisk the egg in a bowl.

Add the water, oil and brownie mix per the package instructions.

Mix to combine. Be careful not to over mix. It's ok if there are a few streaks of flour. Over mixing can cause your brownies to come out tough.

Combine the peanut butter chips and toffee chips with the brownie batter.

Stir to combine, but be careful not to over mix.

Place in a parchment paper lined 8x8 baking dish.

Bake in the oven for 40 minutes, remove and let cool for 1-2 hours. To test doneness, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, the brownies are done. If there is still batter, cook them another 2-3 minutes until done.

Let them cool for 1-2 hours at room temperature or in the fridge. They will be easier to cut if cooled in the fridge.

To slice them cleanly, warm a knife and slowly cut them lengthwise into 4 pieces.

Then cut each piece into 4 brownies for a total of 16 brownies.

And as always, brownies are best served warmed with some nice cold milk or ice cream.  Enjoy!

Cook's Tips

Be careful not to over mix the brownie batter. Over mixing can cause the brownies to be tough. It's ok if there are a few streaks of flour in the batter.

Use a toothpick to check for doneness. If the toothpick comes out clean, the brownies are done. If it still has batter on it, place it in the oven for another 2-3 minutes. Check again. 

For a chewier brownie, under cook the batter just slightly (1-2 minutes).

Wait until the brownies are completely cool before cutting them to get the best results. I actually put them in the fridge for about an hour before I cut them. 

Warm a knife under hot water before cutting the brownies to make them slice cleaner. 

Cooking Options

1. Replace the toffee chips with a ¼-1/2 cup of strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, etc. for a peanut butter, chocolate and fruit brownie.
2. Add ¼ cup chocolate chips for an extra chocolaty brownie. Reduce the peanut butter chips to ¼ cup if you do this.
3. Replace the peanut butter chips with butterscotch chips.
4. Add ½ cup mini marshmallows in place of the toffee chips.

FAQ's

How Do You Make Box Brownies More Chewy?

If you follow this chocolate peanut butter brownie recipe, the brownies should come out perfectly chewy. In addition, slightly undercooking the brownies will result in a chewier brownie.

How Can You Tell if Brownies are Undercooked?

Stick a toothpick in the center of the brownies. If it comes out dry, the brownies are done. If it comes out with batter on it, the brownies are uncooked and should be cooked another 2-3 minutes at a time until the toothpick comes out clean.

Why Are My Brownies Dry?

Brownies typically come out dry when they are over cooked. Make sure to start at the minimum baking time and only increasing it if brownies are not fully cooked.

How Do I Store Brownies?

Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They won't last that long though....

Can I Freeze Brownies?

Wrap the brownies individually in foil or plastic wrap and store in an airtight freezer bag for up to 1 month. Thaw on the counter overnight. Can be heated in the microwave to serve if desired.

Tools Used

1. Glass mixing bowls
2. Spatula
3. 8x8 metal baking pan
4. Parchment paper

More Chocolate Recipes

Easy Dark Chocolate Truffles
Homemade Chocolate Souffle
Chocolate Orange Bread

Rate the recipe and leave a comment to let me know how it turned out!

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