Chocolate Peanut Butter Brownies

2K Shares

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure.

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 fudgy brownies you'll ever make!

3 brownies stacked on a plate with a glass of milk.

The most popular quick and easy dessert in my house is brownies. And these peanut butter brownies are the all time favorite (so says the boyfriend).

With my favorite Reese's peanut butter chips and a smidgen of toffee chips, these chewy brownies are just INCREDIBLE. Chocolate and peanut butter is such a delicious combination!

Plus, the fact that they are made with brownie mix (like these marshmallow brownies, Rolo brownies and these Cadbury egg brownies) makes them ultra easy to make as there is no need to mess with cocoa powder!

Jump to:

Why this chocolate peanut butter brownies recipe works
Ingredients
Variations and substitutions
Step by step instructions
Pro-Tip
Expert tips to make peanut butter brownies
Frequently asked questions
More chocolate recipes
Recipe
💬 Comments

Why this chocolate peanut butter brownies recipe works

Using Ghirardelli chocolate 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. Makes these brownies taste just like a peanut butter cup!
Toffee chips give these peanut butter and chocolate brownies a deliciously buttery flavor while adding texture. It goes great with the 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.

Want to Save This Recipe?

Enter your email & I'll send it to your inbox. Plus, get great new recipes from me every week!

By submitting this form, you consent to receive emails from Went Here 8 This.

Ingredients

brownie mix, egg, toffee chips and peanut butter chips on a flat surface.

To make the brownie recipe ultra easy, we use Ghirardelli brownie mix, specific Double Chocolate. That said, any brownie mix would work great for this recipe.

Toffee chips add a touch of caramelly flavor to the brownies that we absolutely love. For the peanut butter, we use Reese's Peanut Butter Chips, but any peanut butter chips will work.

Variations and substitutions

Replace the toffee chips with a ¼-1/2 cup of strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, etc. for a peanut butter, chocolate and fruit brownie.
Add ¼ cup dark chocolate chips for an extra fudgy chocolate brownie. Reduce the peanut butter chips to ¼ cup if you do this.
Replace the peanut butter chips with butterscotch chips, or any kind of baking chips.
Add ½ cup mini marshmallows in place of the toffee chips or in addition to!
Instead of using peanut butter chips, you can swirl in ¼ cup of creamy peanut butter (or even almond butter) into to the brownie batter after you poured it in the pan to make peanut butter swirl brownies. Just use a knife to swirl it around. I do not recommend using natural peanut butter.

Step by step instructions

an egg being whisked with a fork in a bowl.

First, preheat the oven to 325°F. Whisk the egg in a bowl.

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

a spatula mixing chocolate brownie batter.

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.

peanut butter and toffee chips in a bowl with brownies batter.

Combine the peanut butter chips and toffee chips with the brownie batter. Stir to combine, but be careful not to over mix.

uncooked brownie batter in a square metal baking dish lined with parchment paper.

Place in a parchment paper lined 8x8 baking pan. Bake brownies in the oven for 40 minutes, remove and let cool for 1-2 hours.

cooked brownies in a parchment paper lined square baking dish.

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

Pro-Tip

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.

vertically sliced brownie pieces on paper.

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

sliced brownies dusted with powdered sugar on paper.

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!

Expert tips to make peanut butter brownies

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. Wipe in between each slice for the cleanest cuts.

Frequently asked questions

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 to tell when brownies are done.

Insert a toothpick into the center of the brownies and remove. If the toothpick comes out clean, the brownies are fully cooked. Also, the edges of the brownies should be completely cooked through, and the middle should no longer be jiggly.

You can also use an instant read thermometer to check for doneness. Brownies are cooked through at 165°F.

How do I make box brownies more chewy?

To make brownies chewier, underbake them by about 1-2 minutes. However, the brownies in this recipe come out nice a chewy, so I recommend making them per the recipe instructions first.

How to store and freeze brownies.

Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

To freeze them, 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.

close up photo of powdered sugar dusted brownies.

More chocolate recipes

If you love this recipe, please leave a star rating and a comment below and let us know your favorite thing about it. We'd also love to connect on Instagram! Follow us at @went_here_8_this for awesome recipes and all sorts of fun food stuff 🙂

Recipe

Chocolate Peanut Butter Brownies

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!

4.93 from 13 votes

Print Rate

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Prep Time: 5

Cook Time: 40

Total Time: 45

Servings: servings

Calories: 197kcal

Author: Danielle Wolter

Ingredients

▢ 1 box Ghiradelli double chocolate brownie mix (substitute any brownie mix)
▢ 1 egg
▢ ¼ cup water
▢ ⅓ cup vegetable oil
▢ ½ cup Reese's peanut butter chips
▢ ¼ cup toffee chips

Instructions

Preheat oven to 325°F. Line an 8x8 baking dish with parchment paper.
Whisk the egg in a bowl. Add the brownie mix, water and oil. Mix to combine, being careful not to over mix.
Add the peanut butter chips and toffee chips and mix until incorporated, being careful not to over mix.
Pour the batter into the parchment paper lined baking dish and bake for 40-45 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.
Remove and let cool for 1-2 hours. Slice and serve.

Expert 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. Wipe in between each slice for the cleanest cuts.