If you’re on the hunt for a dessert that wraps creamy peanut butter and rich chocolate together in a soft, chewy embrace, then this Peanut Butter Brownies Recipe is your new best friend. It’s incredibly simple but packed with flavor and just the right amount of sweetness, making it perfect for both a quick snack and a crowd-pleasing treat. Whether you’re a peanut butter devotee or a chocolate lover, these brownies hit that sweet spot of comfort and indulgence that’s hard to resist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward and pantry-friendly, each one playing a crucial role in the moist texture, nutty flavor, and perfect sweetness of your brownies.
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter: The star of the show, bringing creamy texture and rich nuttiness.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create that fudgy brownie texture.
- 2 large eggs: Bind everything together while adding moisture and structure.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the flavors and adds a lovely aromatic depth.
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour: Gives the brownies just enough body without weighing them down.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies the peanut butter flavor.
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional): For those who love little bursts of melty chocolate in every bite.
How to Make Peanut Butter Brownies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper to ensure your brownies come out clean and easy to slice.
Step 2: Mix the Peanut Butter and Sugar
In a roomy mixing bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This step is crucial as it sets the rich, nutty base for your brownies.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract for that subtle sweetness and enhanced flavor profile.
Step 4: Fold in Dry Ingredients and Chocolate Chips
Gradually fold in the all-purpose flour and salt into the wet ingredients. If you’re feeling indulgent, sprinkle in the chocolate chips to sneak in little chocolatey surprises throughout the batter.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Spread your luscious batter evenly into the prepared pan. Pop it into the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs attached – that’s the sweet spot for fudgy brownies.
Step 6: Cool Before Serving
Patience is key here! Let your brownies cool completely in the pan so they firm up nicely, making it easier to cut them into perfect squares that hold their shape.
How to Serve Peanut Butter Brownies Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate these brownies, consider a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted chocolate. Chopped peanuts or a sprinkle of sea salt make for excellent garnishes that add crunch and an extra layer of flavor contrast.
Side Dishes
Pairing these brownies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream makes for a dreamy dessert experience. Fresh berries on the side can also add a refreshing note that complements the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut your brownies into bite-sized squares and arrange them on a decorative platter for parties, or sandwich two together with a scoop of peanut butter or chocolate ganache for a decadent twist. Wrapping individual pieces in parchment and tying with twine can make a charming homemade gift.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store your peanut butter brownies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay moist and fresh for about 3 to 4 days—perfect to have on hand for sudden sweet cravings.
Freezing
If you want to keep these brownies longer, wrap individual squares tightly with plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They freeze beautifully for up to 2 months. Just thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Reheating
To bring back that just-baked warmth, microwave your brownies for about 15 seconds. If you’ve added ice cream, a quick warm-up will create a lovely melty contrast that’s simply irresistible.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Using crunchy peanut butter will add delightful texture variations throughout your brownies, making each bite a bit more interesting with peanut bits.
Are these brownies gluten-free?
Not as written, since they include all-purpose flour. However, you can substitute a gluten-free flour blend to make them suitable for gluten-free diets without sacrificing texture.
Can I skip the chocolate chips?
Of course! Omitting chocolate chips won’t affect the integrity of the brownies, though they do add a nice chocolate boost. Feel free to leave them out or swap with nuts or toffee bits.
How do I make sure my brownies are fudgy and not cakey?
The key lies in not overbaking. Check them at the 20-minute mark and look for moist crumbs with a toothpick. Also, the balance of oil-rich peanut butter and sugar creates that fudgy texture.
Can I double the recipe for a larger batch?
Yes! Simply double all the ingredients and bake in a larger pan—like a 9×13 inch—adjusting baking time as needed. Start checking doneness a few minutes before the usual baking time.
Final Thoughts
I genuinely hope you get a chance to make this Peanut Butter Brownies Recipe soon. It’s one of those wonderfully simple comfort foods that feels like a warm hug in dessert form. Whether it’s a casual family treat or part of a special occasion spread, these brownies never fail to bring smiles and second helpings. You’re going to love how effortlessly delicious they are!
Print
Peanut Butter Brownies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 30-35 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Deliciously rich and fudgy Peanut Butter Brownies that combine the creamy texture of peanut butter with the sweetness of sugar and a hint of vanilla. These easy-to-make brownies require minimal ingredients and bake up perfectly soft with optional melty chocolate chips for an extra indulgent treat. Perfect for a quick dessert or snack, this recipe yields 12 generous servings.
Ingredients
Brownie Batter
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the brownies.
- Mix Peanut Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter and granulated sugar. Stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy, ensuring there are no lumps.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time into the peanut butter mixture, mixing well after each addition to fully incorporate. Then stir in the vanilla extract to enhance the flavor.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually fold in the all-purpose flour and salt into the wet mixture until just combined. If using, gently fold in the chocolate chips to distribute them evenly.
- Spread Batter in Pan: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the surface with a spatula for an even bake.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs attached, indicating fudgy brownies.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the brownies to cool completely before cutting into 12 squares for serving.
Notes
- For extra fudgy brownies, avoid overbaking; check doneness with a toothpick early at 20 minutes.
- Chocolate chips are optional but add a delicious melty chocolate element.
- Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- Use natural or creamy peanut butter for best texture; chunky peanut butter will alter texture.
- To make the recipe gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
