The Reese’s Stuffed Brown Butter Brownies Recipe is the kind of dessert that instantly turns any ordinary day into a celebration. These brownies combine the deep, nutty richness of brown butter with the decadent indulgence of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups nestled right inside. Every bite bursts with fudgy chocolate goodness and a creamy peanut butter surprise that simply melts in your mouth. Trust me, once you make this recipe, it’ll become your go-to for sharing a warm, cozy treat with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create these irresistible brownies, you only need a handful of simple ingredients that come together to deliver intense flavor, perfect texture, and that signature brownie color we all love. Each ingredient plays a vital role in making sure your brownies have the perfect balance of fudginess and peanut butter creaminess.
- Salted butter: Browning the butter adds a nutty, caramelized depth that elevates the entire brownie base.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetness that balances the cocoa and ensures a moist texture.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: Brings rich chocolate flavor and that beautiful dark color.
- Salt: Enhances all flavors and keeps the sweetness in check.
- Water: Adds a touch of moisture, helping the batter come together smoothly.
- Vanilla extract: Infuses warmth and roundness to the flavor profile.
- Large eggs: Bind the ingredients and contribute to a chewy, dense brownie texture.
- All-purpose flour: Provides structure without overwhelming the fudginess.
- Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups: The star of the show, creating sweet, melty pockets of peanut butter surprise inside the brownies.
How to Make Reese’s Stuffed Brown Butter Brownies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F. Then, prepare a 9×13 baking dish by lining it with parchment paper or foil, and spraying it lightly with non-stick spray to ensure your brownies will come out easily after baking.
Step 2: Brown the Butter
Melt the salted butter slowly over medium heat in a large saucepan. Keep stirring as the butter foams up and then settles. Watch carefully for those golden-brown milk solids that give the butter a nutty aroma and slightly caramelized flavor. When it smells divine and looks light brown, remove it from heat immediately—this brown butter is the secret to an unforgettable brownie.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
While your butter is browning, combine the granulated sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, and salt in a large bowl or in your stand mixer’s bowl. This ensures an even distribution of sweetness and chocolate flavor throughout the batter.
Step 4: Combine Brown Butter and Dry Mix
Pour the browned butter immediately into the dry ingredient mixture to stop the cooking process and beat everything together until it’s smooth and creamy. This creates the fudgy base that will make these brownies so irresistible.
Step 5: Add Flavor and Eggs
Stir in the water and vanilla extract to add moisture and fragrance. Then, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This step builds the luscious, chewy texture we all crave in brownies.
Step 6: Incorporate Flour
Gently fold in the all-purpose flour until just combined. The batter will be thick, almost like cement, which is exactly what you want for a dense brownie. If you’re tempted, go ahead and taste a bit—it’s heavenly.
Step 7: Layer the Batter and Reese’s
Transfer the batter to your prepared pan and spread it evenly using a sturdy rubber spatula. Unwrap the Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups and press each one firmly into the batter, spacing them evenly. Then, swirl the top gently with your spatula so that the peanut butter cups peek through but remain partially covered.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Pop the pan into your preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. The center should be mostly set but fudgy, ensuring those peanut butter cups stay gooey and decadent.
How to Serve Reese’s Stuffed Brown Butter Brownies Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra special touch, sprinkle flaky sea salt over the brownies just after baking. This brightens up the chocolate and peanut butter flavors beautifully. You can also dust a little powdered sugar or drizzle melted chocolate on top for a stunning presentation that will wow your guests.
Side Dishes
Serve your brownies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream to balance their richness with creamy coolness. A side of fresh berries adds a pop of color and a subtle tartness that complements the sweet, fudgy texture perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut the brownies into bite-sized squares and place them on a decorative platter for parties or gatherings. Another fun idea is to stack smaller brownie cubes with layers of whipped cream and crushed Reese’s cups between them, creating a delightful brownie parfait everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you prefer a cooler environment or your kitchen is warm, refrigerate them instead, but be sure to bring them to room temperature for the best texture before enjoying.
Freezing
To freeze, wrap brownies tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe zip-top bag or container. They can last up to 3 months this way. When you’re ready, thaw them overnight in the fridge or for a few hours at room temperature before serving.
Reheating
Warm your brownies gently in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300 degrees F for 5-7 minutes. This helps revive their fudgy texture and melts the peanut butter centers to perfection.
FAQs
Can I use unsalted butter instead of salted butter?
Absolutely! If you use unsalted butter, just add a pinch of extra salt to the dry ingredients to maintain the flavor balance in the brownies. The salt is important to brighten and enhance the chocolate and peanut butter notes.
What kind of cocoa powder works best for this recipe?
For the richest flavor, use a high-quality unsweetened cocoa powder. Natural or Dutch-processed cocoa both work, but Dutch-processed tends to give a smoother, milder chocolate taste.
Can I substitute the Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups for something else?
You can get creative and try other peanut butter candies or even chopped peanut butter-filled chocolates, but the classic Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups really make these brownies special with their balance of peanut butter and chocolate.
Do I have to brown the butter?
Browning the butter adds a wonderful nutty complexity, enhancing the overall depth of flavor. While you can skip this step, your brownies won’t have that same irresistible caramel undertone that makes this recipe shine.
How do I prevent my brownies from drying out?
The key is not to overbake. Check your brownies as they approach the 25-minute mark; they should be just set but still fudgy in the center. Storing them properly and reheating gently also helps maintain their moist texture.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a brownie recipe that combines buttery richness, deep chocolate flavor, and the nostalgic joy of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, the Reese’s Stuffed Brown Butter Brownies Recipe is a total winner. I guarantee these brownies will quickly become a beloved favorite in your dessert rotation, perfect for cozy nights in or impressing friends with an unforgettable treat. Give them a try—you won’t regret a single decadent bite!
Print
Reese’s Stuffed Brown Butter Brownies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Indulge in these decadent Reese’s Stuffed Brown Butter Brownies, featuring a rich, nutty brown butter base packed with fudgy cocoa, sweetened with sugar, and generously filled with creamy Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups. This easy-to-make treat is perfect for chocolate lovers seeking a luscious twist on classic brownies.
Ingredients
Brownie Batter
- 1 & 1/4 cups salted butter
- 2 & 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon water
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
Filling
- 12 large Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F to get it ready for baking the brownies evenly.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Line a 9×13 inch baking dish with parchment paper or foil and spray it with non-stick cooking spray, or directly spray the pan to prevent sticking.
- Buckle Up Butter: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir occasionally as it foams, then subsides, and starts browning. Wait until the butter develops light brown milk solids and a nutty aroma—this signals perfectly browned butter.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: While the butter browns, in a separate bowl or mixer, combine granulated sugar, cocoa powder, and salt.
- Combine Butter and Dry Mix: Immediately pour the hot browned butter into the sugar and cocoa mixture to halt cooking, then beat until smooth and creamy in texture.
- Add Liquids and Eggs: Stir in water and vanilla extract. Then add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly between each addition to combine fully.
- Incorporate Flour: Gradually add the all-purpose flour and mix until just combined. The batter should be thick, like cement, rich in texture and flavor.
- Spread Batter: Using a sturdy rubber spatula, evenly spread the thick batter into the prepared baking pan.
- Add Reese’s Cups: Unwrap 12 large Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups and press them gently but firmly into the batter. Swirl the top with a spatula so the peanut butter cups are slightly covered by the batter.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean of batter but may have moist crumbs, indicating fudgy center.
Notes
- Watch the butter carefully when browning to avoid burning; remove from heat once it smells nutty and turns light brown.
- Do not overmix the batter after adding flour to retain fudgy brownie texture.
- Line the baking dish for easy removal and clean-up.
- Allow brownies to cool before slicing for clean, defined pieces.
- You can substitute salted butter with unsalted but add a pinch more salt if desired.
