Reese's Brownies is a simple recipe for chewy brownies that are full of rich cocoa and peanut butter cups. This tasty dessert is perfect for peanut butter and brownie lovers alike!
Who doesn't love the delicious combination of chocolate and peanut butter?! Sweet chocolate and salty peanut butter truly is a match made in heaven!
Stuff some Reese's peanut butter cups into cocoa brownies and you'll have the perfect dessert - Reese's brownies!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Great use for leftover Halloween candy. You only need a few peanut butter cups, or you can use mini cups.
- Freezer friendly. Save time by making a double (or triple!) batch of brownies. Once frozen, they'll keep for up to 3 months!
- Easy sweet snack or treat for parties, potlucks, or even Valentine's Day.
Another easy way to cure your craving for pb and chocolate is with Reese's Peanut Butter Cup Cookies.
Ingredients
See ingredient substitutions in the next section. ⬇️
To make a batch of peanut butter cup brownies, you'll need:
- unsalted butter
- granulated sugar
- eggs
- vanilla extract
- all-purpose flour
- unsweetened cocoa powder: Be sure to use unsweetened cocoa, not hot cocoa mix.
- salt and baking powder: Many brownie recipes don't include baking powder. In this case, the leavener adds bubbles to the batter, creating a lighter consistency.
- Reese's peanut butter cups: You can either use mini cups, or chop up large cups.
📖 Time-Saving Tip - Testing Baking Soda or Baking Powder for Freshness
This simple little test can save you time and money, because if your leavener is expired, whatever you're baking wont rise in the oven! This test works for baking soda and baking powder:
- Add about ½ teaspoon of baking soda or powder to a small bowl. Stir in an equal amount of an acidic ingredient, like vinegar or citrus juice.
- If the solution doesn't start to bubble immediately, it's time to replace your leavener.
Substitutions and Recipe Variations
- all-purpose flour: If you'd like to make gluten-free brownies, substitute the AP flour with a cup-for-cup variety of gluten-free all-purpose flour. Two popular brands are Bob's Red Mill and King Arthur Flour.
- baking powder: If you happen to be out of baking powder, but you have baking soda and cream of tartar on hand, you can make a baking powder replacement!
To use baking soda as a substitute for baking powder, mix ½ teaspoon of cream of tartar with ¼ teaspoon of baking soda for every 1 teaspoon of baking powder. - white granulated sugar: To reduce the calories, you can substitute the sugar with any cup-for-cup variety of granulated sugar substitute. Monkfruit sugar is a good option. Light brown sugar can be used as a substitute, but it will add a molasses flavor to the bars.
- unsalted butter: If you need or want to use salted butter, just omit the ¼ teaspoon of salt this recipe calls for.
Although I haven't tested with plant-based butter substitutes, I think they'll work fine. - eggs: Egg yolks are important for creating moisture and structure. If you need a substitute, check out my post for good egg substitutes for brownies.
- vanilla extract: If you need an alcohol-free flavoring, you can use vanilla essence.
Reese's Brownie Variations
- Use different candy: Instead of stuffing brownies with peanut butter cups, use other candies, like Reese's Pieces or peanut butter M&Ms.
- Add frosting or ganache. Grab the instructions from my frosted brownies recipe, or you can add some cocoa powder to my homemade buttercream frosting recipe.
- Warm peanut butter drizzle: Before cutting the dessert into squares, melt some peanut butter in the microwave to drizzle over the top.
Want to make a different flavor of brownie? Try my recipes for Strawberry Brownies and Lemon Brownies!
How to Make Reese's Brownies
Summary only. The complete recipe instructions are in the card at the bottom of this post ⬇️
- Make the brownie batter. No electric mixer is needed, just a whisk.
- Stir in the Reese's peanut butter cups.
- Add batter to a greased 8-inch baking pan.
- Bake and cool the stuffed brownies.
Liz's Tips for the Best Brownies
- For cleaner slices, let the brownies cool before cutting into squares.
Storing and Freezing
At room temperature, this dessert will stay fresh for about four days in an airtight container
Freezing: You can freeze the cocoa brownies for up to 3 months in an airtight container. It's best to freeze individual servings, separated with squares of parchment paper.
Thaw completely before enjoying.
Reese's Brownie Recipe FAQ
Baking powder and baking soda will help to lift and fluff the brownie batter, giving them a lighter consistency. If your recipe calls for two eggs, removing an egg will also give a cakey, fluffy texture.
Most brownies will have their toppings added before baking. Brownies that have a drizzle, or a dusting of powdered sugar will have their toppings added after they've been baked and cooled.
Other Brownie Recipes You'll Love
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Brownies
- S’mores Brownies Recipe
- Fudgy Brownies
- Brownies in the Air Fryer
- Dark Chocolate Brownies
Reese's Brownies
Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup granulated white sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup chopped Reese's peanut butter cups
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, or grease with butter or non-stick cooking spray. Set aside.
- Add butter to a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high power for about 1 minute, or until the butter melts.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk to combine melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract.
- To the butter mixture, add cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder. Stir to combine, until a thick batter forms.
- Fold in chopped peanut butter cups. If desired, save some to sprinkle over the brownie batter before baking.
- Pour brownie batter into prepared baking pan. Bake in preheated oven for 20-22 minutes, or until edges are firm but center is slightly undercooked. (The brownies will continue baking as they cool).
Helpful Notes and Tips From Liz
- For cleaner slices, let the brownies cool before cutting into squares.
Angela
Made these for a family get together today — sooo yummy! I did have to bake them a little longer than instructed, but that was no big deal. Will definitely make again!
Danielle Wolter
These sound incredible! Peanut butter and chocolate together is an awesome combination!
lifebeginswithdessert
We hope you try them out soon!
Chris Collins
These look so delicious - I can see me snacking on waaaaaaaay too many though!!
lifebeginswithdessert
We can't get enough of these tooo!
Alexandra
Chocolate and peanut butter is just a match made in heaven. These brownies are amazing!
lifebeginswithdessert
Glad you like them, Alexandra! They're my absolute favorites too