For a while now, I’ve been wanting to use muffin pans to make brownies. I found several recipes, but none I could really get excited about. Then, I found this one that features one of my favorite combinations: chocolate and peanut butter.
The brownies are prepared in traditional brownie fashion, but scooped into muffin tins like cupcake batter. Instead of the swirled chocolate/peanut butter chips, I used a combination of chocolate chips and peanut butter chips in the batter and also on top. I actually think I like the look of the different chips better than I would the swirled chips. Either way, they are sure to be fabulous.
I really love the dollop of peanut butter in the center. I put the warm peanut butter in a zip-top bag, cut a corner off, and piped it inside. For an even more decadent treat, I think you could also pipe in some melted chocolate, creating a chocolate/peanut butter melty, gooey center.
We found these to be best served warm. The edges are nicely chewy and the inside soft and gooey. I wish I could find adequate words to express how good these really are. Quinn said that they are one of his favorite things I’ve ever baked. With almost ten years of my baking for him, I think that says it all.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tablespoon water
- 3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 cup peanut butter chips plus about 1/3 cup more for garnishing
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips plus about 1/3 cup more for garnishing
- 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°. Spray or grease 12 muffin cups.
In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine sugar, butter, and water. Microwave on high for 1 minute or until butter is melted. Stir in 3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips until melted. Stir in egg and vanilla extract. Add flour and baking soda, stirring until blended. Allow to cool to room temperature. Then, stir in 1/2 cup each peanut butter chips and semi-sweet chocolate chips. Spoon batter by heaping tablespoonfuls into muffin cups.
Bake for 13-15 minutes or until top is set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out slightly wet. Place pan on wire rack. Centers of brownies will fall upon cooling. If not, tap centers with the back of a teaspoon to make a hole.
Place peanut butter in a small microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high for 45 seconds, then stir. While brownies are still hot, spoon about a tablespoon of peanut butter into the center of each brownie. Top with semi-sweet chocolate chips and peanut butter chips. Cool completely in pan.
Notes
Recipe adapted from Nestle.
May 8th, 2008 at 9:51 am
The brownies look absolutely delicious! I want to reach out and grab the last picture… soooo good. I love chocolate and peanut butter… just made chocolate cupcakes with peanut butter frosting recently.
May 8th, 2008 at 10:11 am
Hands down one of the best combinations ever.
I think I’ve gained weight just by looking at that last gooey shot though. Yum!
May 8th, 2008 at 10:22 am
I love making brownies in muffin cups. It is just so much easier than dealing with a big pan and cutting. Plus, they pack better. Your brownies look absolutely amazing! So good!
May 8th, 2008 at 10:51 am
wow wow wow…triple wow! they look like a muffin (i adore) they are brownies ( i adore) so combine them..you get heaven!!!
thanks for the great tip and stunning photos!!
Silvia
May 8th, 2008 at 11:41 am
I agree they look wonderful. Do you use regular size muffin tins or mini muffin tins? I’ve never though of using tins before but its a great idea…I’m going to try it next time I make brownies.
May 8th, 2008 at 11:41 am
This is a great idea–especially for someone like me who likes the corner pieces of brownies better than the pieces from the center of the pan.
May 8th, 2008 at 12:25 pm
YUM! I saw these on Tastespotting and had to see more
I love baking brownies in muffin tins but last time I used liners so it was more like a cupcake. Putting them directly in the muffin tin would sure end up in a better crust. I’ll have to try this soon!
May 8th, 2008 at 12:35 pm
I have tried brownies in muffin tins before and they always stick to the pan, but I think I’ve always used a box mix (shhh). I can’t wait to try this recipe! Your photography is divine!
May 8th, 2008 at 1:16 pm
those look too good to exist!
those photos are delicious!
May 8th, 2008 at 1:27 pm
Oh.My.God.
You had me at peanut butter!
These look absolutely amazing! Feel free to send the leftovers (yea right) my way
May 8th, 2008 at 1:45 pm
excellant!! they look great!!
May 8th, 2008 at 2:01 pm
Yummy!
May 8th, 2008 at 2:29 pm
Every time you post I know I am in for an over-the-top delicious post…and these brownie peanut-butter cups did not disappoint at all. They look soooo good!
May 8th, 2008 at 2:38 pm
Can’t go wrong with that combo all nestled in a brownie!
May 8th, 2008 at 2:54 pm
Chuck, I’ll take one of those cupcakes, please!
Dayna, it’s definitely one of my favorite combinations. Maybe in my top 3.
Holly, it is much easier to make brownies this way. I can’t believe I haven’t done it before.
Thanks, Silvia!
Hallie, these were made in regular sized muffin tins.
Oatmeal Cookie Guy, these are all about brownie edges.
Sharon, I debated using liners for these, but in the end I’m glad I didn’t. They came out cleanly and the edges were baked just right.
Thanks, Katrina! Let me know what you think of them if you make them.
DessertObsessed, I assure you that they do indeed exist. Or, at least they did before we ate a couple and gave the rest to my sister and her husband.
jd, these are not the kind of thing that stays around long enough to be leftovers.
Thanks, bunny!
vldreyer, that about sums it up!
My Sweet & Saucy, thanks so much!
megan, I completely agree. Yum!
May 8th, 2008 at 4:11 pm
Those look awesome, I’m definitely making me next brownies in a muffin tin!
May 8th, 2008 at 4:14 pm
Oh my god there are so many nice recipes on your site. These look delicious, can feel my waist line expanding by just looking at them.
May 8th, 2008 at 6:29 pm
What a great idea to bake brownies this way! I love the crusty part best, so this is perfect for me. They look awesome!
May 8th, 2008 at 8:31 pm
I made these today and used the Swirl PB/Chocolate chips as that is what I had, I also used milk chocolate chips, just for the decor as I like milk chocolate and PB better, but I used semi-sweet for the brownies, and mine aren’t as pretty as yours, but they taste darn good. Will try to post my picture on my blog soon.
Your pictures are just amazing, and these are delicious. The PB goo in the middle is amazing, too.
May 8th, 2008 at 9:08 pm
Look at all of the chocolate and peanut butter chips in them!!! They look great!
May 9th, 2008 at 7:11 am
Jennifer, I just have to say, whenever I’m in the mood to bake some delectable homemade treats for myself, my husband and the kiddos, I always check Bake or Break before proceeding. You always have such great ideas, mouthwatering photos and the recipes are typically something I can whip up in a flash. My sweet tooth family thanks you and so do I!
May 9th, 2008 at 7:49 am
Thanks, brilynn!
Sarah Bell, thanks so much!
Susan, I think lots of people prefer the crusty parts of brownies. These are great for that.
Katrina, I’m so glad you liked them! Thanks!
Thanks, Kevin!
Sandie, you are so sweet. Thank you so much!
May 9th, 2008 at 8:01 am
Oooo, I bet those are good served warm and gooey… with a scoop of vanilla ice cream too. I like the idea of adding a chocolate filling with the pb.
May 9th, 2008 at 1:38 pm
RecipeGirl, I didn’t even think about ice cream. What’s wrong with me?!?
May 9th, 2008 at 1:48 pm
Mmm.
May 9th, 2008 at 3:17 pm
Yum, yum and more yum! These are best served warm. We even put some vanilla ice cream on the side as if the brownies were not sinful enough alone.
Jennifer, these are great! Thanks for letting us try some of these. We have only one more left, so it will be interesting who will end up with it!
May 10th, 2008 at 3:40 pm
That last shot is jus – kjdngkjsdnjksn <333
May 10th, 2008 at 4:37 pm
Rachelle, that’s about the only sound you can make while eating these.
Nan and Jim, glad y’all liked them. I knew Jim would for sure!
Indigo, I’ll take that as a compliment!
May 11th, 2008 at 6:32 pm
these served warm like you say… delicious! so gooey… the chocolate with salty pb…. oh man!
May 11th, 2008 at 9:42 pm
Thanks, Aran!
May 11th, 2008 at 11:06 pm
Decadent! I love those! Don’t worry, the pictures do convey how good these must be!!
May 12th, 2008 at 7:02 am
Yum! These are definitely moving to the top of my “must try list!”
May 12th, 2008 at 7:35 am
Thanks, Helen and Amy! I could so eat one of these right about now.
May 12th, 2008 at 8:38 am
These look really good!! May have to bake these this week or week-end! I like the idea of using a
muffin pan, too!
May 12th, 2008 at 12:10 pm
wow, these taste as good as they look. Eat them warm with Pistchio Gelato.
next time I am going to try making them in a mini pan for two-bite brownie heaven
May 12th, 2008 at 12:35 pm
Ooo those look so very delicious. I must make those for the peanut butter chocolate lovers in my life!
May 12th, 2008 at 8:52 pm
Cindy, I think you’d like them. Let me know what you think!
emma, I think the mini versions would be wonderful.
Ashley, I’m sure those folks will be very grateful!
May 12th, 2008 at 9:04 pm
I just made these tonight and man they are amazing! I think that I have found the perfect dessert.
May 13th, 2008 at 7:07 am
Oh wow, those look amazing! My mom used to bake brownies in muffin tins all the time–she was a huge fan of brownie edges, hehe.
May 13th, 2008 at 9:27 am
Awesome Mom, I’m so glad you liked them!
Thanks, Elle! These brownies definitely have good edge: brownie ratio.
May 13th, 2008 at 10:35 am
These look so amazing…we don’t have peanut butter drop here sadly! They remind me of my hokey pokey peanut butter & chocolate cups I made yesterday, I just put the post up.
May 13th, 2008 at 8:26 pm
I made these this past weekend! delish! gotta remember to post pics of these when i get the chance.,…
May 13th, 2008 at 8:30 pm
Bakerette, thanks!
Sharon, I’m glad you liked them!
May 14th, 2008 at 8:02 am
Your site gave the devil in my heart big power. The devil said to me. “Eat this thing which I was sweet, and seemed to be delicious” As a result, I lost a fight with the devil. I was dieting so…
(Ｔ_Ｔ)
From Japan
http://food-soybean.blogspot.com/
May 14th, 2008 at 1:51 pm
Peanut butter and chocolate, it’s to die for! these look fantastic!
May 14th, 2008 at 2:54 pm
Oh those look divine! Peanut butter is my favorite. Can’t wait to try this for myself.
May 14th, 2008 at 3:18 pm
Holy crap, this is the first time I’ve been to your blog and I cannot believe how amazing this is. Looking back at your older posts I am SO hooked. I might even make these friday morning
May 14th, 2008 at 8:35 pm
edamame, thanks! (I think.
)
Thanks, stacie!
Lynn, I hope you like them as much as we did.
Samantha, thank you and welcome! Glad you found me.
May 18th, 2008 at 1:41 pm
I just stumbled your blog in Firefox and came to this recipe. These look absolutely incredible, what else could I possibly say! Can’t wait to have a closer look around the site and try some of the recipes!
May 18th, 2008 at 6:01 pm
Debra, I’m glad you found me! Welcome!
May 20th, 2008 at 11:56 pm
oh incredible looking brownies. this is simply gorgeous and perfect for me and soeren to make together! thanks for this!
May 21st, 2008 at 9:38 am
Meeta, I hope you like them as much as we did!
May 21st, 2008 at 11:59 am
I made these too, and while they don’t look nearly as good as yours, they taste delicious!
May 21st, 2008 at 12:12 pm
Just… wow. Did the chocolate/peanutbutter chips stay well suspended in the batter? I’ve found in the past that they can sink too the bottom and burn, so I often use the mini chips or chop the chips up into finer pieces. These look delicious!
May 21st, 2008 at 12:42 pm
Thanks, Hilary. I’m glad you liked them, too!
A, the chips didn’t sink to the bottom at all. This is a nice, thick batter so that helped.
May 31st, 2008 at 4:35 pm
I stumbled across your blog and the first thing I saw was this picture…yummy. I just took mine out of the oven and can smell the chocolate and peanut butter..Can’t wait to try them.
May 31st, 2008 at 8:23 pm
Susan, I’m glad you found me and my blog. Hope you enjoy the brownies!
May 31st, 2008 at 8:26 pm
Wow! Taking them to a retirement luncheon for dessert! I’ve already copied the recipe – they will be begging for it after one bite!
May 31st, 2008 at 9:24 pm
Mumsy, they are sure to be a hit. So, so good!
May 31st, 2008 at 9:36 pm
Wow, those look absolutely delicious! You just can’t go wrong with chocolate and peanut butter.
May 31st, 2008 at 10:20 pm
Thanks, Kham! I totally agree.
June 1st, 2008 at 3:37 pm
Wow they look amazingly good. I don’t think there’s any problem with saying they’re good to eat warm as I’m one of those people who can’t resist eating cakes as soon as they appear out of the oven!
June 1st, 2008 at 4:46 pm
Diane, that’s the very best way to eat them!
June 1st, 2008 at 5:21 pm
Hi, I just made these for a little party I’m going to tonight. They turned out fabulously, though I put the peanut butter on top instead of inside for the “peanut butter cup” effect. I’m going to warm them up right before serving, I think they’ll be a huge hit. Thanks!
June 1st, 2008 at 7:52 pm
Stephanie, I’m sure they will be well received. Have fun!
June 2nd, 2008 at 12:27 pm
My mouth is watering just looking at the pictures – simply brilliant! Just recently, I made brownies in mini muffin tins for a party and put a Hershey’s chocolate kiss in the center prior to baking. It comes out as a gooey center and will stay soft for awhile (they haven’t stayed on the plate long enough to find out exactly how long). However, I’m told that if they’re reheated for a few seconds in the microwave, the kiss melts again for that yummy melty chocolately goo we all love. I’m definitely going to try mixing with the peanut butter center and mixture of chips. Thanks!
June 2nd, 2008 at 1:33 pm
Lisa, your brownies sound delicious! I re-heated these and that peanut butter center just got gooey all over again. Yum!
June 3rd, 2008 at 7:44 am
Those look amazing!
June 3rd, 2008 at 11:04 am
Thanks, Tracy!
June 3rd, 2008 at 12:10 pm
Oh, I just made these in a mini-muffin pan.. they’re awesome! Thanks for yet another great recipe!
June 5th, 2008 at 11:47 am
Yummy!! These look scrumptious. I need to make this but the whole tray will probably be gone in five minutes knowing my girlfriend and I.
June 5th, 2008 at 2:10 pm
Just baked a batch of these today, and they are truely delicious!
June 5th, 2008 at 2:53 pm
Alicia, I must try these in mini-muffin size!
Antiques, you’ll just have to make them when you can share!
Scott, I’m glad you liked them!
June 6th, 2008 at 2:14 am
i love to have it
they are delicious
jasmine celion
cool-hotstuff.blogspot.com
June 6th, 2008 at 3:23 pm
Thanks, jasmine!
June 8th, 2008 at 12:36 am
when i tried making these, i took then out of the oven to cool, and there became huge gaping holes in the center.
June 8th, 2008 at 10:10 am
Sunishchal, that’s exactly what they’re supposed to do! Then, they get filled with warm peanut butter and topped with chocolate and peanut butter chips.
June 10th, 2008 at 11:39 am
These appear to be worth the health risks.
June 12th, 2008 at 2:58 pm
omg those look so good! i’m going to try making them this weekend. thanks for the tip!
June 12th, 2008 at 3:49 pm
nascar, I totally agree!
BetterRecipes, I hope you enjoy them!
June 13th, 2008 at 10:55 am
I fell in food love when I saw the photo of the inside of these brownies. I think I’ll have some happy co-workers on monday.
June 13th, 2008 at 6:02 pm
heavenly
June 13th, 2008 at 8:45 pm
Dragon, I think that’s the first time I’ve heard the term “fell in food love.” Certainly appropriate for these, huh?
Aaron, they are indeed!
June 14th, 2008 at 9:32 am
I couldn’t wait until Sunday to make these.
Also, I couldn’t wait until they were completely cooled down either. I love these!
Would this recipe work with a mini muffin tin? I think I might add a little espresso powder next time (and by next time I mean tomorrow). I think it does wonders for the taste of chocolate.
Thanks for a great recipe.
June 14th, 2008 at 12:27 pm
Dragon, I’m glad you liked them! Some other people left comments that they had success making these in mini-muffin pans. Enjoy baking them again! Let me know how the espresso powder works.
June 15th, 2008 at 8:15 am
I made these in a mini cupcake pan (sprayed with Pam, no paper liners). I got 40 brownies from 1 recipe, using only 1/2 cup total of peanut butter for the centers, and as many chips that would fit(about 6 to each brownie.) They were part of Father’s Day snack sampler I did up for work and were a huge hit!
June 15th, 2008 at 9:25 am
Carol, I like hearing all the good results everyone is having with these. Glad they were a hit!
June 19th, 2008 at 12:05 pm
Just made these yesterday and they. are. incredible. INCREDIBLE! Super easy, very impressive-looking and awesomely delicious.
Thanks for another winner!
June 19th, 2008 at 12:06 pm
…forgot to mention: I made them in a mini muffin pan sprayed with Pam and I got about 20 or so using a cookie scoop to scoop out the brownie “batter” (more like dough). Carol must have made tiny ones!
June 21st, 2008 at 10:20 am
Erin, I’m glad you liked them! I could go for one about now.
June 22nd, 2008 at 8:34 pm
I made these over the weekend for company and everyone LOVED them! Thanks for the fabulous recipe!!
June 22nd, 2008 at 10:40 pm
Jill, I can’t believe how much everyone is loving these. Actually, I can – they were so good!
June 24th, 2008 at 5:00 pm
These look delicious!
June 24th, 2008 at 7:53 pm
Stefan, they are!!!
July 23rd, 2008 at 7:09 pm
try mini muffin tins as well… cookie batter works really well in mini tins. just ciut the cook time by a few min
delish
July 24th, 2008 at 8:55 am
sarah, thanks for the mini-size feedback. I have to try that sometime.
August 24th, 2008 at 7:24 pm
I’ve been sitting on this recipe waiting for the right occasion to make it, and decided my favorite coworkers birthday would fit the bill. Simply put, they are amazing. Thanks so much for posting this! PB and chocolate is my favorite sweets combination, and these are magnificent.
August 25th, 2008 at 6:44 am
Kiwi, it’s good to hear that they were a hit. Thanks!
September 9th, 2008 at 11:12 am
wow, these look good. My wife and I are supposed to be on a diet. Maybe we can start after we try these
September 9th, 2008 at 6:25 pm
grill, these are definitely worth delaying a diet.
September 21st, 2008 at 8:23 am
That last picture has me drooling!
September 21st, 2008 at 11:10 am
Thanks, Meg!
September 23rd, 2008 at 6:48 pm
You had me at hello!!! Those look divine – wonderful pictures, I’ll be right there – LOL! Thank God for StumbleUpon!!!
Blessings,
RH
September 23rd, 2008 at 9:05 pm
Thanks, RH! I’m glad StumbleUpon led you here. Welcome!
March 8th, 2009 at 9:35 pm
Love this brownie recipe. I made it today and everyone loved it.
Thanks!!!
CW
April 26th, 2009 at 8:15 pm
YUM, YUM, YUM!!! I’m going to try this (just printed the recipe), but I am going to use a mini-muffin tin (mostly because I have one and it doesn’t get used very often).
May 10th, 2009 at 3:40 pm
Made these for mother’s day at my mom’s request. They were awesome. I’ll have to make more for myself.
May 19th, 2009 at 9:30 pm
Thank you! These just saved me from some birthday eve angst.I’m turning forty and having some of these tasty nibbles helped ease the pain a little. Delicious! Can’t wait to try some more of your yummy recipes!
May 20th, 2009 at 9:39 am
Made these last week and they were DELICIOUS. I had to send them with my hubbie to work because I wanted to eat all of them. We used the “peanut butter” (crushed honey roasted peanuts) from whole foods, and it totally made these. The slight crunchyness and saltiness of the peanut butter accented with the rich chocolate brownies. WOW!
July 16th, 2009 at 10:36 am
I went on a baking spree the other day and these came out FANTASTICALLY. Which is really saying something because this is the first time I’ve ever successfully baked anything from scratch without some kind of catastrophe lol.
July 28th, 2009 at 12:44 pm
just came across your blog……and boy, am I glad I did! this recipe will delight my PB lovin’ 12 year old son. Birthday Brownie-cakes comin’ up.
July 29th, 2009 at 1:28 pm
Wow, that looks absolutely delicious! Great post, you did such a nice job presenting the pictures too…I am definitely going to have to try that recipe this weekend! Thanks
August 30th, 2009 at 7:40 pm
These are delicious!! I saw the recipe Thursday and tried them that same night. I piped the peanut butter into the center, as suggested. Definitely a keeper! All my coworkers raved about them on Friday. =)
September 9th, 2009 at 5:55 pm
Just wondering if the brownies are prepared fudge style or cake-like? Does it matter? I’m planning on making them tonight! Help! Thanks!
September 9th, 2009 at 7:21 pm
Jobiwan, if memory serves, these are a bit on the dense side to hold up to all that filling. If you follow the recipe, they should be the right consistency. Enjoy!
September 17th, 2009 at 11:51 am
Is there any substitution I can use for peanut butter drops? (they’re not available here…)
September 17th, 2009 at 5:29 pm
sushibar, if it were me, I’d go with chocolate chips. You can never go wrong with chocolate.
November 2nd, 2009 at 8:38 am
Isn’t the baking powder a bit too much if I’d like to have a chewy and fudgy brownies? Can I lessen the amount of it? Your photos look amazing! Thanks.
November 4th, 2009 at 6:30 pm
Ram, because these are not your traditional brownie presentation, I’d be reluctant to tinker with the recipe too much. These have to be able to hold all that filling and topping.
January 6th, 2010 at 7:37 am
To be honest, I was not that impressed UNTIL i saw the picture of the insides of the brownie. After I saw that I was convinced that I need to make this!
April 6th, 2010 at 6:27 am
Brownies with a different twist! Will have to try!
April 19th, 2010 at 12:02 am
Scrumptious & vundibar
April 21st, 2010 at 8:56 pm
Aaahhhh…yeah I’m try this one!!! Looks delicious!!!
May 3rd, 2010 at 8:04 pm
I wish there were more instructions….. like, did you measure the chips you added to the batter or just toss some in? Did you bake the brownies with the chips on top or did you add them afterward while the brownies were still warm? I’d think baking the brownies with the chips on top would melt them?
May 4th, 2010 at 7:55 am
Michelle, the recipe has all the details. The link is above the top photo.
September 13th, 2011 at 1:23 pm
A second on the lips, a lifetime on the hips. Heck, this is worth it!
Maria xx
http://www.cheekypinktulip.blogspot.com
September 25th, 2011 at 6:29 am
I will be making these……..TODAY.
http://thesouthernstump.blogspot.com/