Decadent Reese’s Peanut Butter Brownies

Prepare to delight your taste buds with the most extraordinary dessert experience: our **Ultimate Reese’s Pieces Brownies**. This recipe transcends the ordinary brownie, combining the timeless allure of rich, fudgy chocolate with the irresistible charm of creamy peanut butter and vibrant Reese’s Pieces candies. It’s a symphony of flavors and textures, making it an instant favorite for peanut butter enthusiasts and chocolate lovers alike. Whether you’re baking for a special celebration, a casual gathering, or simply craving an indulgent treat, these brownies are guaranteed to be a sensational hit.

These aren’t just any brownies; they are a decadent creation boasting multiple luscious layers. Starting with a perfectly baked, dense chocolate brownie base, we then crown it with a smooth, velvety peanut butter frosting, and finally, sprinkle generously with chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups and colorful Reese’s Pieces. The result is a dessert that’s not only visually stunning but also offers an explosion of flavor in every bite. This is truly the best brownie recipe and a standout among Reese’s dessert recipes, designed to impress with minimal effort. We’ve enjoyed making a variety of brownies for countless occasions, from rich Butterscotch Brownies to festive Red Velvet Brownies and the famously fun Slutty Brownies, but these Reese’s Pieces Brownies hold a special place for their unique flavor profile.

If you share our profound love for Reese’s, you’ll definitely want to explore more of our peanut butter and chocolate creations. Don’t miss out on our delightful Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Cookies, the creamy Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Ice Cream, and the heavenly Reese’s Peanut Butter Pie. Each recipe celebrates that iconic peanut butter and chocolate combination that makes Reese’s so universally adored.

Why You’ll Adore These Reese’s Pieces Brownies

There are countless reasons why these **chocolate peanut butter brownies** stand out as a truly exceptional dessert. First and foremost, the recipe is incredibly straightforward, allowing even novice bakers to achieve bakery-quality results right in their own kitchens. Forget complicated techniques; this homemade brownie recipe focuses on simple steps and fantastic flavor.

The star of the show is, of course, the unparalleled combination of rich, dark chocolate and the creamy, salty-sweet goodness of peanut butter. This classic pairing is elevated by the addition of a smooth, whipped peanut butter frosting generously spread over the cooled brownie base. But we don’t stop there! The final flourish comes from the vibrant and crunchy peanut butter candy pieces – a medley of chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups and the iconic Reese’s Pieces, adding both visual appeal and an extra burst of peanut butter delight.

This dessert isn’t just delicious; it’s a showstopper. Each bite offers a harmonious blend of chewy brownie, melt-in-your-mouth frosting, and a satisfying crunch from the candies. It’s an over-the-top indulgence that’s perfect for parties, potlucks, or as a special treat to brighten any day. The ease of preparation, coupled with the phenomenal taste, makes this recipe a definite keeper!

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Brownies

Crafting these sensational Reese’s Pieces Brownies begins with a selection of high-quality ingredients, each playing a crucial role in achieving the perfect flavor and texture. We’ve broken down the components into three main sections: the fudgy brownie base, the decadent peanut butter frosting, and the irresistible candy topping. Gathering all your ingredients before you start will make the baking process smooth and enjoyable.

For the Brownies:

• Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and contributes to the moist, tender crumb.
• Brown Sugar: Adds depth of flavor with subtle caramel notes and helps keep the brownies extra moist.
• Cocoa Powder: Essential for that deep, rich chocolate flavor. Opt for good quality unsweetened cocoa.
• All-Purpose Flour: The structural backbone of our brownies. Measure it accurately for best results.
• Butter: For richness and flavor. Melted butter creates that desirable fudgy texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances all the other flavors, especially the chocolate.
• Large Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add to the richness and structure.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and amplifies the chocolate notes.
• Baking Powder: Provides just a touch of lift for a perfect brownie texture without being cakey.
• Chocolate Chips: We add extra chocolate chips into the batter for an even more intense chocolate experience.

For the Frosting:

• Unsalted Butter, softened: The base for a creamy, spreadable frosting. Ensure it’s at room temperature.
• Creamy Peanut Butter: The star of the frosting, giving it that iconic nutty flavor.
• Milk: Used to adjust the consistency of the frosting, making it smooth and easy to spread.
• Powdered Sugar (Confectioners’ Sugar): For sweetness and a smooth, lump-free frosting texture.

For the Topping:

• Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: For a delightful chocolate drizzle that adds another layer of flavor and visual appeal.
• Butter: A small amount to help create a smooth, glossy chocolate drizzle.
• Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups: Chopped into pieces for chunky bursts of peanut butter and chocolate.
• Reese’s Pieces: The colorful, candy-coated peanut butter candies add crunch and festive flair.

You can find the precise measurements and full ingredient list in the detailed recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting Your Reese’s Pieces Brownies

Baking these incredible Reese’s Pieces Brownies is a straightforward process that yields truly spectacular results. Follow these simple steps to create a dessert that will impress everyone!

• Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Environment. Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175°C). This ensures your oven is at the correct temperature for even baking. Next, take a 9×13 inch baking pan and generously spray it with a non-stick cooking spray. You can also line it with parchment paper for easier removal and cleaner slices.

Step 2: Melt the Chocolate Base. Grab a large microwave-safe bowl. Add the butter and chocolate chips. Heat them in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring well after each interval, until the mixture is completely melted and smooth. Be careful not to overheat. Once melted, set aside to cool slightly while you prepare other ingredients.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients. To the slightly cooled chocolate and butter mixture, stir in the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until well combined. Next, add the eggs, one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition until fully incorporated. This step creates a glossy, cohesive base for your brownies.

Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients. Gradually, using a spatula or spoon, stir in the cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder. Mix these ingredients by hand until *just* combined. The key here is to avoid overmixing, as this can lead to tough or cakey brownies. A few streaks of flour are acceptable.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection. Pour the brownie batter evenly into your prepared 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread it gently with a spatula to ensure an even layer. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out with moist crumbs (not wet batter), your brownies are ready. Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before proceeding to the frosting stage.

Step 6: Prepare the Peanut Butter Frosting Base. While your brownies are cooling (patience is key!), begin making the decadent peanut butter frosting. In a medium mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and creamy peanut butter using an electric mixer until the mixture is light, smooth, and fluffy. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.

Step 7: Achieve Perfect Frosting Consistency. Gradually add the powdered sugar to the peanut butter mixture, alternating with small splashes of milk. Begin with about 1 tablespoon of milk and add more if needed, beating with the mixer after each addition until you reach your desired smooth, spreadable consistency. The frosting should be thick enough to hold its shape but easy to spread.

Step 8: Frost the Brownies. Once the brownies are completely cool to the touch, use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to evenly spread the luscious peanut butter frosting over the entire surface. A thick, even layer is what you’re aiming for.

Step 9: Add the Drizzle and Topping. For the chocolate drizzle, melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips and butter together in a microwave-safe bowl, heating in 30-second intervals and stirring until smooth. Pour the melted chocolate into a piping bag or a small ziplock bag with a tiny corner snipped off. Drizzle the chocolate artfully over the peanut butter frosting. Finally, generously sprinkle the chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups and Reese’s Pieces over the top. Allow the topping to set for about 15-20 minutes at room temperature, or briefly in the refrigerator, before slicing and serving. Enjoy your magnificent creation!

Frequently Asked Questions About Baking Brownies

Here are some common questions we receive about making and storing these delicious Reese’s Pieces Brownies. Knowing these tips will help you achieve perfect results every time.

How should I store leftover Reese’s Pieces Brownies?

To maintain their freshness and delicious texture, refrigerate any leftover brownies in an airtight container. They will stay wonderfully moist and flavorful for up to 4-5 days. Bringing them to room temperature for a few minutes before serving can enhance their texture.

Can I freeze these brownies?

Absolutely! These brownies freeze beautifully. To freeze, ensure they are completely cooled, then wrap individual slices or the entire pan (if unfrosted) tightly in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil. Store them in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours before serving. If frozen with frosting, the frosting texture may change slightly upon thawing but will still be delicious.

What kind of chocolate chips should I use for the brownies?

For the fudgiest and most flavorful brownies, we recommend using good quality semi-sweet chocolate chips or chopped baking chocolate. You can also experiment with dark chocolate chips for a richer, less sweet brownie, or milk chocolate chips for a sweeter, creamier taste. The quality of your chocolate significantly impacts the final taste.

Expert Tips for Brownie Perfection

Achieving the perfect Reese’s Pieces Brownies is easy with a few insider tricks. These pro tips will ensure your brownies are consistently fudgy, flavorful, and beautifully presented.

• Allow brownies to cool completely before frosting. This is perhaps the most crucial tip! Spreading frosting on warm brownies will cause it to melt and create a messy, unappetizing result. Patience is a virtue here; let them cool down fully, ideally for several hours or even in the refrigerator for a quick chill, before adding the peanut butter frosting.
• Do not overmix the brownie batter. Overmixing the flour once it’s added can develop the gluten too much, leading to tough, cakey brownies rather than the desirable fudgy texture. Mix until the ingredients are *just* combined, with a few streaks of flour still visible.
• Allow to cool before cutting. Just like frosting, cutting warm brownies can be challenging. They will be soft and prone to crumbling, and the edges won’t be clean. For neat, perfectly shaped slices, allow the brownies to cool and set completely. Using a warm, sharp knife (run under hot water and wipe dry between cuts) can also help achieve clean lines.
• Natural peanut butter is not recommended. While we love natural peanut butter for many uses, it often separates and has a different oil content and texture compared to conventional creamy or chunky peanut butter. For the best frosting consistency and flavor in this recipe, stick to a standard creamy (or chunky, if you prefer) peanut butter, such as Jif or Skippy.
• Use room temperature ingredients for the frosting. Ensure your unsalted butter is properly softened (but not melted) for the frosting. This allows it to cream smoothly with the peanut butter and powdered sugar, resulting in a light and airy frosting without lumps.
• Line your baking pan for easy removal. For effortless cleanup and easy brownie removal, line your 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. Once the brownies are cooled, you can simply lift them out of the pan.
• Quality cocoa makes a difference. Invest in a good quality unsweetened cocoa powder for a deep, rich chocolate flavor in your brownies. Dutch-processed cocoa powder can give a darker color and mellower chocolate taste.

More Decadent Chocolate Peanut Butter Desserts

Can’t get enough of the classic chocolate and peanut butter combination? We totally understand! Here are a few more recipes that celebrate this iconic pairing, perfect for expanding your dessert repertoire:

• Homemade Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups Recipe: Recreate the beloved candy with a homemade touch.
• Peanut Butter Stuffed Chocolate Cookies: A delightful surprise awaits in the center of these rich chocolate cookies.
• Chocolate Peanut Butter Cupcakes: Light, fluffy cupcakes topped with irresistible peanut butter frosting.

We are confident that you will absolutely fall in love with this ultimate Reese’s Pieces Brownie recipe. Its rich flavors, perfect textures, and delightful candy topping make it an unforgettable dessert. Please do us a favor and leave a comment below once you’ve had a chance to bake and enjoy them. Your feedback brightens our day!

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Reese’s Pieces Brownies

5 from 4 votes

Peanut butter lovers will go crazy over these **Reese’s Pieces Brownies.** The perfect harmony of rich chocolate, creamy peanut butter, and festive candy topping makes this an unforgettable dessert recipe.

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

For the Topping: 10 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings 15

Cuisine American

Course Dessert

Calories 716

Author Carrie Barnard

Ingredients

For the Brownies:

• 1 cup Granulated Sugar
• 1 cup Brown Sugar
• 2/3 cup Cocoa Powder
• 1 cup All-Purpose Flour
• 1/2 tsp Salt
• 1/2 tsp Baking Powder
• 4 Large Eggs
• 1 cup Butter
• 2 tsp Vanilla Extract
• 1 cup Chocolate Chips

For the Frosting:

• 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter softened
• 1 cup Creamy Peanut Butter
• 2-3 tablespoons Milk
• 3 cups Powdered Sugar

For the Topping:

• 1 cup Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
• 1 tsp Butter
• 1 1/2 cups chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups
• 1 cup Reese’s Pieces

Instructions

For the Brownies:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175°C). Prepare a 9×13 inch baking pan by spraying it with non-stick cooking spray or lining it with parchment paper for easy removal.
• In a large microwave-safe mixing bowl, combine the butter and chocolate chips. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring thoroughly after each, until fully melted and smooth. Allow the mixture to cool slightly.
• Stir the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract into the chocolate mixture until well combined. Then, add the large eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition until fully incorporated.
• Gently fold in the cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder using a spatula. Mix by hand until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
• Pour the brownie batter evenly into the prepared 9×13 inch baking pan and spread smooth.
• Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the brownies comes out with moist crumbs.
• Remove from oven and allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before adding the frosting. This is crucial for proper frosting application.

For the Frosting and Topping:

• In a medium bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened unsalted butter and creamy peanut butter until the mixture is smooth and fluffy.
• Gradually add the powdered sugar, alternating with 2-3 tablespoons of milk, beating after each addition until the frosting reaches your desired smooth, spreadable consistency.
• Once the brownies are completely cool, spread the prepared peanut butter frosting evenly over the top using an offset spatula or the back of a spoon.
• For the chocolate drizzle, combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips and 1 tsp butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring until melted and smooth.
• Transfer the melted chocolate mixture into a piping bag or a ziplock bag with a tiny corner snipped off. Drizzle the chocolate decoratively over the peanut butter frosting.
• Finally, generously sprinkle the chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups and colorful Reese’s Pieces over the chocolate drizzle.
• Allow the chocolate drizzle and toppings to set for about 15-20 minutes at room temperature (or chill briefly in the refrigerator) before slicing, serving, and enjoying your magnificent Reese’s Pieces Brownies!

Recipe Notes

To store any leftovers, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4-5 days. For best results, allow them to come to room temperature briefly before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Calories 716kcal,
Carbohydrates 86g,
Protein 9g,
Fat 41g,
Saturated Fat 21g,
Polyunsaturated Fat 3g,
Monounsaturated Fat 13g,
Trans Fat 1g,
Cholesterol 96mg,
Sodium 300mg,
Potassium 312mg,
Fiber 4g,
Sugar 71g,
Vitamin A 675IU,
Vitamin C 0.1mg,
Calcium 74mg,
Iron 3mg

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