Fudgy Reese’s Brownies

If you’re ready for something outrageously rich, irresistibly gooey, and packed with the magic of chocolate and peanut butter, then pull up a chair. These Fudgy Reese’s Brownies are the kind of dessert that stops conversations mid-sentence. Every bite is a chewy, chocolate-loaded square of joy, swirled with the creamy crunch of chopped Reese’s cups and melty chocolate chips. The aroma that floats through your kitchen while they bake? Absolute heaven.

Behind the Recipe

This recipe came from one of those late-night chocolate cravings when plain brownies just didn’t cut it. I remember standing in my kitchen with a half-empty bag of mini Reese’s and thinking, “Why not?” So I chopped them up, folded them into a classic brownie base, and the result was dangerously delicious. Since that night, these brownies have been requested for birthdays, potlucks, and even random Tuesdays. They’ve become that go-to treat when you want something extra indulgent.

Recipe Origin or Trivia

Brownies themselves are a proudly American creation, born somewhere in the early 20th century. Combining them with Reese’s? That’s a modern stroke of genius. Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups were first introduced in the 1920s by H.B. Reese, and they’ve since become a staple of nostalgic snacking. Merging them into brownies brings together two legendary sweets into one show-stopping dessert.

Why You’ll Love Fudgy Reese’s Brownies

Because let’s be honest… what’s not to love?

Versatile: Serve them warm with ice cream, chilled from the fridge, or sliced up for lunchbox treats.

Budget-Friendly: Made mostly from pantry staples and a pack of candy, these don’t break the bank.

Quick and Easy: No mixer needed, no complicated steps, just mix, bake, and enjoy.

Customizable: Add in dark chocolate, peanut butter drizzle, or even a swirl of Nutella.

Crowd-Pleasing: These always vanish at parties. Always.

Make-Ahead Friendly: Bake them a day ahead for even more intense flavor.

Great for Leftovers: Store them and they taste even better the next day (if you have any left).

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

Here’s how to take your brownies from good to unforgettable.

• Use room temperature eggs: They blend better and help create that signature chewy texture.
• Don’t overmix: Once the flour is in, go gently. Overmixing leads to cakey brownies.
• Underbake slightly: For ultra fudgy centers, pull them out when there’s still a bit of jiggle.
• Chop Reese’s roughly: Uneven chunks give little pockets of surprise peanut butter in every bite.
• Cool before cutting: This helps the brownies set and cuts come out clean.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

To make things smooth and simple in the kitchen, here’s what you’ll want on hand:

Mixing Bowls: For blending the batter and folding in the goodies.

Whisk and Spatula: The whisk handles the wet, the spatula folds it all together.

8×8-inch Baking Pan: Perfect for thick, even brownies.

Parchment Paper: Helps lift the brownies out with no sticking.

Sharp Knife: For clean, confident slicing.

Ingredients in Fudgy Reese’s Brownies

This lineup of ingredients creates a magical mix of richness, sweetness, and peanut buttery goodness.

1. Unsalted Butter: 1/2 cup (1 stick) — Adds richness and helps create a soft, chewy texture.
2. Granulated Sugar: 1 cup — Sweetens the batter and helps form that crackly top.
3. Brown Sugar: 1/4 cup — Adds moisture and a hint of molasses depth.
4. Large Eggs: 2 — Bind everything together and give that perfect chewy structure.
5. Vanilla Extract: 2 teaspoons — Adds a warm, rounded flavor to balance the chocolate.
6. All-Purpose Flour: 2/3 cup — The base that holds it all together.
7. Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: 1/2 cup — Provides deep, intense chocolate flavor.
8. Salt: 1/2 teaspoon — Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
9. Chocolate Chips: 1/2 cup — Melt into gooey pockets throughout the brownies.
10. Mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups: 1 cup, chopped — The star player, adding creamy peanut butter chunks in every bite.
11. Crushed Peanuts (optional): 2 tablespoons — For a little crunch and extra peanut punch.

Ingredient Substitutions

We’ve all had those moments when one ingredient runs out. Here’s how to swap without worry.

Unsalted Butter: Melted coconut oil or vegan butter.

Brown Sugar: More granulated sugar in equal measure.

All-Purpose Flour: A 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend works well.

Chocolate Chips: Chopped dark chocolate or semi-sweet chunks.

Mini Reese’s: Any peanut butter-filled chocolate candy works in a pinch.

Ingredient Spotlight

Mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups: These iconic candies bring creamy peanut butter wrapped in milk chocolate. Chopped into brownies, they melt slightly into gooey bursts that balance sweetness with saltiness.

Cocoa Powder: This gives that deep, rich chocolate flavor. Use a good-quality unsweetened variety for best results.

Instructions for Making Fudgy Reese’s Brownies

Ready to dive in? Here are the simple steps to brownie bliss.

1. Preheat Your Equipment:
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it.

2. Combine Ingredients:
In a large bowl, melt the butter. Whisk in granulated sugar and brown sugar until smooth. Add eggs and vanilla, whisking until glossy.

3. Prepare Your Cooking Vessel:
Make sure your lined pan is ready, as the batter will come together quickly.

4. Assemble the Dish:
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Stir the dry mix into the wet ingredients until just combined. Fold in the chocolate chips and half the chopped Reese’s.

5. Cook to Perfection:
Spread the batter into the pan evenly. Sprinkle the remaining Reese’s and optional peanuts over the top. Bake for 28 to 32 minutes, until the edges are set and a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs.

6. Finishing Touches:
Cool completely in the pan for clean slicing. The flavors deepen as they cool.

7. Serve and Enjoy:
Cut into squares and serve as-is or warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Texture & Flavor Secrets

These brownies are the definition of fudgy. The cocoa powder and low flour ratio make the centers gooey and dense. Melted chocolate chips create soft chocolate pockets, while chopped Reese’s add contrast with creamy peanut butter and crunchy edges. The top gets slightly crisp, giving you that perfect bite through crackle, chew, and melt.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Getting that bakery-style result at home is easier than you think.

• Let brownies cool before slicing for clean edges.
• For extra gooey centers, take them out right as the center stops jiggling.
• Use parchment paper to lift the whole block out for easy cutting.
• Store in the fridge overnight for deeper flavor.

What to Avoid

Here’s how to steer clear of common baking pitfalls.

• Overbaking: Leads to dry, cakey brownies. Pull them out a little early.
• Overmixing: Stir just until combined or you’ll lose the fudgy texture.
• Using cold eggs: They won’t emulsify properly, leading to uneven texture.
• Skipping parchment: It makes cleanup and cutting way easier.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 9
Calories per serving: 320

Note: These are approximate values.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

You can make these brownies a day in advance and store them covered at room temperature. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze in a zip-top bag for up to 2 months. To reheat, microwave for 10 seconds for that just-baked warmth.

How to Serve Fudgy Reese’s Brownies

Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or drizzle with extra melted chocolate. Stack them high on a dessert platter, or wrap them up for lunchbox surprises. They pair beautifully with cold milk or strong coffee.

Creative Leftover Transformations

Turn leftovers into brownie sundaes or crumble them into milkshakes. Chop into tiny bits for topping on yogurt, or layer in a dessert parfait with whipped cream and berries.

Additional Tips

• Add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top before baking for a salty finish.
• For an even more intense peanut butter flavor, swirl in 2 tablespoons of creamy peanut butter.
• Freeze individual squares to grab whenever a craving hits.

Make It a Showstopper

Serve brownies stacked on a rustic wooden board, drizzled with chocolate and topped with more Reese’s chunks. Add a sprinkle of powdered sugar or crushed peanuts for texture and contrast.

Variations to Try

• Nutella Swirl: Add ribbons of Nutella through the batter before baking.
• Mocha Brownies: Add 1 teaspoon of instant espresso powder to the batter.
• Salted Caramel Topping: Drizzle caramel sauce over the top right after baking.
• Oreo Crunch: Fold in crushed Oreos with the Reese’s for added texture.
• Extra Peanut Butter: Use peanut butter chips along with chocolate chips.

FAQ’s

Q1: Can I double this recipe for a larger batch?
Yes, double the ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. Add 5 to 8 extra minutes to the bake time.

Q2: Can I make these without eggs?
Yes, use a flax egg or commercial egg replacer. The texture will be slightly less chewy.

Q3: What if I only have regular Reese’s, not minis?
Just chop them into smaller pieces before folding in.

Q4: Can I use dark chocolate chips instead?
Absolutely. It adds a deeper flavor and balances the sweetness.

Q5: Do they need to be refrigerated?
Not necessarily. Store at room temperature for 2 to 3 days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.

Q6: Can I use a glass baking dish?
Yes, but keep an eye on the bake time, as glass retains more heat.

Q7: How do I get that crackly top?
Make sure to whisk the eggs and sugar well until glossy before adding the dry ingredients.

Q8: Can I add nuts?
Definitely. Chopped walnuts or pecans work great with the peanut butter.

Q9: What’s the best cocoa powder to use?
Use unsweetened Dutch-processed cocoa for rich flavor and dark color.

Q10: How long do they last in the freezer?
Up to 2 months when tightly wrapped and stored in an airtight container.

Conclusion

These Fudgy Reese’s Brownies are pure dessert joy in square form. Easy to make, wildly satisfying, and guaranteed to disappear fast. Whether you’re baking for a party, a sweet craving, or just because it’s Tuesday, trust me, these brownies are always the right answer.

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