Hello, dessert enthusiasts! If you’re a fan of rich, fudgy brownies with a crunchy, nutty twist, you’re in for a treat. Today, we’re diving into the world of Peanut-Studded Milk Chocolate Brownies—a perfect blend of creamy milk chocolate and crunchy peanuts that will leave you craving more. Ready to indulge? Let’s get baking!
The Perfect Brownie Base
These brownies start with a classic fudgy base that’s enhanced by chunks of smooth milk chocolate and crunchy peanuts. The result is a dessert that’s both indulgent and irresistible.
Ingredients
- For the Brownies:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
- 1 cup milk chocolate chips or chopped milk chocolate
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- For the Peanut Topping:
- 1 cup roasted peanuts, roughly chopped
- ½ cup milk chocolate chips (for melting and drizzling, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
- Melt Butter and Chocolate: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter and milk chocolate over low heat, stirring constantly until smooth. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- Mix Ingredients: Whisk the sugar into the chocolate mixture until well combined. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the chocolate mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Add Peanuts: Fold in ¾ cup of the chopped peanuts. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly.
- Add Topping: Sprinkle the remaining peanuts over the top of the batter, pressing them lightly into the surface.
- Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs.
- Cool and Drizzle: Let the brownies cool completely in the pan. If desired, melt the remaining ½ cup of milk chocolate chips and drizzle over the cooled brownies for an extra touch of decadence.
- Cut and Serve: Lift the brownies out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang and cut into squares. Serve and enjoy!
Tips for Perfect Brownies
- Don’t Overmix: To keep your brownies fudgy, mix the batter just until combined.
- Check for Doneness: Brownies should be set around the edges but slightly soft in the center.
- Cool Completely: Allowing the brownies to cool before cutting helps them set and makes them easier to slice.
Serving Suggestions
These peanut-studded milk chocolate brownies are perfect on their own, but you can also pair them with:
- A Scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy vanilla complements the rich chocolate and crunchy peanuts.
- A Drizzle of Caramel Sauce: Add a touch of caramel for an extra layer of indulgence.
- A Glass of Cold Milk: A classic pairing that never disappoints.
Join the Sweet Talk
What’s your favorite brownie variation? Share your thoughts or any creative twists you’ve tried with brownies in the comments below. I’d love to hear your sweet ideas!
Final Thoughts
These Peanut-Studded Milk Chocolate Brownies are the perfect treat for any chocolate lover. With their rich flavor, gooey texture, and delightful crunch, they’re sure to become a go-to recipe in your dessert repertoire. Enjoy every decadent bite!