The swirl of peanut butter, the crunch of colorful candy-coated chocolates, and the gooey allure of fudgy brownies—this recipe combines everything you love about monster cookies with the decadence of brownies. It’s one of those desserts that you find yourself thinking about long after the first bite. Honestly, I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve made these for family gatherings, birthday parties, or just because I was craving something sweet and indulgent. If you’re looking for a recipe that’s equal parts fun, nostalgic, and downright delicious, these Monster Cookie Brownies are it!
This recipe was born out of a love for combining textures and flavors. It’s that perfect balance of soft, chewy brownie meets crunchy peanut butter cookie. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a dessert loaded with candy pieces? Whether you’re baking for kids or satisfying your own sweet tooth, these brownies are guaranteed to be a hit. Plus, they’re surprisingly simple to whip up, so they’re ideal for busy bakers or last-minute dessert emergencies.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect Combination of Flavors: Decadent chocolate brownies topped with peanut butter and candy pieces—it’s a match made in dessert heaven.
- Simple Ingredients: You don’t need anything fancy; most ingredients are pantry staples.
- Fun & Kid-Friendly: The colorful candies make this dessert extra appealing to kids (and adults who love playful treats).
- No Fuss Prep: Comes together in under an hour, making it ideal for parties or weeknight cravings.
- Versatile Recipe: Easily adapt it to suit dietary needs or preferences.
- Impressively Delicious: The fudgy texture combined with crunchy cookie toppings creates a dessert that feels indulgent yet approachable.
What sets these Monster Cookie Brownies apart is the layering of flavors. You get the rich chocolate base, the creamy peanut butter swirls, and the delightful crunch of candy-coated chocolates. Every bite is an adventure for your taste buds!
What Ingredients You Will Need
This recipe uses simple, approachable ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need:
- For the Brownie Base:
- 1 cup (230g) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (100g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- For the Monster Cookie Topping:
- 1/2 cup (125g) creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup (100g) candy-coated chocolates (like M&M’s)
- 1/4 cup (50g) mini chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup (50g) chopped peanuts (optional, for extra crunch)
Feel free to substitute ingredients as needed. For example, use almond flour for a gluten-free option, or swap peanut butter for almond butter if you prefer.
Equipment Needed
You don’t need much to make these Monster Cookie Brownies, but here’s a quick rundown:
- Mixing bowls (one for wet ingredients, one for dry)
- Whisk or electric hand mixer
- Spatula for folding ingredients
- 9×13-inch baking pan
- Parchment paper (to make cleanup easier!)
- Offset spatula or spoon for swirling peanut butter
If you don’t have a 9×13-inch pan, you can use two smaller pans—just adjust baking time slightly.
Preparation Method
- Preheat your oven: Set it to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
- Mix the wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and sugar until combined. Add the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Gradually fold the dry mixture into the wet ingredients until fully incorporated.
- Pour the batter: Transfer the brownie batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Prepare the topping: Dollop spoonfuls of peanut butter over the brownie batter. Use an offset spatula or knife to swirl it gently into the batter.
- Add the crunch: Sprinkle the candy-coated chocolates, mini chocolate chips, and chopped peanuts over the top.
- Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. The brownies should be set but slightly gooey in the center.
- Cool completely: Let the brownies cool in the pan for at least 20 minutes before removing and slicing.
The key to perfect brownies is not overbaking—watch carefully during the last few minutes!
Cooking Tips & Techniques
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, fold gently to keep the brownies fudgy.
- Use Room Temperature Eggs: This helps the batter mix evenly and create a smoother texture.
- Swirl Strategically: Don’t over-swirl the peanut butter; you want distinct ribbons throughout the brownies.
- Cool Before Cutting: Letting the brownies cool completely ensures clean, even slices.
- Customize the Toppings: Add your favorite nuts, dried fruit, or even pretzels for a fun twist.
Variations & Adaptations
- Gluten-Free Option: Replace the all-purpose flour with almond flour or gluten-free baking flour.
- Nut-Free Version: Skip the peanut butter and use sunflower seed butter or cookie butter instead.
- Seasonal Twist: Swap candy-coated chocolates for holiday-themed candies (like red and green for Christmas).
- Vegan Adaptation: Use plant-based butter, flax eggs, and dairy-free chocolate chips.
One variation I’ve tried is adding a sprinkle of sea salt over the top before baking—highly recommend it for a salty-sweet combo!
Serving & Storage Suggestions
Monster Cookie Brownies are best served slightly warm, with the chocolate still melty. Pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for the ultimate dessert experience.
To store:
- Room Temperature: Keep brownies in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerator: Store for up to a week; let them come to room temperature before serving.
- Freezer: Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge or microwave briefly to enjoy.
Nutritional Information & Benefits
While these brownies are definitely indulgent, they include wholesome ingredients like cocoa powder and peanuts, which are rich in antioxidants and healthy fats. Here’s an approximate breakdown per serving:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Protein: 4g
If you’re looking for a lower-sugar option, you can use sugar-free candies and swap some of the sugar for a natural sweetener like monk fruit.
Conclusion
These Ultimate Monster Cookie Fudgy Brownies are the kind of dessert that makes you smile with every bite. They’re rich, gooey, and packed with fun textures and flavors that everyone will love. Whether you’re baking these for a party or just treating yourself, they’re sure to become one of your go-to recipes.
If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear your thoughts! Share your adaptations or let me know how they turned out in the comments below. And don’t forget to save or share this recipe for the next time you need a show-stopping treat. Happy baking!
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Yes! Crunchy peanut butter adds extra texture to the brownies and works beautifully in this recipe.
What’s the best way to cut brownies without them crumbling?
Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts. Chilling the brownies for 10-15 minutes before slicing also helps.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Definitely! Store them in an airtight container and they’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days at room temperature.
What’s the best substitute for candy-coated chocolates?
You can use chocolate chunks, chopped candy bars, or even dried fruit for a different twist.
How do I know when the brownies are done baking?
The edges should be set and the center slightly gooey. A toothpick inserted should come out with moist crumbs, not wet batter.
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