Peanut-Studded Milk Chocolate Brownies: A Deliciously Nutty Twist on a Classic
Looking for the perfect dessert that combines the rich, velvety goodness of milk chocolate with the crunch of peanuts? These Peanut-Studded Milk Chocolate Brownies are just what you need! These brownies are an irresistible treat, with a fudgy texture and a perfect balance of sweetness and saltiness from the peanuts. The milk chocolate melts beautifully into the brownie batter, creating pockets of gooey chocolate that contrast wonderfully with the crispy peanuts. These brownies are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a party, bringing a treat to a potluck, or just indulging in something sweet after dinner. Plus, they offer a slightly healthier alternative with the inclusion of peanuts, which provide protein, healthy fats, and a dose of fiber. Each bite is a decadent combination of flavors and textures you won’t be able to resist!
Total Time: 45-55 Minutes
Prep Time: 15 Minutes
Cook Time: 30-40 Minutes
Serves: 12-16 Brownies
Ingredients for Peanut-Studded Milk Chocolate Brownies
For the Brownie Batter:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup milk chocolate chips
- ¾ cup roasted peanuts, roughly chopped
For the Topping:
- ½ cup milk chocolate chips (for drizzling)
- ¼ cup roasted peanuts, roughly chopped (for garnish)
How to Make Peanut-Studded Milk Chocolate Brownies
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal after baking. This ensures your brownies come out smoothly and makes cleaning up a breeze.
Step 2: Make the Brownie Batter
In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and sugar. Stir until the sugar is fully dissolved. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then mix in the vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can result in dense brownies.
Step 3: Add Chocolate Chips and Peanuts
Once your batter is ready, gently fold in the milk chocolate chips and chopped peanuts. This will ensure that every bite of your brownies is packed with both chocolate and peanut goodness. The chocolate chips will melt into the batter, adding pockets of creamy chocolate throughout the brownies, while the peanuts add a satisfying crunch.
Step 4: Bake the Brownies
Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with only a few moist crumbs. For fudgier brownies, bake for a shorter time; for firmer brownies, bake a bit longer. Keep an eye on them to prevent overbaking.
Step 5: Add the Toppings and Cool
Once the brownies are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes. While they cool, melt the remaining ½ cup of milk chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl or over a double boiler. Drizzle the melted chocolate over the cooled brownies and top with the remaining chopped peanuts for an extra crunch.
Allow the brownies to cool completely before cutting them into squares. This ensures they set properly and gives you clean, perfect slices. Enjoy!
Tips for the Best Peanut-Studded Milk Chocolate Brownies
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Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, it’s important not to overmix the batter. Overmixing can lead to tough brownies. Stir until just combined for the best texture and flavor.
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Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet brownie, you can reduce the amount of sugar slightly or opt for dark chocolate chips instead of milk chocolate. Dark chocolate pairs beautifully with peanuts and adds a more complex, slightly bitter flavor that balances the sweetness of the brownies.
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Peanut Butter Option: For an even richer peanut flavor, try incorporating ¼ cup of peanut butter into the batter. The peanut butter will add creaminess and a deeper peanut taste that complements the roasted peanuts.
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Test for Doneness: Since ovens can vary, it’s important to check your brownies at the 30-minute mark and continue baking if necessary. For the perfect fudgy texture, the toothpick should come out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter.
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For Extra Fudginess: If you love ultra-fudgy brownies, you can reduce the flour by 2 tablespoons. This will make the brownies even denser and more indulgent.
Customization and Variations
The Peanut-Studded Milk Chocolate Brownies are easy to customize according to your preferences. If you’re a fan of other types of nuts, you can swap the peanuts for chopped almonds, walnuts, or even cashews for a unique twist. For those who like their brownies with a bit of spice, a pinch of cayenne pepper or cinnamon can be added to the batter to give the brownies an unexpected kick.
For a more decadent treat, try adding a layer of peanut butter spread in between the brownie batter before baking, or swirl some caramel sauce into the batter. These additions will make the brownies even richer and more indulgent.
Feel free to make adjustments based on your taste—whether it’s adding more chocolate chips, nuts, or even a sprinkle of sea salt on top for a salty-sweet contrast.
Serving Suggestions
These Peanut-Studded Milk Chocolate Brownies are the perfect treat for any occasion. Serve them at a family gathering, bring them to a potluck, or enjoy them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgence. The combination of warm, fudgy brownies and creamy ice cream is always a crowd-pleaser.
For a more sophisticated presentation, you can serve them on a platter with fresh berries or a drizzle of chocolate sauce. They also make a delightful addition to a dessert table at a celebration or holiday gathering.
These Peanut-Studded Milk Chocolate Brownies are sure to become a go-to recipe in your dessert rotation. With their irresistible combination of milk chocolate and crunchy peanuts, these brownies strike the perfect balance between rich, sweet, and salty. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just satisfying your sweet tooth, this recipe is sure to impress.
