Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Cup Brownies

Hello, everyone! Nutmeg here! I have an amazing recipe for brownies! After you try these, you will be addicted! :) Hope you enjoy, and Happy Eating! :) ~Nutmeg


                     

Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Cup Brownies

                  For the chocolate chip layer:

                                     3/4 cup butter, softened

                                     3/4 cup brown sugar

                                     1/4 cup sugar

                                     1 large egg

                                     2 teaspoons vanilla extract

                                     2 cups all-purpose flour

                                     2 teaspoons cornstarch 

                                     1 teaspoon baking soda

                                     1/2 teaspoon salt

                                     1 cup chocolate chips

                                     2 cups mini Reese's peanut butter cups

                 Brownie layer: 

                                     1/2 cup butter

                                     8 ounces coarsely chopped bittersweet (or semi-sweet) bakers' chocolate

                                     1 1/4 cups sugar

                                     3 eggs

                                     1 teaspoon vanilla extract

                                     3/4 cup all-purpose flour

                                     1/4 teaspoon salt

                                     

                                     1 cup chocolate chips

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350*.

Make the brownie layer first, even though it goes on top. To do that, melt the butter and chocolate together in a saucepan on medium heat, stirring constantly, until melted. (This will take about 6 minutes) When it is melted, remove it from the heat and let it cool to room temperature. (this will be about 15 minutes) Meanwhile, make the chocolate chip cookie layer. (directions below) once the chocolate/butter mixture is cooled, stir in the sugar until it is combined. Add the eggs, one at a time, and mix well after each addition. Whisk in the vanilla, then gently fold in the flour and salt. Set aside. 

For the chocolate chip cookie layer, cream the butter and sugars, then add the eggs and vanilla. Add in the flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt. Add in the chocolate chips. The dough will be very thick and sticky. 

Spread the chocolate chip cookie dough into a greased 13x9 pan. Sprinkle the Reese's peanut butter cups on top, then pour the brownie batter on top. Sprinkle the chocolate chips on top of that, and bake for 20-26 minutes. The middle shouldn't jiggle when you shake the pan, and a toothpick inserted into the middle should come out relatively clean. Let the brownies cool for about and hour before cutting and serving, and enjoy! :) (WARNING: these brownies are VERY rich, but soo yummy! They are rather addicting...USE CAUTION)  ;)