Averie Cooks

0 Preheat oven to 350F. Line an 8-inch square pan with aluminum foil leaving overhang and spray with cooking spray, or grease and flour the pan; set aside.
1 In a large microwave-safe bowl, add the butter, chocolate, and heat on high power to melt, about 2 minutes. Stop to check and stir after 1 minute. Heat in 15-second increments until chocolate has melted and mixture can be stirred smooth. Allow mixture to cool momentarily before adding the eggs so they don’t scramble.
2 Add the eggs, sugar, vanilla, optional coffee, optional espresso granules (neither make brownies taste like coffee and both enhance and round out the chocolate flavor), optional salt, and whisk vigorously to combine.
3 Add the flour, salt, and stir until smooth and combined without overmixing.
4 Turn batter out into prepared pan, smoothing the top lightly with a spatula as necessary.
5 Evenly add the peanut butter cups to the brownies using three rows of three. Using your finger, gently push each peanut butter cup down so it’s flush with the batter.
6 Bake for about 26 to 27 minutes, or until center has just set and is no longer glossy. A toothpick should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs, but no batter. Allow brownies to cool in pan on top of a wire rack for at least 1 hour before slicing and serving. The peanut butter cups will likely become very melty and messy if you slice too early. Brownies will keep airtight at room temp for up to 1 week, in the fridge for up to 2 weeks, or in the freezer for up to 6 months. I prefer these brownies slightly chilled and store them in the fridge.
7 Adapted from The Best Turtle Brownies