Brownie-Peanut Butter Gems

Yield: 24

Prep: 10 mins
Start to Finish: 45 mins

Ingredients

1/2 cup whipped cream cheese, at room temperature
1/4 cup reduced-fat peanut butter
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 large egg
24 mini paper baking cups
1 stick unsalted butter, cut up
4 ounces bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2 large eggs
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup chopped peanuts

Directions

1. Make filling: Beat together cream cheese, peanut butter, sugar, and egg in a large bowl on high speed until combined well; set aside.

2. Make brownie batter: Preheat oven to 350 degree F and arrange rack in center. Line 1 (24-cup) mini muffin pan with baking cups. heat together butter and chocolate in a medium saucepan over moderately low heat, stirring until melted. Remove from heat; stir in sugars and extract until combined well. Add eggs, 1 at a time, stirring vigorously after each addition, until combined well. Add flour and salt; stir until just combined.

3. Divide batter among baking cups. Spoon filling into a small pastry bag fitted with a 1/4-inch plain tip. With tip slightly inserted into center of batter, pipe about 1 teaspoon filling into batter in each cup, allowing a small amount to show on tops. Sprinkle with nuts.

4. Bake until brownies are puffed and set, 12 to 15 minutes. Transfer pan to rack and let cool 5 minutes. Remove brownies from pan and place on rack to cool completely. (can be made ahead. Store in an airtight container, chilled, up to 2 days. Bring to room temperature before serving.) Makes 24.