For the brownies:
1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick), melted
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp baking powder

For the peanut butter swirl:
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
2 tbsp powdered sugar (optional, for sweetness)

Instructions
1. Preheat oven: 350°F (175°C). Grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.

2. Make brownie batter: In a medium bowl, whisk melted butter and sugar until smooth. Add eggs and vanilla, whisk until glossy. Stir in cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder until just combined (don’t overmix).

3. Make PB swirl: In a small bowl, mix peanut butter and powdered sugar until smooth.

4. Assemble: Pour brownie batter into the pan. Drop spoonfuls of peanut butter mixture over the batter and use a knife to swirl gently.

5. Bake: 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter).

6. Cool & cut: Let cool completely before slicing into squares.

Tips for extra decadence:
• Add chocolate chips to the brownie batter for a double-chocolate hit.
• Warm slightly before serving and top with vanilla ice cream.

3. Red Velvet Brownies

Ingredients

For the brownies:
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tbsp cocoa powder
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 tsp salt
2 tbsp red food coloring
1 tsp white vinegar
1/2 tsp baking soda

For the cream cheese swirl:
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions