Chocolate Peanut Butter Brownies

Yesterday was game night at our house and I made brownies to have something sweet after pizza and chips. This recipe comes from an uncle of mine and they have been made by so many of my family members that there are different takes on the recipe depending on who likes what. I, for instance like peanut butter and chocolate. My mom likes her brownies with a sprinkling of powdered sugar on top. I'm sure my husband would also like his topped with strawberries and ice cream. These brownies do come out a bit cakey at times but they do turn out delicious every time!

What You Need:
- 1 cup butter
- 2 cup sugar
- 4 eggs
- 1 1/2 cup flour
- 1/4 cup cocoa plus 2 Tbsp.
- 1/2 tsp. baking powder
- 1 tsp. vanilla
- pinch of salt
- 4 heaping Tbsp. peanut butter (creamy or chunky)
- mixing bowl
- 9 x 13 baking pan

How To Do It:
First, set your oven to 400° F and let it preheat. Cream together butter and sugar until well incorporated.

Next, add in four eggs. And beat until mixed well.

Once the eggs are beat into the mixture, add in flour, one half cup at a time. My picture shows the entire flour amount but that makes it hard to not mess up your cooking area.

After mixing in the flour, add in the cocoa, a little at a time.

After the cocoa is well incorporated, the next step is to add in the baking powder, vanilla, and salt. Mix them all in well. My picture shows all three added at the same time. You can do it this way or you can add them in one at a time.

Now is when you would add in the peanut butter if you choose. I also like chocolate chips. If I have them.

Mix the peanut butter in well. I used creamy peanut butter but chunky is equally delicious. Spread the mixture into a greased 9 x 13 pan and pop into the oven for 15 minutes. After that time, decrease your oven temperature to 350° F for an additional 15 minutes. This makes them bake all the way through without getting too crispy around the edges.

When a toothpick comes out clean, the brownies are done. After you pull them out, and they are still warm, sprinkling a bit of powdered sugar goes well.