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Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or opting for an ungreased cookie sheet. This step ensures that your cookies bake evenly and won’t stick to the pan.
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the fudge brownie mix, vanilla extract, cornstarch, melted butter, softened cream cheese, and egg. Use a hand mixer on medium speed to blend the mixture until it becomes smooth. Be prepared, as the dough will be quite sticky, which is perfectly fine for the texture of the cookies.
Next, scoop the brownie dough using a spoon or cookie scoop to form balls approximately 1 to 1.5 tablespoons in size. Place these dough balls onto the prepared cookie sheet, ensuring they are evenly spaced. Take a moment to smooth down the edges of each scoop to give your cookies a neat, round shape prior to baking.
Slide the baking sheet into the oven and allow your cookies to bake for around 12 minutes. Keep an eye on them; they should be set around the edges while still remaining soft in the center. This method is what gives these cookies their signature chewy, brownie-like texture.
Meanwhile, take this opportunity to prepare the delightful peanut butter balls. In a separate mixing bowl, combine the powdered sugar with the creamy peanut butter. Stir until both ingredients are thoroughly mixed together, then take portions of this mixture and roll them into small balls, each about one inch in diameter. Set the peanut butter balls aside for later assembly.
As your cookies reach the 12-minute mark, remove them from the oven. While they are still warm, gently press a peanut butter ball into the center of each cookie. The heat from the cookies will slightly soften the peanut butter, creating a delicious melding of flavors.
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for approximately 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is essential, as it helps firm up the cookies, making them easier to handle.
While the cookies are cooling, it's time to prepare the chocolate topping. In a microwave-safe bowl, measure out the semi-sweet chocolate chips. Heat them for 30 seconds in the microwave, checking and stirring after each interval until the chocolate is smooth and completely melted.
Once your cookies are completely cooled, use a spoon to drizzle about half a tablespoon of the melted chocolate on top of each cookie, ensuring you cover the peanut butter ball entirely. Give the chocolate a moment to set before serving or storing your cookies.
Tips and Conclusion
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