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Easy bakes to give as gifts

Give family and friends the gift of something delicious with our selection of edible (and often postable!) treats that range from decadent brownies with a twist to classic shortbread and no-bake bars. Whatever your baking skill level, there's something for you.

Peanut butter brownie cookies
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Peanut butter brownie cookies

A brownie cookie or 'brookie' is the perfect combination of two of our favourite sweet treats. Swirl through peanut butter on the top of this bake to make it look like a real showstopper.

  1. Preheat the oven to gas 4, 180°C, fan 160°C. Grease and line a 26 x 17cm baking tin with nonstick baking paper. Start by making the cookie layer. Beat the butter and sugar in a mixing bowl with an electric whisk for 3-4 mins until light and fluffy. Whisk in the egg and vanilla until just combined.
  2. In a separate bowl, mix together the flour and bicarbonate of soda, then fold into the butter mixture, followed by the peanuts, until it just forms a dough. Transfer to the prepared tin; lightly press in with the back of a spoon to cover the bottom with no gaps. Chill for 30 mins.
  3. Meanwhile, make the brownie layer. Melt the butter and chocolate in a heatproof bowl set over a pan of barely simmering water (don’t let the water touch the bottom of the bowl). Stir briefly; remove from the heat and leave to cool for 10 mins.
  4. Whisk the eggs and sugar in a mixing bowl with an electric whisk for 3-4 mins until pale and fluffy. Fold in the melted chocolate, then sieve in the flour, cocoa and baking powder; fold in until just combined.
  5. Pour the mixture on top of the cookie base and dollop the peanut butter over the top (if it’s very stiff, warm it gently in a small pan first). Use a cutlery knife to swirl it into the brownie mixture. Bake for 40-45 mins until a skewer inserted in the centre comes out with just a few crumbs, and it still feels soft on top. Leave to cool completely in the tin before cutting into 16.

See more Mother's Day recipes

Freezing and defrosting guidelines
In order to enjoy optimum flavour and quality, frozen items are best used within 3 months of their freezing date. For more tips on freezing and defrosting food, read our article Love Your Freezer.

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  • Ingredients
  • For the cookie layer
  • 120g unsalted butter, softened and roughly cubed
  • 180g light brown soft sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 200g plain flour
  • ½ tsp bicarbonate of soda
  • 50g unsalted peanuts, roughly chopped
  • For the brownie layer
  • 65g unsalted butter, roughly cubed
  • 110g dark chocolate, roughly chopped
  • 2 large eggs
  • 135g golden caster sugar
  • 65g plain flour
  • 20g cocoa
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 80g crunchy peanut butter