Peanut Butter Blossom Bars Recipe

The Perfect Peanut Butter Blossom Bars Recipe for Sweet Cravings

Crafting delightful peanut butter blossom bars brings pure joy to any kitchen adventure.

Soft, chewy squares combine classic flavors that remind you of childhood cookie memories.

Sweet chocolate kisses nestle perfectly atop rich, buttery bases waiting to melt in your mouth.

Minimal ingredients create maximum happiness with this simple dessert treat.

Baking becomes an effortless experience when you follow these straightforward steps.

Creamy peanut butter layers promise delicious moments of pure indulgence.

One bite will transport you to comfort and happiness.

Why Peanut Butter Blossom Bars Are Always A Win

  • Boost Baking Skills: Perfect recipe for bakers looking to enhance their dessert-making techniques with simple steps and professional results.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Treat: Guaranteed to delight both kids and adults with its irresistible combination of peanut butter and chocolate Kisses.
  • Quick Family Dessert: Super simple recipe that requires minimal ingredients and preparation, making it ideal for busy households seeking a sweet homemade treat.
  • Versatile Party Snack: Excellent for potlucks, school events, and casual gatherings where people crave a classic, comforting dessert that everyone will love.

What You’ll Use For Peanut Butter Blossom Bars

For the Base:
  • Butter: Provides rich, creamy flavor and helps create a tender texture.
  • Peanut Butter: Adds a nutty, smooth taste and contributes to the dense cookie base.
  • Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Create sweetness and help develop a golden, caramelized exterior.
For the Binding:
  • Eggs: Bind ingredients together and provide structure to the cookie bars.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor with a warm, aromatic note.
For the Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Forms the structural foundation of the cookie bars.
  • Baking Soda, Salt: Help with leavening and balance the sweetness of the recipe.
For the Topping:
  • Hershey's Kisses: Chocolate candies that create a delightful centerpiece for each bar.
  • Additional Granulated Sugar: Provides a sweet, sparkling coating for the chocolate Kisses.

Steps To Make Peanut Butter Blossom Bars

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Warm up the oven to 350°F. Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, letting it hang slightly over the edges for easy lifting later.

Step 2: Create Creamy Base

In a large mixing bowl, blend together:
  • Softened butter
  • Peanut butter
  • Granulated sugar
  • Brown sugar

Whip these ingredients until they become light and airy, which takes about 3-4 minutes.

Step 3: Add Moisture and Flavor

Drop in eggs one by one, mixing completely after each addition. Pour in vanilla extract and blend until everything is smooth and well combined.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, sift together:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking soda
  • Salt

Gently fold these dry ingredients into the wet mixture until a consistent dough forms.

Step 5: Spread and Smooth

Transfer the dough into the prepared pan. Press it down evenly, creating a flat and compact surface.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Place the pan in the preheated oven. Bake for 18-22 minutes until the edges turn golden brown and the center looks set but slightly soft.

Step 7: Prepare Chocolate Kisses

Remove the blondies from the oven. Roll unwrapped Hershey’s Kisses in additional granulated sugar.

Step 8: Add Chocolate Crowns

While the blondies are still warm, gently press the sugar-coated Kisses into the surface, distributing them evenly across the top.

Step 9: Cool and Set

Let the blondies cool completely in the pan for about an hour. Use the parchment paper to lift and transfer to a cutting board.

Step 10: Slice and Serve

Cut into squares, ensuring each piece features a delightful chocolate Kiss. Serve at room temperature and enjoy!

Pro Tips For Peanut Butter Blossom Bars Success

  • Select Sugar-Coated Kisses: Roll unwrapped Hershey's Kisses in granulated sugar before pressing into warm bars for extra sparkle and sweet crunch.
  • Achieve Perfect Texture: Mix wet ingredients thoroughly and fold dry ingredients gently to prevent overmixing, which can create tough bars.
  • Ensure Even Baking: Use parchment paper with slight overhang for easy removal and smooth, consistent bar thickness across the pan.
  • Master Cooling Technique: Let bars cool completely in pan for one hour to set chocolate and develop rich, cohesive flavor profile.
  • Precision Cutting Tips: Use a sharp knife and wipe blade clean between cuts to create neat, uniform squares with centered chocolate Kisses.

Yummy Spins On Peanut Butter Blossom Bars

  • Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Variation: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free blend for a celiac-friendly version. Maintain same measurements and baking technique for consistent texture.
  • Vegan Peanut Butter Base: Substitute butter with coconut oil, eggs with mashed banana or flax eggs, and use dairy-free chocolate kisses. Adjust wet ingredients proportionally to maintain moisture.
  • Low-Sugar Healthier Option: Use monk fruit sweetener instead of granulated sugar, reduce overall sugar content by 30%, and incorporate rolled oats for added fiber and nutrition. Consider using dark chocolate kisses for antioxidant benefits.
  • Nutty Alternative: Mix chopped almonds or pecans into the dough for extra crunch and depth of flavor. Sprinkle additional chopped nuts on top alongside chocolate kisses for enhanced texture and richness.

What Goes Great With Peanut Butter Blossom Bars

  • Savor Sweet Harmony: Perfect Pairings
  • Creamy Milk Complement: Pair with cold, fresh whole milk that balances the rich peanut butter and chocolate flavors, creating a classic dessert experience.
  • Wine Indulgence Pairing: Select a sweet dessert wine like Moscato or Port, which enhances the chocolate's depth and complements the cookie's buttery texture.
  • Coffee Companion Match: Brew a medium roast coffee with subtle caramel notes that cut through the sweetness and highlight the peanut butter's nutty undertones.
  • Dessert Contrast Technique: Serve alongside vanilla bean ice cream to provide a cool, smooth counterpoint to the warm, chewy cookie base.

How To Store Peanut Butter Blossom Bars Properly

  • Store cooled bars in an airtight container between layers of parchment paper for up to 5 days. Keep away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
  • Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe zip-lock bags. Freeze for maximum 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before serving.
  • Place bars in sealed container at room temperature for 2-3 days. Ensure environment is cool and dry to prevent chocolate from melting.
  • Warm slightly in microwave for 10-15 seconds to restore softness. Alternatively, let bars sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before enjoying crisp texture.

Peanut Butter Blossom Bars Questions Answered

  • Why do I need to roll the Hershey's Kisses in sugar before pressing them into the bars?

Rolling the Kisses in sugar creates a beautiful, sparkly exterior and prevents them from sticking together, giving each Kiss a delicate, sugary coating that enhances the overall texture and appearance of the bars.

  • Can I use different types of chocolate for the Kisses?

Absolutely! While Hershey’s Kisses are traditional, you can experiment with other chocolate varieties like milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even caramel-filled Kisses to create your own unique flavor profile.

  • How do I ensure the bars have a soft, chewy texture?

To maintain a soft and chewy texture, be careful not to overbake the bars. Remove them from the oven when the edges are golden brown but the center still looks slightly soft. The bars will continue to set as they cool.

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Peanut Butter Blossom Bars Recipe

Peanut Butter Blossom Bars Recipe


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4.8 from 40 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 42 minutes
  • Yield: 24 1x

Description

Sweet nostalgia meets modern dessert in these irresistible peanut butter blossom bars that blend classic cookie charm with convenient bar form. Chocolate kisses nestled into rich peanut butter base promise delightful moments perfect for sharing with friends and family.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar

Binding Ingredients:

  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/4 tsp salt

Topping Ingredients:

  • 24 Hershey’s Kisses
  • 2 tbsp granulated sugar (for rolling)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing slight overhang for easy removal.
  2. Cream together softened butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar in a large mixing bowl until light and fluffy, approximately 3-4 minutes.
  3. Incorporate eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition, then blend in vanilla extract until completely combined.
  4. Sift together flour, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl, then gradually fold into the wet mixture until a smooth, uniform dough forms.
  5. Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan, creating a compact and level surface.
  6. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown and the center appears set but slightly soft.
  7. Remove from oven and immediately roll the unwrapped Hershey’s Kisses in additional granulated sugar.
  8. While the bars are still warm, gently press the sugar-coated Kisses into the surface, spacing them evenly across the top.
  9. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan for approximately 1 hour, then use the parchment paper to lift and transfer to a cutting board.
  10. Slice into squares, ensuring each piece contains a chocolate Kiss, and serve at room temperature.

Notes

  • Soft Butter Matters: Use room temperature butter for smoother, more evenly blended dough that ensures consistent texture throughout the bars.
  • Sugar Coating Trick: Roll Hershey’s Kisses in granulated sugar before pressing into warm bars to create a delicate, sparkling exterior that adds extra sweetness.
  • Gluten-Free Adaptation: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to make these bars suitable for those with wheat sensitivities without compromising taste or texture.
  • Storage Secret: Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain freshness.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 22 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 24
  • Calories: 180
  • Sugar: 10 g
  • Sodium: 100 mg
  • Fat: 9 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 24 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
Truc Tran (Kris)

Truc Tran (Kris)

Senior Food Editor

Expertise

Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert

Education

  • Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) at TasTAFE
  • Culinary Arts at Kendall College (Australia Branch in Sydney)
  • Vietnamese Cuisine Head Chef at HNAAu School (Vietnam, International Joint Training Program)

Truc Tran (Kris), an experienced food writer and editor, is great at exploring and describing global cuisines, from simple street food to fancy dining. In her writing, she skillfully mixes different flavors, cooking methods, and culinary traditions, showing the unique character of various cultures through their food and drinks. On azcuisines.com, Kris highlights her knowledge, especially in Asian cuisine and worldwide traditional dishes.

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