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