Irresistible Peanut Butter Blossom Bars Recipe for Sweet Smiles

Soft, chewy peanut butter blossom bars have become my ultimate comfort dessert.

Memories of childhood baking adventures flood back with each delightful bite.

Chocolate kisses nestled perfectly atop rich, buttery squares create pure magic.

Sweet crumbs melt seamlessly, promising a nostalgic treat that feels like home.

Nobody can resist these delectable bars with their perfect balance of chocolate and peanut butter.

We crave something that speaks directly to our inner child’s love of simple pleasures.

Go ahead and indulge in this irresistible recipe that turns a classic cookie into an easy-to-share bar sensation.

Why Peanut Butter Blossom Bars Are A Sweet Hit

• Bake with Minimal Effort: Enjoy a straightforward recipe that requires simple mixing and basic baking skills, perfect for both novice and experienced bakers.
• Customize for Every Crowd: Adaptable dessert that works wonderfully for family gatherings, potlucks, school events, and casual celebrations with its universally loved peanut butter and chocolate combination.
• Create Delightful Texture Contrast: Experience a soft, chewy bar base complemented by the smooth melted chocolate kiss on top, delivering a satisfying mouthfeel that keeps everyone coming back for more.
• Prep in a Flash: Quick preparation process with minimal ingredients and steps, allowing you to go from mixing bowl to delicious treat in just a few simple actions.

What You’ll Need For Peanut Butter Blossom Bars

• Butter: A creamy ingredient that provides richness and helps bind the bar together.
• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Sweet components that add depth of flavor and contribute to the bar's texture.
• Egg: A binding agent that helps create a smooth and cohesive dough.
• Vanilla Extract: An aromatic flavoring that enhances the overall taste of the bars.
• Peanut Butter: A rich, nutty ingredient that gives the bars their signature flavor and creamy texture.

• All-Purpose Flour: The primary structural component that provides substance to the bars.
• Baking Soda: A leavening agent that helps the bars rise and achieve a light texture.

• Peanut Butter Chips, Hershey's Kisses Chocolates: Delightful additions that provide extra bursts of peanut and chocolate flavor.
• Powdered Sugar: A delicate finishing touch that adds a sweet, decorative layer to the bars.

How To Make Peanut Butter Blossom Bars At Home

Step 1: Prepare Baking Setup

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

Step 2: Create Creamy Base

• Softened butter
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar

Whip these ingredients until they become light, fluffy, and perfectly combined.

Step 3: Add Moisture Ingredients

Mix in egg and vanilla extract thoroughly, ensuring a smooth and consistent texture develops in the mixture.

Step 4: Incorporate Peanut Butter

Fold in creamy peanut butter, stirring carefully to distribute the nutty flavor evenly throughout the mixture.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, combine flour and baking soda. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until a cohesive dough forms.

Step 6: Add Peanut Butter Chips

Gently fold peanut butter chips into the dough, spreading them evenly to create delightful pockets of extra flavor.

Step 7: Spread Dough

Transfer the dough to the prepared baking pan. Press down firmly to create an even, smooth layer across the entire pan.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 20-25 minutes. Look for golden brown edges and a center that appears set but still slightly soft.

Step 9: Top with Chocolate Kisses

Immediately after removing from the oven, press Hershey’s Kisses chocolates into the warm surface. Space them evenly across the bars.

Step 10: Cool Completely

Let the bars cool at room temperature for about 1 hour, allowing them to set fully.

Step 11: Prepare for Serving

Use the parchment paper edges to lift the bars out of the pan. Transfer to a cutting board.

Step 12: Final Touch

Dust the top with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar for an elegant finish.

Step 13: Slice and Serve

Cut into squares, ensuring each piece contains a chocolate kiss. Serve and enjoy these delectable treats!

Helpful Tips For Peanut Butter Blossom Bars

• Prep Perfectly: Line the baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal and clean slicing of bars.
• Mix Masterfully: Cream butter and sugars thoroughly to create a light, fluffy base that ensures soft, tender bars.
• Chocolate Kiss Placement: Press Hershey's Kisses into warm bars immediately after baking to help them slightly melt and adhere to the surface.
• Cool Completely: Let bars cool entirely at room temperature to set properly and develop a perfect texture.
• Powdered Sugar Finish: Dust with powdered sugar for an elegant touch that adds a delicate sweetness and professional presentation.

Fun Twists On Peanut Butter Blossom Bars

• Gluten-Free Peanut Butter Bars: Replace regular flour with almond flour or gluten-free baking mix to create a celiac-friendly version without compromising taste or texture.
• Chocolate Almond Variation: Swap peanut butter chips with chocolate chips and add sliced almonds for a nutty, rich alternative that enhances the dessert's complexity.
• Vegan Peanut Butter Bars: Use coconut oil instead of butter, replace egg with flax egg, and select dairy-free chocolate kisses to craft a plant-based friendly treat that maintains the original recipe's indulgent feel.
• Low-Sugar Option: Substitute granulated sugar with monk fruit sweetener and use sugar-free chocolate kisses, reducing overall calories while preserving the classic peanut butter bar experience.

What To Pair With Peanut Butter Blossom Bars

• Savor Sweet Symphony: Perfect Pairings
• Brew Rich Coffee Match: Dark roast or espresso complements the peanut butter's deep, nutty richness and cuts through the dessert's sweetness with bold, robust flavor profiles.
• Creamy Milk Companion: Cold, whole milk creates a smooth counterpoint to the dense, rich bar, cleansing the palate and enhancing the chocolate and peanut butter notes.
• Nutty Whiskey Elegance: Smooth bourbon or whiskey with caramel undertones mirrors the dessert's warmth, providing a sophisticated adult pairing that elevates the bar's complex flavors.
• Crisp Apple Contrast: Fresh, tart apple slices offer a refreshing, light counterbalance to the dense, sweet bars, adding a bright, clean element to each rich bite.

Storage Tips For Peanut Butter Blossom Bars

• Store cooled peanut butter bars in a sealed container for up to 5 days, placing parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking and maintain chocolate kiss integrity.
• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bag. Freeze up to 3 months, preserving texture and flavor for future enjoyment.
• Keep bars at room temperature in covered container for 2-3 days, away from direct sunlight and heat sources to prevent chocolate melting.
• Warm refrigerated bars in microwave for 10-15 seconds or in oven at 300°F for 5 minutes, ensuring gentle heating to maintain soft texture and prevent chocolate from burning.

FAQs About Peanut Butter Blossom Bars

• Can I use a different type of nut butter instead of peanut butter?

Yes, you can substitute almond butter or cashew butter for a different flavor profile while maintaining a similar texture.

• Are Hershey's Kisses necessary for this recipe?

While they add a chocolate accent, you can replace them with chocolate chips or another chocolate topping if preferred.

• How do I ensure the bars stay soft and chewy?

Don’t overbake the bars. Remove them from the oven when the edges are golden but the center is still slightly soft to maintain a tender texture.

• Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes, simply replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum for the best results.

Peanut Butter Blossom Bars Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Irresistible peanut butter blossom bars combine classic cookie charm with nostalgic comfort. Sweet chocolate kisses nestle atop rich, crumbly peanut butter base, inviting you to savor each delectable bite of this simple, crowd-pleasing dessert.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Baking Essentials:

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

Peanut Butter Component:

• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1/2 cup peanut butter chips
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp baking soda

Chocolate Topping:

• 24 Hershey’s Kisses chocolates
• 2 tbsp powdered sugar (for dusting)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

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. In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, creating a smooth base for the bars.
3. Incorporate the egg and vanilla extract into the butter mixture, mixing until fully combined and creating a uniform texture.
4. Gradually fold in the creamy peanut butter, ensuring a complete and even integration of the nutty element.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour and baking soda, then slowly add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until a cohesive dough forms.
6. Gently fold in the peanut butter chips, distributing them evenly throughout the dough for bursts of additional peanut flavor.
7. Transfer the dough to the prepared baking pan, pressing it down evenly and creating a smooth, compact layer.
8. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown and the center appears set but slightly soft.
9. Remove from the oven and immediately press Hershey’s Kisses chocolates into the warm surface, spacing them evenly across the bar.
10. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan for about 1 hour at room temperature.
11. Once cooled, lift the bars out using the parchment paper overhang and transfer to a cutting board.
12. Dust the top with powdered sugar, creating a delicate, sweet finish.
13. Slice into squares, ensuring each piece contains a chocolate kiss, and serve.

Notes

• Customize the peanut butter base by using almond or sunflower seed butter for nut-free variations, perfect for allergy-sensitive diners.
• Ensure butter is at room temperature for smoother creaming, which creates a more tender and even bar texture.
• Chill the dough for 15-20 minutes before baking to prevent excessive spreading and maintain a more compact bar shape.
• Press Hershey’s Kisses gently into the warm bars to prevent cracking, allowing the residual heat to slightly melt the chocolate for a glossy finish.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 14 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 25 mg