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
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)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing slight overhang for easy removal.
- 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.
- Incorporate the egg and vanilla extract into the butter mixture, mixing until fully combined and creating a uniform texture.
- Gradually fold in the creamy peanut butter, ensuring a complete and even integration of the nutty element.
- 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.
- Gently fold in the peanut butter chips, distributing them evenly throughout the dough for bursts of additional peanut flavor.
- Transfer the dough to the prepared baking pan, pressing it down evenly and creating a smooth, compact layer.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown and the center appears set but slightly soft.
- Remove from the oven and immediately press Hershey’s Kisses chocolates into the warm surface, spacing them evenly across the bar.
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan for about 1 hour at room temperature.
- Once cooled, lift the bars out using the parchment paper overhang and transfer to a cutting board.
- Dust the top with powdered sugar, creating a delicate, sweet finish.
- 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