If you’re a fan of classic peanut butter blossom cookies but are looking for a fun and easy variation, these Peanut Butter Blossom Bars are perfect for you! Combining the rich, chewy goodness of peanut butter bars with the iconic chocolate kiss topping, these bars are sure to become a new favorite in your dessert repertoire.
Ingredients:
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup creamy peanut butter
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2/3 cup milk chocolate chips
24 Hershey’s Kisses
Directions:
Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agent and seasoning.
Cream Butter and Peanut Butter: In a larger bowl, beat together the softened butter and creamy peanut butter until smooth and creamy. Add granulated sugar and brown sugar, then continue to beat until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Add Egg and Vanilla: Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined. This adds moisture and flavor to the dough.
Combine Ingredients: Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the bars tender.
Fold in Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the milk chocolate chips for a touch of chocolatey goodness in every bite.
Bake the Bars: Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-22 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
Add Hershey’s Kisses: Immediately press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each bar while they are still hot from the oven. The heat will help the kisses adhere to the bars.
Cool and Slice: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares.
Serving Tips:
Cooling: Ensure the bars are completely cooled before cutting to avoid crumbling. This also helps the chocolate kisses set properly.
Cutting: Use a sharp knife to cut the bars into even squares. For clean cuts, you can lightly grease the knife or use a plastic knife.
Presentation: For a festive touch, sprinkle a bit of sea salt or mini chocolate chips on top before serving. You can also arrange the bars on a decorative platter or tiered stand for a beautiful presentation at parties or gatherings.
Pairing: These bars pair well with a glass of cold milk, a hot cup of coffee, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert.
Storage Tips:
Room Temperature: Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. This helps maintain their chewy texture and keeps them fresh.
Refrigeration: For longer storage, you can refrigerate the bars. Place them in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out. They will keep in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
Freezing: If you want to store them for an extended period, you can freeze the bars. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Avoid Freezer Burn: When freezing, ensure the bars are well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn, which can affect texture and flavor.
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FAQs:
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Yes, you can use crunchy peanut butter if you prefer a bit of extra texture in your bars. Just keep in mind that the texture of the bars will be slightly different, with added crunch from the peanut pieces.
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! Peanut Butter Blossom Bars can be made in advance. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or refrigerate them for up to two weeks. You can also freeze the bars for up to three months for longer storage.
What can I substitute for Hershey’s Kisses?
If you don’t have Hershey’s Kisses on hand, you can substitute with other types of chocolate candies, such as chocolate chips, mini peanut butter cups, or even chopped chocolate. Just ensure the substitute is placed on top of the bars while they are still warm so it melts slightly and adheres.
How do I prevent the chocolate kisses from melting too much?
To prevent the Hershey’s Kisses from melting too much, be sure to press them into the bars immediately after removing them from the oven while they are still hot. Avoid pressing too hard, as this can cause the chocolate to spread excessively. If you notice the kisses melting too much, you can chill the bars briefly in the refrigerator to help them set.
Conclusion:
These Peanut Butter Blossom Bars offer the perfect balance of chewy peanut butter flavor with a sweet, melty chocolate kiss on top. They are incredibly easy to make and perfect for sharing at gatherings, potlucks, or just as a treat to enjoy with a glass of milk. The bars are also great for making ahead of time, as they store well in an airtight container.
📖 Recipe:
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Peanut Butter Blossom Bars
- Total Time: 37 minutes
- Yield: 24 bars
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these Peanut Butter Blossom Bars, a delightful twist on the classic peanut butter blossom cookies. Chewy, rich peanut butter bars are topped with a sweet Hershey’s Kiss, making them a perfect treat for any occasion. Easy to make and irresistibly delicious, these bars are sure to become a new favorite in your dessert collection.
Ingredients
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup creamy peanut butter
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2/3 cup milk chocolate chips
24 Hershey’s Kisses
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- In a larger bowl, cream the butter and peanut butter until smooth and creamy. Add granulated sugar and brown sugar, and beat until light and fluffy.
- Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
- Gently fold in the milk chocolate chips.
- Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake for 20-22 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
- Immediately press a Hershey’s Kiss into the top of each bar while they are still hot from the oven.
- Let the bars cool completely in the pan before slicing them into squares.
Notes
For a variation, you can use crunchy peanut butter for added texture.
If you prefer less sweetness, you can reduce the amount of granulated sugar and brown sugar slightly.
Store leftovers in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 24 bars
- Calories: 210 kcal
