Peanut Butter Blossom Bars Recipe

Best Peanut Butter Blossom Bars Recipe for Sweet-Tooth Lovers

Peanut butter blossom bars upgrade classic cookie memories into an irresistible dessert sensation that sparks joy with every bite.

Sweet nostalgia meets modern convenience in this delightful treat that reimagines a beloved childhood favorite.

Soft, chewy textures blend perfectly with rich, nutty flavors that dance across your palate.

Crumbly base layers create a delectable foundation for a dessert that feels both familiar and exciting.

Chocolate and peanut butter harmonize in a way that celebrates comfort and indulgence simultaneously.

Homemade goodness radiates from these bars, promising a simple yet impressive confection that delights everyone.

Simple ingredients and minimal effort guarantee a crowd-pleasing dessert that will become your new go-to sweet treat.

Peanut Butter Blossom Bars That Steal the Show

  • Effortless Crowd-Pleaser: These peanut butter blossom bars transform the classic cookie into a simple, shareable dessert that guests will devour instantly.
  • Textural Symphony: Enjoy a perfect balance of soft, chewy bar base with a smooth chocolate kiss nestled in the center, creating a delightful contrast of textures in every bite.
  • Quick Comfort Treat: Whip up this dessert in under 30 minutes, making it an ideal solution for sudden sweet cravings or last-minute gatherings with minimal fuss and maximum flavor satisfaction.

Ingredients You Need for Peanut Butter Blossom Bars

Base Ingredients:
  • Butter: Unsalted and softened, provides rich flavor and tender texture.
  • Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a soft, chewy bar.
  • Peanut Butter: Creamy type with good spreadability for intense nutty flavor.
  • Egg: Binds ingredients and adds moisture to the bar.
Dry Ingredients:
  • Flour: All-purpose flour creates the base structure of the bar.
  • Baking Soda, Baking Powder: Leavening agents help the bars rise and become light.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.
Finishing Ingredients:
  • Milk Chocolate Chips: Adds extra chocolate flavor throughout the bar.
  • Hershey's Kisses: Classic chocolate topping that creates signature visual and taste appeal.
  • Milk: Helps achieve the right dough consistency and adds softness.

How to Prepare Peanut Butter Blossom Bars Step-by-Step

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Dish

Warm up the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and coat it with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create the Peanut Butter Base

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

Whip these ingredients until they form a smooth, creamy mixture.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Fold in the following ingredients:
  • Flour
  • Baking soda
  • Baking powder
  • Salt
  • Milk chocolate chips

Stir until a soft, slightly sticky dough comes together.

Step 4: Spread the Dough

Transfer the dough to the prepared baking dish. Use your hands or a spatula to press it evenly across the entire surface. Sprinkle a light dusting of granulated sugar on top for an extra crispy texture.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven. Bake for 20-22 minutes. Look for golden-brown edges and a toothpick that comes out clean when inserted in the center.

Step 6: Add the Chocolate Surprise

Right after removing from the oven, gently press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each bar section. The warmth will help the chocolate slightly melt and stick to the base.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Let the bars cool completely in the baking dish. This helps them set and makes cutting easier. Once cooled, slice into squares, each with a chocolatey Kiss center.

Step 8: Store for Later

Keep the bars fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay delicious for several days – if they last that long!

Tips for Perfecting Peanut Butter Blossom Bars

  • Soften Butter Perfectly: Let butter sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before mixing to ensure smooth, even blending without overmixing.
  • Chocolate Kiss Placement: Press Hershey's Kisses immediately after baking while bars are still warm to help them adhere and create a beautiful, glossy finish.
  • Prevent Dry Bars: Do not overbake; remove from oven when edges are just golden and center looks slightly underdone to maintain a soft, chewy texture.
  • Even Cutting Technique: Use a sharp, clean knife and wipe blade between cuts for neat, professional-looking bar squares.
  • Storage Pro Tip: Layer bars between parchment paper in an airtight container to prevent sticking and maintain freshness for up to 5 days at room temperature.

Keeping Peanut Butter Blossom Bars Fresh and Soft

  • Refrigerate: Place bars in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  • Freeze: Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
  • Reheat: Warm bars briefly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or let them sit at room temperature for a soft, chewy texture. Avoid overheating to maintain the chocolate kiss's shape and prevent melting.

What to Serve With Peanut Butter Blossom Bars

  • Pair with Creamy Milk: Indulge in a cold glass of milk that perfectly complements the rich peanut butter and chocolate flavors, creating a classic sweet combination that dances on your taste buds.
  • Brew a Chocolate Espresso: Enhance the dessert with a bold espresso shot that cuts through the sweetness and highlights the deep chocolate notes of the Hershey's Kiss.
  • Create a Berry Contrast: Serve alongside fresh strawberries or raspberries to add a tart, refreshing element that balances the rich, sweet bar and provides a palate-cleansing burst of flavor.
  • Match with Vanilla Smoothie: Blend a smooth vanilla smoothie that echoes the creamy peanut butter base and provides a cool, velvety companion to these decadent bars.

Fun Twists on Peanut Butter Blossom Bar Recipes

  • Nutty Chocolate Crunch: Swap milk chocolate chips with dark chocolate chips and add chopped roasted almonds for extra texture and depth of flavor.
  • Salted Caramel Dream: Drizzle homemade caramel sauce over the bars and sprinkle flaky sea salt on top for a sweet and savory combination.
  • Gluten-Free Comfort: Replace wheat flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make the bars accessible for those with gluten sensitivities.
  • Seasonal Spice Blend: Mix in ground cinnamon and nutmeg to the dough for a warm, cozy autumn-inspired version of the classic recipe.
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Peanut Butter Blossom Bars Recipe

Peanut Butter Blossom Bars Recipe


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4.7 from 34 reviews

  • Total Time: 37 minutes
  • Yield: 16 1x

Description

Sweet peanut butter blossom bars blend classic cookie comfort with irresistible chocolate kiss charm. These nostalgic treats deliver rich, creamy layers that melt in your mouth and transport you to childhood baking memories.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1.5 cups (360 ml) all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup (120 ml) creamy peanut butter
  • ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened

Sugars:

  • ½ cup (100 g) brown sugar
  • ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar

Additional Ingredients:

  • ⅔ cup (113 g) milk chocolate chips
  • 1 large egg
  • ¾ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
  • 24 Hershey’s Kisses

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven by heating to 350°F (175°C) and thoroughly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with a light layer of grease to prevent sticking.
  2. Create a smooth, creamy base by vigorously whisking together softened butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, peanut butter, and egg until the mixture becomes uniform and slightly fluffy.
  3. Gradually fold in flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt, ensuring no dry pockets remain in the dough, then gently incorporate milk chocolate chips for added texture and sweetness.
  4. Transfer the soft dough into the prepared baking dish, using clean hands or a spatula to distribute it evenly across the surface, creating a consistent thickness.
  5. Sprinkle a delicate layer of granulated sugar over the dough to provide a subtle crunch and enhanced golden appearance.
  6. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-22 minutes, watching for light golden edges and checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center, which should emerge clean.
  7. Immediately after removing from the oven, while the bars are still warm and soft, carefully press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each bar, allowing the chocolate to slightly melt and adhere.
  8. Allow the bars to cool completely within the baking dish, which helps them set and makes cutting easier, resulting in clean, defined squares with a chocolate centerpiece.
  9. Once cooled, slice into individual bars and transfer to an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent the bars from drying out.

Notes

  • Customize the sweetness by adjusting the amount of granulated sugar sprinkled on top for a personalized crunch.
  • Press Hershey’s Kisses immediately after baking to ensure they melt slightly and adhere perfectly to the warm bars.
  • Use room temperature ingredients like butter and egg for smoother, more consistent dough mixing.
  • Check doneness with the toothpick test, looking for a clean insertion and lightly golden edges to prevent over-baking.
  • Cooling completely in the pan helps bars set properly and makes cutting easier without crumbling.
  • Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain freshness and soft texture.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 22 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 16
  • Calories: 200
  • Sugar: 14 g
  • Sodium: 100 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 25 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 20 mg
Liam O'Brien

Liam O’Brien

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Traditional Irish Dishes
  • Farm-to-Table Cooking
  • Recipe Creation
  • Teaching Cooking Skills
  • Sustainable Food Practices

Education

Dublin Institute of Technology (now Technological University Dublin)

  • Program: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Hands-on training in cooking techniques, kitchen management, and exploring both Irish and international cuisines.

Ballymaloe Cookery School, County Cork, Ireland

  • Program: 12-Week Certificate Course
  • Focus: Farm-to-table cooking, emphasizing the use of fresh, local ingredients and traditional cooking methods.

Liam O’Brien is the co-founder and kitchen soul behind Good Tasting Meals, a chef who believes that cooking shouldn’t feel stressful or complicated.

He earned his culinary stripes at Technological University Dublin and polished his farm-to-table skills at Ballymaloe Cookery School. With over 15 years flipping pans and stirring up stories, Liam has worked in family cafés, bustling bistros, and everything in between.

At Good Tasting Meals, Liam brings you recipes that feel like home: cozy, simple, and full of flavor.

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