Peanut Butter Blossom Bars Recipe

If you’re craving a treat that delivers that unbeatable blend of creamy peanut butter and rich chocolate in bar form, you’re in the right place! This Peanut Butter Blossom Bars Recipe turns the classic cookie into a fun, shareable dessert, perfect for gatherings, lunchboxes, or just because you’re in the mood for something nostalgic. Each square is soft, chewy, and studded with melted chocolate and, of course, the signature Hershey’s Kiss nestled right in the center. With just the right balance of sweet and salty, this is truly a dessert you’ll want to make again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

There’s nothing complicated here — just the right handful of simple ingredients that each play a starring role in the Peanut Butter Blossom Bars Recipe. Every item brings something special, from a touch of crunch to irresistible sweetness, ensuring your bars are as flavorful as they are comforting.

• All-purpose flour: This forms the sturdy, soft base of your bars and keeps everything together while baking.
• Milk chocolate chips: These melt into the dough, adding pockets of gooey chocolate in every bite.
• Creamy peanut butter: It’s all about creamy goodness, which gives the bars their irresistible flavor and tender texture.
• Brown sugar: Adds a subtle molasses note and keeps the bars moist and chewy.
• Unsalted butter (softened): Butter brings richness, creating a soft, melt-in-your-mouth crumb.
• Granulated sugar: Essential for a balanced sweetness and just the right amount of crispness on top.
• Egg: The binding hero, holding everything together and adding to the tender texture.
• Baking soda: Lifts the dough, ensuring the bars are never too dense.
• Baking powder: For a gentle, reliable rise and softness in every square.
• Salt: Just a pinch makes the chocolate and peanut butter flavors pop!
• Hershey’s Kisses: These classic candies are the star on top, giving that unmistakable Peanut Butter Blossom finish.

How to Make Peanut Butter Blossom Bars Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Pan and Oven

Preheat your oven to 350℉ and lightly grease a 9×13 baking dish. Lining your pan with parchment can make lifting the bars out a breeze, but a simple greasing will work just fine — either way, this step sets you up for easy cutting and serving later.

Step 2: Cream Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the softened butter, both brown and granulated sugars, creamy peanut butter, and the egg. Mix thoroughly until smooth and fluffy, which helps melt the sugars into the fats and gives your bars that signature soft texture.

Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients and Chocolate Chips

Gently stir in the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. When just combined, fold in the milk chocolate chips for bursts of chocolate throughout your Peanut Butter Blossom Bars Recipe. Be careful not to overmix — just enough to bring everything together.

Step 4: Press Dough and Bake

Scrape the dough into your prepared pan, spreading it evenly to the edges with a spatula or clean hands. For that pretty sparkle, sprinkle the top lightly with a little extra sugar. Slide the pan into the oven and bake for about 22 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the center is just set.

Step 5: Add Hershey’s Kisses

As soon as the bars come out of the oven, quickly press Hershey’s Kisses into the warm surface, spacing them so each bar square will have its own perfect chocolate center. The kisses will soften but hold their shape, becoming wonderfully melty as the bars cool.

Step 6: Cool, Slice, and Enjoy

Let the pan cool completely on a wire rack before cutting into squares. Each square should showcase a single Hershey’s Kiss sitting proudly in the middle. Transfer your Peanut Butter Blossom Bars Recipe squares to an airtight container to keep them soft and fresh.

How to Serve Peanut Butter Blossom Bars Recipe

Garnishes

Though the Hershey’s Kiss is a classic topper, add a little extra magic by sprinkling with a pinch of flaky sea salt or a light dusting of powdered sugar. If you’re wanting some playful fun, add colorful sprinkles before the chocolate sets.

Side Dishes

A cold glass of milk is the ultimate sidekick to these rich bars. For more grown-up pairings, try a cup of dark roast coffee or cool vanilla ice cream — the creamy, cool element absolutely compliments the flavorful Peanut Butter Blossom Bars Recipe.

Creative Ways to Present

Take your bars up a notch by wrapping individual squares in parchment and tying with twine for the cutest lunchbox treat. Stack them on a platter for parties, or create a dessert board with fresh strawberries, pretzels, and other favorite nostalgic goodies.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, stash the bars in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and moist for up to five days — perfect for sneaking a sweet bite whenever the craving strikes!

Freezing

If you want to save some for later (good luck!), freeze the cut bars in a single layer, then transfer to a zip-top bag with parchment between each layer. They’ll keep beautifully for up to 2 months, so you can always have the Peanut Butter Blossom Bars Recipe on hand for last-minute guests or unexpected dessert emergencies.

Reheating

Enjoy straight from the freezer, or let thaw at room temperature for about an hour. To revive that just-baked, gooey texture, microwave individual bars for a few seconds until warm and the chocolate softens once more.

FAQs

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter adds a bit of texture and a nutty crunch, which some people love in their Peanut Butter Blossom Bars Recipe. Just expect slightly less smoothness in the finished bars.

What’s the best way to press the dough evenly into the pan?

The secret is to use clean, slightly damp hands or a spatula. Press gently and be patient; working from the center out ensures an even thickness so every bar bakes up just right.

Do I have to use Hershey’s Kisses?

Classic Kisses are traditional, but feel free to swap in mini peanut butter cups, dark chocolate squares, or any fun chocolate candy you love — let your creativity run wild!

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute with a measure-for-measure gluten-free flour blend. Keep an eye on the baking time, since gluten-free versions may need an extra couple of minutes in the oven.

How do I keep the bars moist?

Don’t overbake them — check at the 20-minute mark, as ovens vary. Storing the Peanut Butter Blossom Bars Recipe in an airtight container also prevents them from drying out.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about making and sharing a batch of Peanut Butter Blossom Bars Recipe. They’re easy, nostalgic, and always a hit, whether for a family gathering or an afternoon snack. Perfect for bakers of all levels, this treat is sure to become a favorite in your home, too. Happy baking!

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