Peanut Butter Blossom Bars
Peanut butter blossom bars combine the iconic flavors of creamy peanut butter and chocolate into a simple, crowd-pleasing dessert. Inspired by the beloved peanut butter blossom cookies, these bars offer a faster, fuss-free way to enjoy the same delicious flavors without the extra work.
History of Peanut Butter Blossom Bars
The original peanut butter blossom cookie, introduced in the 1956 Pillsbury Bake-Off by Freda Smith of Ohio, quickly became a favorite for its perfect balance of soft peanut butter cookies and a sweet Hershey’s Kiss. Translating this cookie into bar form simplifies the process, making it ideal for holiday baking, potlucks, or everyday indulgence.
Why Peanut Butter Blossom Bars Are So Popular
These bars are beloved for their rich peanut butter flavor, complemented by melted chocolate, all packed into a chewy, easy-to-make bar. With their versatile serving options and ability to please a crowd, peanut butter blossom bars are a go-to for bakers looking for a quick yet satisfying treat.
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 oven: Heat to 350°F (177°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Cream butter and sugars: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and peanut butter until smooth. Add granulated and brown sugars and beat until fluffy and light.
- Add egg and vanilla: Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Incorporate dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the peanut butter mixture. Mix until just combined for a chewy texture.
- Fold in chocolate chips: Gently fold the milk chocolate chips into the dough.
- Bake: Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake for 20-22 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Add Hershey’s Kisses: Immediately after removing from the oven, press Hershey’s Kisses into the warm bars so they soften slightly.
- Cool and serve: Let the bars cool in the pan before cutting them into squares.
Enjoy these rich, chewy peanut butter blossom bars with gooey chocolate in every bite!
Expert Baking Tips for the Best Peanut Butter Blossom Bars:
- Butter temperature: Ensure the butter is softened (not melted) for the fluffiest texture.
- Even dough: Press the dough evenly in the pan to prevent overbaking the edges while keeping the center soft.
- Proper chocolate placement: Press the Hershey’s Kisses into the bars as soon as they come out of the oven for a perfectly melty, delicious finish.
Recipe Variations
Experiment with these creative variations to suit different tastes or dietary preferences:
- Nutty addition: Mix in chopped almonds or pecans for added crunch.
- Chocolate variety: Swap Hershey’s Kisses for peanut butter cups or dark chocolate chunks for a rich twist.
- Dietary modifications:
- Gluten-free: Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour.
- Vegan: Use dairy-free butter and chocolate, and an egg replacer to make these bars vegan-friendly.
For more creative recipe inspiration, explore other dessert bar ideas on Pinterest.
Serving and Storage Tips
These peanut butter blossom bars are best served at room temperature, allowing the chocolate and peanut butter flavors to shine. Here’s how to store them for maximum freshness:
- At room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Refrigeration: In warmer climates, refrigerating the bars helps preserve their texture and freshness for up to 1 week.
- Freezing: Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months and thaw at room temperature before serving.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Each serving of peanut butter blossom bars (based on 24 bars) contains approximately:
- 210 calories
- 11g fat
- 25g carbohydrates
- 5g protein
For a balanced indulgence, pair these bars with fresh fruit or enjoy as an occasional treat.
FAQs
Can peanut butter blossom bars be frozen?
Yes! Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap, store in a zip-top bag, and freeze for up to 3 months.
How do I ensure the Hershey’s Kisses melt perfectly?
Press the Hershey’s Kisses into the bars right after baking while they are still hot. The residual heat will soften the chocolate just enough.
What are some topping alternatives?
You can swap Hershey’s Kisses with other chocolates like peanut butter cups, mini chocolate bars, or flavored chocolate pieces for a unique twist.
Can I double the recipe for a larger batch?
Yes, double the ingredients and bake in a larger 15×10-inch pan. Adjust the baking time slightly, but keep an eye on the bars to avoid overbrowning.
Peanut Butter Blossom Bars
Equipment
- 9×9-inch baking pan
- Parchment paper or nonstick spray
- Mixing Bowls
- Electric mixer or hand whisk
- Spatula
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 16 chocolate kisses Hershey’s Kisses, unwrapped
Instructions
- Preheat the oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper or grease it with nonstick spray for easy removal.
- Mix the wet ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes) using an electric mixer or whisk.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, and mix until well combined.
- Combine the dry ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the peanut butter mixture, stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
- Spread the dough:
- Press the peanut butter dough evenly into the prepared baking pan using a spatula or your hands to create a smooth, even layer.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Add the chocolate kisses:
- As soon as the bars come out of the oven, immediately press the unwrapped chocolate kisses into the top of the warm peanut butter bars, spacing them evenly. The warmth of the bars will slightly soften the chocolate.
- Cool and slice:
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before lifting them out using the parchment paper. Slice into 16 squares, making sure each square has a chocolate kiss on top.
Video
Notes
- For extra peanut butter flavor, you can swirl some peanut butter on top of the dough before baking.
- If you prefer a crunchier texture, use chunky peanut butter instead of creamy.
- The bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or frozen for longer storage.
- For a festive touch, swap the regular chocolate kisses for holiday-themed versions like white chocolate or caramel-filled kisses.
