These Peanut Butter Blossom Bars are a delightful twist on the classic peanut butter blossom cookies that many of us love. With a chewy peanut butter base, studded with creamy milk chocolate chips, and topped with a sweet Hershey’s Kiss, these bars are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party, celebrating a special event, or simply indulging in a sweet treat at home, these bars will satisfy your cravings and impress your family and friends.
Why You Will Love This Recipe:
What makes these Peanut Butter Blossom Bars truly special is their perfect balance of flavors and textures. The rich, nutty flavor of the peanut butter pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the chocolate, while the soft, chewy texture of the bars is complemented by the delightful crunch of the sparkling sugar on top. Each bite is a heavenly combination of sweetness and nuttiness that will have you reaching for seconds (or thirds!). Plus, they’re easy to make, requiring minimal prep time and just a few simple ingredients.
Introduction:
Peanut butter and chocolate are a match made in dessert heaven, and these Peanut Butter Blossom Bars take that classic combination to new heights. Inspired by the traditional peanut butter blossom cookies, these bars offer a more convenient way to enjoy this beloved treat. With their soft, chewy texture and the added surprise of a chocolate kiss on top, they are sure to become a favorite in your household. Perfect for sharing with friends and family, these bars are not only delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare. Let’s dive into the recipe!
Ingredients:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 egg
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- ⅔ cup milk chocolate chips
- 24 Hershey’s Kisses, unwrapped
- 3 teaspoons white sparkling sugar (or granulated sugar)
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan and set it aside. This ensures that your bars will come out easily once baked.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, creamy peanut butter, and egg until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This step is crucial for achieving a creamy texture in your bars.
Step 3: Gradually stir in the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to dense bars.
Step 4: Fold in the milk chocolate chips gently to distribute them evenly throughout the dough. This will ensure that every bite is filled with delicious chocolatey goodness.
Step 5: Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan. Sprinkle with 2 teaspoons of sparkling sugar for an added touch of sweetness and texture. Bake in the preheated oven for 22-24 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and the center is puffed up.
Step 6: Immediately after removing the bars from the oven, press the unwrapped Hershey’s Kisses into the dough in a 4×6 pattern, ensuring each piece gets a kiss. Sprinkle with the remaining sugar for an extra sparkle. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares, making sure each piece has a Hershey’s Kiss on top.
Serving Suggestions:
These Peanut Butter Blossom Bars are perfect for any occasion! Serve them at birthday parties, holiday gatherings, or simply as an after-school snack. Pair them with a glass of cold milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience. They also make fantastic gifts when wrapped in cellophane and tied with a ribbon.
Tips:
- Make sure your butter is at room temperature for easier mixing.
- For a richer flavor, consider using dark chocolate chips instead of milk chocolate.
- You can also experiment with different types of nut butters, such as almond or cashew butter, for a unique twist.
- If you prefer a crunchier texture, add chopped nuts like peanuts or walnuts to the dough.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 22-24 minutes
Total Time: 32-34 minutes
Nutritional Information (per square):
Calories: ~200
Protein: 3g
Sodium: 120mg
Conclusion:
These Peanut Butter Blossom Bars are a delightful treat that combines the rich flavors of peanut butter and chocolate in a convenient bar form. They are easy to make, perfect for sharing, and sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. With their chewy texture and sweet chocolatey topping, these bars are bound to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a delicious batch of Peanut Butter Blossom Bars!
Questions and Answers about this Recipe:
- Can I use natural peanut butter instead of creamy peanut butter?
Yes, you can use natural peanut butter, but keep in mind that it may alter the texture slightly. Natural peanut butter tends to be more oily, so you may need to adjust the amount of flour to achieve the right consistency. - How should I store the leftover bars?
Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to three months. Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container. - Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure that the blend you choose has a good binding agent, like xanthan gum, for the best results. - What if I don’t have Hershey’s Kisses?
If you don’t have Hershey’s Kisses on hand, you can use any chocolate candy or even chocolate chips. Just make sure to press them into the bars while they are still warm for the best melting effect. - Can I add other mix-ins to the dough?
Yes! Feel free to add in your favorite mix-ins, such as chopped nuts, dried fruit, or even a swirl of caramel for an extra special treat. Just be cautious not to overload the dough, as it may affect the baking time and texture.