Peanut Butter Blossom Bars Recipe

Easy Peanut Butter Blossom Bars Recipe: Sweet Homemade Joy

Soft, chewy peanut butter blossom bars promise a delightful twist on the classic cookie.

Memories of childhood swirl through each delectable bite.

Comfort and nostalgia blend perfectly in this simple dessert.

Chocolate kisses nestled atop rich, buttery squares create an irresistible treat.

Baking enthusiasts will adore how quickly these bars come together.

Sweet and salty notes dance across your palate with every crumb.

You cannot resist the temptation of these mouthwatering delights – so grab your mixing bowl and let’s start baking!

Storage Instructions for Peanut Butter Blossom Bars

  • Store bars in an airtight container with wax paper between layers for up to 5 days, keeping them fresh and preventing sticking.
  • Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe container or zip-lock bag. Freeze for up to 3 months for longer storage.
  • Keep bars at room temperature in sealed container for 2-3 days, ensuring they remain soft and delicious.
  • Warm briefly in microwave for 10-15 seconds or let sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving to restore original texture and softness.

FAQs on Peanut Butter Blossom Bars

  • Can I use different types of chocolate for the topping?

Yes, you can substitute chocolate kisses with chocolate chips, chocolate squares, or even different flavored chocolate like milk or dark chocolate to personalize the bars.

  • Is it necessary to use both granulated and brown sugar?

Both sugars contribute to the texture and flavor. Granulated sugar provides sweetness, while brown sugar adds moisture and a deeper caramel-like taste to the bars.

  • How do I know when the bars are perfectly baked?

The bars are done when the edges turn golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. This typically takes 20-25 minutes in a preheated oven.

Why Peanut Butter Blossom Bars Are a Timeless Classic

  • Simplify Dessert Making: Transforms classic peanut butter blossoms into an easy-to-prepare bar format, eliminating the need for individual cookie shaping.
  • Quick Family Treat: Delivers beloved chocolate-peanut butter flavor in a shareable, crowd-pleasing dessert that appeals to both kids and adults.
  • Minimal Baking Skills Required: Beginner bakers can successfully create this recipe with basic mixing and spreading techniques, ensuring a delicious outcome without advanced pastry expertise.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Potluck Option: Perfect for gatherings, potlucks, and casual celebrations where you want a reliable, universally loved sweet treat that's simple to transport and serve.

Ingredients for Peanut Butter Blossom Bars

Bars Base:
  • Peanut Butter: A creamy spread that provides rich flavor and moisture to the dessert.
  • Butter: Adds richness and helps create a soft, tender texture.
Sweeteners:
  • Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Contribute sweetness and help create a golden, caramelized exterior.
Binding Ingredients:
  • Egg: Helps bind the ingredients and provides structure to the bars.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile with its warm, sweet notes.
Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Forms the structural base of the bars.
  • Baking Soda, Salt: Help with leavening and balance the sweetness.
Topping:
  • Chocolate Kisses: Provide a classic chocolate accent and decorative finish to the bars.

Step-by-Step Guide to Baking Peanut Butter Blossom Bars

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Pan

Get your oven ready by heating it to 350F (175C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking pan and either grease it thoroughly or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Create a Creamy Butter Mixture

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

Whip these ingredients until they become light and fluffy, creating a smooth base for your bars.

Step 3: Add Moisture and Flavor

Crack in an egg and pour in vanilla extract. Beat the mixture until everything is perfectly combined and looks silky.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, grab your whisk and mix:
  • Flour
  • Baking soda
  • Salt

Slowly incorporate these dry ingredients into your wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bars tender.

Step 5: Spread the Batter

Transfer the peanut butter mixture into your prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to spread it evenly, creating a smooth surface.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges turn a beautiful golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean from the center.

Step 7: Add Chocolate Kiss Finale

The moment the bars come out of the oven, gently press chocolate kisses into the warm surface. Let the bars cool completely before slicing into delightful squares.

Tips for Perfectly Soft and Chewy Peanut Butter Blossom Bars

  • Swap creamy or crunchy peanut butter based on your texture preference for a personalized twist.
  • Press chocolate kisses gently to avoid sinking too deep into the warm bars.
  • Line the baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal and clean cutting.
  • Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth mixing and consistent texture.
  • Chill the bars for 15 minutes before cutting for cleaner, sharper edges.

Creative Variations to Spice Up Peanut Butter Blossom Bars

  • Holiday Chocolate Chip Crunch: Replace chocolate kisses with festive seasonal chocolate candies like peppermint bark pieces or holiday-themed chocolate chips for a seasonal celebration.
  • Nutty Chocolate Swirl: Mix chopped roasted almonds or pecans into the batter and create a chocolate swirl on top using melted dark chocolate drizzled in elegant patterns.
  • Salted Caramel Dream: Sprinkle flaky sea salt over the bars after baking and drizzle with homemade caramel sauce for a sophisticated sweet-salty combination.
  • Coconut Chocolate Fusion: Fold shredded coconut into the peanut butter base and top with chocolate kiss variations like dark, milk, or white chocolate for added texture and flavor complexity.

Perfect Pairings for Peanut Butter Blossom Bars

  • Milk Magic Pairing: Cold, creamy whole milk perfectly balances the rich, sweet peanut butter and chocolate, creating a nostalgic dessert experience that feels like childhood comfort.
  • Wine Wonderland: Choose a sweet dessert wine like moscato or port, which enhances the chocolate and nutty flavors with their delicate sweetness and smooth finish.
  • Coffee Companion: Serve with a robust espresso or dark roast coffee to cut through the sweetness and provide a sophisticated contrast that highlights the bar's deep, complex flavors.
  • Smoothie Sidekick: Blend a banana and vanilla smoothie that complements the peanut butter's creamy texture and adds a refreshing, light counterpoint to the rich dessert bar.
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Peanut Butter Blossom Bars Recipe

Peanut Butter Blossom Bars Recipe


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4.9 from 16 reviews

  • Total Time: 35-40 minutes
  • Yield: 24 1x

Description

Craving a sweet twist on classic peanut butter blossoms, this bar version delivers nostalgic comfort with a modern bakery-style touch. Chocolate-kissed peanut butter squares promise pure indulgence for cookie enthusiasts seeking a delightful dessert you’ll want to savor again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 3/4 cup (177 ml) creamy peanut butter
  • 1/2 cup (113 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 1/2 cups (188 g) all-purpose flour
  • 2025 chocolate kisses

Sweeteners:

  • 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup (110 g) brown sugar, packed

Seasonings and Leavening Agents:

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Heat oven to 350F (175C) and prepare a 9×13-inch pan by greasing or lining with parchment paper.
  2. Combine butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar in a large mixing bowl, beating until smooth and airy.
  3. Incorporate egg and vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly until well blended.
  4. In a separate bowl, sift together flour, baking soda, and salt, then gently fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just incorporated.
  5. Transfer the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the surface with a spatula.
  6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, monitoring until edges turn golden and a toothpick inserted near the center emerges clean.
  7. Immediately after removing from the oven, gently press chocolate kisses into the warm surface of the bars.
  8. Allow bars to cool completely at room temperature before slicing into individual squares for serving.

Notes

  • Softening butter and peanut butter at room temperature ensures smooth, creamy mixing without lumps.
  • Use creamy peanut butter for consistent texture, avoiding natural or chunky varieties that might affect bar structure.
  • Avoid overmixing the dough to prevent tough, dense bars; stop mixing when ingredients are just combined.
  • Place chocolate kisses gently into warm bars to prevent cracking or breaking the surface, creating a perfect chocolate-to-bar ratio.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 24
  • Calories: 220
  • Sugar: 13 g
  • Sodium: 120 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 25 mg
Sarah Mitchell

Sarah Mitchell

Content Specialist & Home Cooking Enthusiast

Expertise

  • Making healthy, comforting meals that fit into real-life schedules
  • Planning balanced, single-serving meals for individuals and small families
  • Writing clear, practical food content with a focus on wellness and ease
  • Using seasonal ingredients to bring variety and freshness to everyday meals

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College – Asheville, NC

  • Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Trained in the basics of professional cooking, with a strong focus on home-style meals, seasonal recipe development, and time-saving kitchen techniques for everyday use.

American Fitness Professionals & Associates – Online

  • Program: Nutrition and Wellness Consultant Certification
  • Focus: Studied how to make healthy eating simple, enjoyable, and accessible

Sarah’s passion for food was sparked by weekend trips to the farmers’ market and her belief that healthy meals should never feel boring.
After earning her culinary diploma and becoming a certified Nutrition and Wellness Consultant, she set out to help others fall in love with simple, wholesome cooking.
She’s all about celebrating the small wins in the kitchen: a colorful yogurt bowl, a new twist on a classic dish, or a homemade snack that feels just a little extra special.
Outside the kitchen, Sarah is a gardener at heart, a yoga enthusiast, and a believer that fresh herbs can brighten any meal, and any day.

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