Peanut Butter Blossom Bars Recipe

The Perfect Peanut Butter Blossom Bars Recipe for Sweet Smiles

Crumbly, sweet peanut butter blossom bars have become my latest kitchen obsession.

My culinary adventures often lead me down unexpected paths of deliciousness.

These delectable treats combine the rich, nutty flavor of peanut butter with a classic chocolate center.

Baking these bars feels like a warm hug from childhood memories.

The simple ingredients come together effortlessly, creating a dessert that screams comfort and joy.

Chocolate kisses nestled into soft, golden squares promise pure delight for anyone who loves a classic combination.

You won’t be able to resist these irresistible bars that blend nostalgia with pure baking magic.

Everything Needed For Peanut Butter Blossom Bars

Base Ingredients:
  • Peanut Butter: Creamy and rich base that gives classic nutty flavor to the bars.
  • Butter: Provides richness and helps create a tender texture in the dough.
  • Brown Sugar, Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the bars and helps create a soft, chewy texture.
Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Structural foundation of the bars, creating a stable and tender crumb.
  • Baking Soda, Baking Powder: Essential leavening agents that help the bars rise and become light.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances the sweetness.
Binding and Flavor Ingredients:
  • Egg: Binds ingredients together and adds moisture to the dough.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, aromatic flavor that complements peanut butter.
  • Chocolate Kisses: Classic topping that provides a sweet chocolate accent to the peanut butter base.

Steps To Make Peanut Butter Blossom Bars

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven and Prep the Baking Dish

Crank up your oven to a toasty 350F (175C). Grab your baking pan and give it some love by either:
  • Lining it with parchment paper
  • Giving it a light greasing to prevent sticking

Step 2: Whip Up the Delicious Dough

Get ready to create magic in a mixing bowl! You’ll need:
  • Softened butter
  • Creamy peanut butter
  • Brown sugar
  • Granulated sugar

Cream these ingredients until they’re smooth and dreamy. Toss in an egg and splash of vanilla extract, mixing until everything looks perfectly blended.

In a separate bowl, mix your dry ingredients:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking soda
  • Baking powder
  • A pinch of salt

Slowly fold the dry ingredients into your wet mixture, stirring until everything comes together in a delightful dough.

Step 3: Bake to Golden Perfection

Spread that gorgeous dough evenly across your prepared pan. Slide it into the preheated oven and bake for 20-22 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the edges turn a beautiful golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean when you test the center.

Step 4: Kiss and Decorate

Right after pulling the bars from the oven, gently press chocolate kisses into the warm surface. Space them out evenly so each bite gets a sweet chocolate surprise.

Step 5: Cool and Slice

Let the bars cool completely. This helps the chocolate set and makes cutting easier. Slice into 16 perfect squares and get ready to enjoy your homemade treat!

Pro Tip: These bars are perfect for sharing with friends, bringing to potlucks, or enjoying with a cold glass of milk. Store in an airtight container to keep them fresh and delicious for several days.

Helpful Baking Tips For Peanut Butter Blossom Bars

  • Customize Your Sugar Blend: Mix brown and white sugars for a deeper, more complex flavor profile that enhances the classic peanut butter taste.
  • Perfect Pan Preparation: Use parchment paper with overhang for easy removal and clean cutting of bars, preventing any sticky situations when serving.
  • Chocolate Kiss Placement Pro: Press chocolate kisses into warm bars immediately after baking to help them melt slightly and create a seamless connection with the base.
  • Gluten-Free Adaptation: Swap regular flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to make these bars accessible for those with wheat sensitivities.
  • Storage Savvy Tip: Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Storage Tips For Peanut Butter Blossom Bars

  • Preserve these delightful peanut butter blossom bars by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
  • Keep the bars between layers of parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain their soft texture.
  • Refrigerate the bars if you want to extend their shelf life to about a week, but bring them to room temperature before serving to enjoy their best flavor and texture.
  • For longer storage, freeze the bars in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months – simply wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap before placing them in the container to prevent freezer burn and maintain their delicious taste.

Perfect Pairings For Peanut Butter Blossom Bars

  • Sip Milk Bliss: Pair these delectable peanut butter blossom bars with a cold glass of milk, which perfectly complements the rich, sweet flavors and helps balance the chocolate and peanut butter intensity.
  • Brew Coffee Companion: Enjoy these bars with a freshly brewed medium roast coffee, where the warm, nutty coffee notes enhance the peanut butter's depth and provide a delightful contrast to the sweet chocolate.
  • Elevate with Vanilla Shake: Indulge in a creamy vanilla milkshake alongside these bars, creating a nostalgic dessert experience that amplifies the classic flavor combination of chocolate and peanut butter.
  • Match Chocolate Stout: For adult palates, a smooth chocolate stout beer offers a sophisticated pairing that echoes the chocolate kiss topping and brings out the bars' rich, sweet undertones.

Peanut Butter Blossom Bars With A Twist

  • Chocolate Chip Cookie Fusion: Replace chocolate kisses with a mix of chocolate chips and chopped peanuts, creating a crunchy texture and enhanced nutty flavor.
  • Gluten-Free Nutty Version: Swap regular flour with almond flour or gluten-free blend, perfect for those with wheat sensitivities while maintaining the classic peanut butter taste.
  • Salted Caramel Crunch: Drizzle homemade caramel sauce over the bars and sprinkle sea salt flakes, adding a sophisticated sweet-and-salty dimension to the traditional recipe.
  • No-Bake Protein Bars: Transform the recipe into a chilled dessert by using no-bake techniques, incorporating protein powder and using condensed milk as a binding agent for a protein-packed treat.

Peanut Butter Blossom Bars FAQ Guide

  • What makes Peanut Butter Blossom Bars different from traditional Peanut Butter Blossoms cookies?

These bars are a convenient, easy-to-make version of the classic cookie. Instead of rolling individual cookies and placing Hershey’s Kisses on top, you spread the entire dough in a pan and press the chocolates into the baked surface, creating a more efficient and quicker dessert.

  • Can I use different types of peanut butter for this recipe?

Yes! You can use creamy or crunchy peanut butter. Just ensure it’s a standard, smooth-spreading variety like Jif or Skippy. Natural or separated peanut butter might change the texture and consistency of the bars.

  • Are these bars good for making ahead of time?

Absolutely! These bars can be prepared in advance and stored at room temperature for 3-4 days in an airtight container. They’re perfect for meal prep or making a day before a gathering.

  • Can I substitute the Hershey's Kisses with another chocolate?

While Hershey’s Kisses are traditional, you can experiment with chocolate chunks, chocolate chips, or even different flavored Kisses like dark chocolate or hugs for variety.

Why Peanut Butter Blossom Bars Feel Nostalgic And Sweet

  • Quick Crowd-Pleaser: These peanut butter blossom bars deliver deliciousness in just 30 minutes, perfect for spontaneous sweet cravings or last-minute gatherings.
  • Foolproof Baking Experience: Minimal ingredients and simple mixing technique make this recipe super approachable for bakers of all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned home cooks.
  • Nostalgic Comfort Treat: Combining classic peanut butter cookie flavor with chocolate kiss centers, these bars capture childhood memories and provide instant comfort in every bite.
  • Family-Friendly Dessert: Easy to customize, kid-friendly to make, and universally loved by both children and adults, these bars are a guaranteed hit at potlucks, parties, or cozy family nights.
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Peanut Butter Blossom Bars Recipe

Peanut Butter Blossom Bars Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 13 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Irresistible peanut butter blossom bars blend classic cookie charm with convenient bar form, delivering nostalgic comfort in each delectable square. Sweet chocolate kisses nestled atop rich peanut butter bases promise pure indulgence you cannot resist.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • ¾ cup (170 grams) creamy peanut butter
  • ½ cup (113 grams) unsalted butter (softened)
  • 1 large egg

Sugars:

  • ¾ cup (165 grams) brown sugar (packed)
  • ¼ cup (50 grams) granulated sugar

Dry Ingredients and Flavoring:

  • 1 ¼ cups (156 grams) all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 24 chocolate kisses (unwrapped)

Instructions

  1. Warm the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a baking vessel by lining it with parchment paper or applying a light coating of grease to prevent sticking.
  2. In a spacious mixing bowl, combine softened butter, creamy peanut butter, and both brown and granulated sugars. Whip these ingredients until they form a silky, uniform mixture.
  3. Introduce the egg and vanilla extract to the sugar blend, mixing thoroughly until the components integrate seamlessly.
  4. In a separate container, sift together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and a pinch of salt, ensuring no lumps remain.
  5. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until a cohesive dough forms without overmixing.
  6. Transfer the dough to the prepared baking pan, using a spatula to distribute it evenly and create a smooth, level surface.
  7. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 20-22 minutes, watching for a golden-brown perimeter and checking the center’s doneness with a toothpick.
  8. Upon removing from the oven, immediately nestle chocolate kisses into the warm surface, spacing them uniformly across the bars.
  9. Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature, permitting the chocolate to set and the flavors to meld.
  10. Once fully cooled, slice the bars into neat squares, creating 16 delectable treats ready to be savored.

Notes

  • Select natural, creamy peanut butter without added oils for a richer, more authentic flavor that enhances the overall taste of the bars.
  • Soften butter at room temperature to ensure smooth mixing and better integration with other ingredients, preventing lumpy texture.
  • Substitute chocolate kisses with dairy-free chocolate chips for a vegan-friendly version that maintains the classic sweet-and-nutty profile.
  • Reduce baking time by 2-3 minutes if you prefer a softer, chewier bar with a slightly underbaked center for extra moisture.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 200
  • Sugar: 12g
  • Sodium: 90mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 3.5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 25g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 20mg
James Mitchell

James Mitchell

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Recipe Creation and Testing​, Fusion Cuisine​, Food Styling and Photography​, Culinary Education​

Education

Kendall College, Chicago, IL

  • Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classic and modern cooking techniques, with a specialization in international cuisines.​

The Culinary Institute of America, Hyde Park, NY

  • Program: Advanced Certificate in Gastronomy
  • Focus: In-depth studies of global food cultures, flavor profiling, and innovative recipe development.​

James Mitchell is the founder and fearless flavor explorer at Cooking Crusade. With a degree in Culinary Arts from Kendall College and advanced training in global gastronomy from The Culinary Institute of America, James has spent over a decade perfecting the art of recipe creation. 

His background includes fine dining, private cheffing, and food styling, but his true joy comes from turning big ideas into doable recipes for home cooks. Every dish he shares is a mix of creativity, culture, and a little kitchen magic, built to bring excitement back to everyday meals.

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