Indulge in the delightful fusion of creamy peanut butter, rich chocolate, and buttery dough with our Peanut Butter Blossom Bars recipe. This scrumptious twist on the classic Peanut Butter Blossom cookies will captivate your taste buds with every bite. Perfect for any occasion, from family gatherings to bake sales, these bars are guaranteed to be a hit. Follow along as we guide you through the simple steps to create these heavenly treats.
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
Instructions:
- Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan and set it aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, peanut butter, and egg. Use an electric mixer on medium speed to beat the ingredients until well mixed and creamy.
- Gradually stir in the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt by hand until a dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.
- Gently fold in the milk chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Sprinkle 2 teaspoons of white sparkling sugar or granulated sugar evenly over the dough.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 22-24 minutes, or until the dough is puffed up all over and golden brown.
- Remove the pan from the oven and immediately place the unwrapped Hershey’s Kisses on top of the hot baked bars in a 4×6 pattern.
- Sprinkle the remaining teaspoon of white sparkling sugar or granulated sugar over the Hershey’s Kisses.
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares. Each square should have one Hershey’s Kiss in the center.
- Store the Peanut Butter Blossom Bars in an airtight container to maintain their freshness.
Tips:
- The dough for these bars will be stiff and slightly crumbly, which is normal.
- Avoid touching the Hershey’s Kisses after placing them on the hot bars, as they may smush and lose their shape.
- Experiment with different variations by using dark chocolate chips or adding chopped nuts to the dough for extra texture.
Serving and Storage Tips:
- Serving Suggestions:
- Serve these Peanut Butter Blossom Bars at room temperature for the best flavor and texture.
- Pair them with a glass of cold milk for a classic and comforting treat.
- Sprinkle powdered sugar over the bars just before serving for an extra touch of sweetness and visual appeal.
- These bars also make a delightful addition to dessert platters or party spreads.
- Storage Instructions:
- Store the Peanut Butter Blossom Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- To maintain freshness, place a piece of parchment paper between layers of bars to prevent them from sticking together.
- For longer storage, these bars can be frozen in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
- Thaw frozen bars in the refrigerator overnight before serving, or at room temperature for a few hours.
- If you prefer a warm and gooey texture, reheat individual bars in the microwave for a few seconds before enjoying.
By following these serving and storage tips, you can ensure that your Peanut Butter Blossom Bars stay fresh and delicious, ready to be enjoyed whenever the craving strikes. Whether you’re sharing them with friends and family or savoring them as a personal treat, these bars are sure to bring joy with every bite.
Variations:
- Chocolate Drizzle: For an extra decadent touch, melt some additional chocolate (milk, dark, or white) and drizzle it over the cooled Peanut Butter Blossom Bars before serving. This adds a beautiful presentation and an additional layer of chocolatey goodness.
- Nutty Twist: Enhance the nutty flavor and texture by adding chopped nuts such as peanuts, almonds, or pecans to the dough along with the chocolate chips. This variation adds a delightful crunch and extra richness to the bars.
- Peanut Butter Cup Surprise: Place mini peanut butter cups on top of the hot baked bars instead of Hershey’s Kisses. Press them gently into the dough so they melt slightly and create a gooey center. This variation offers a delicious twist on the classic recipe with a peanut butter lover’s dream.
- Gluten-Free Option: Make these bars gluten-free by using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead of regular flour. Ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free as well, and follow the recipe as directed. This allows those with gluten sensitivities or dietary restrictions to enjoy the irresistible flavors of Peanut Butter Blossom Bars.
- Seasonal Flair: Customize these bars for different seasons or holidays by using themed chocolate candies on top instead of Hershey’s Kisses. For example, use pastel-colored candies for Easter, red and green candies for Christmas, or candy corn for Halloween. This adds a festive touch to your dessert table and makes these bars perfect for any occasion throughout the year.
Feel free to experiment with these variations to create your own unique twist on the classic Peanut Butter Blossom Bars. Whether you’re craving something extra indulgent, looking to accommodate dietary preferences, or simply want to add a seasonal flair, these variations offer endless possibilities for delicious treats.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions):
- Are Peanut Butter Blossom Bars similar to Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies?
- Yes, Peanut Butter Blossom Bars share similarities with the classic Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies in terms of flavor profile and ingredients. However, the bars offer a twist by being baked in a pan and cut into squares rather than being formed into individual cookies.
- Can I use natural peanut butter instead of regular peanut butter?
- While you can use natural peanut butter, keep in mind that it might affect the texture of the bars due to its thinner consistency and lack of stabilizers. If using natural peanut butter, you may need to adjust the amount of flour slightly to achieve the desired dough consistency.
- Can I omit the chocolate chips?
- Yes, you can omit the chocolate chips if you prefer a simpler version of the bars. The bars will still have a delicious peanut butter flavor, but they won’t have the added chocolatey richness from the chips.
- How do I know when the bars are done baking?
- The bars are done baking when they are puffed up all over and golden brown around the edges. You can also perform the toothpick test by inserting a toothpick into the center of the bars—if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs clinging to it, the bars are ready.
- Can I use a different type of chocolate for topping instead of Hershey’s Kisses?
- Yes, you can customize the topping by using your favorite chocolate candies or chunks instead of Hershey’s Kisses. Just ensure they are suitable for baking and will melt slightly on top of the warm bars.
- How can I make these bars more festive for holidays?
- Add a festive touch by using colored sprinkles or themed chocolate candies on top of the bars. For example, use red and green sprinkles for Christmas or pastel-colored candies for Easter.
- Can I make these bars in advance and freeze them?
- Yes, you can make these bars ahead of time and freeze them for later. Once cooled and cut into squares, store the bars in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
- Can I double the recipe to make a larger batch?
- Yes, you can double the recipe to make a larger batch of Peanut Butter Blossom Bars. Simply adjust the ingredient quantities accordingly and use a larger baking pan if needed.
- Can I substitute the white sparkling sugar with regular granulated sugar?
- Yes, you can use regular granulated sugar instead of white sparkling sugar for sprinkling over the bars before baking. It will provide a similar sweet finish to the bars.
- How do I store leftover bars?
- Store leftover Peanut Butter Blossom Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Alternatively, freeze them for longer storage.
With their irresistible combination of peanut butter, chocolate, and a buttery base, these Peanut Butter Blossom Bars are sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply craving a sweet treat, this recipe delivers pure satisfaction with every bite. Enjoy the perfect blend of flavors and textures with these decadent bars that are as easy to make as they are delicious.