Description
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.
Notes
- 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.
