Peanut Butter Blossom Bars Recipe

Irresistible Peanut Butter Blossom Bars Recipe for Sweet Smiles

Dreamy peanut butter blossom bars dance between classic cookie memories and modern sweet cravings.

Nostalgic flavors wrapped in a convenient rectangular shape make snacking effortless.

Chocolate kisses nestled atop rich, buttery squares create instant excitement for anyone who loves comfort desserts.

Soft, chewy textures promise pure indulgence with every single bite.

Baking these treats becomes a simple joy that connects generations through shared delight.

Weekend baking adventures just got more delicious with this crowd-pleasing recipe.

You cannot resist the temptation of these irresistible bars that blend traditional cookie charm with contemporary convenience.

Peanut Butter Blossom Bars That Disappear Quickly

  • Whip Up Effortless Comfort: These peanut butter blossom bars simplify the classic cookie into an incredibly easy bar dessert.
  • Quick Family Favorite: Minimal prep time and simple ingredients make this recipe perfect for busy parents wanting a sweet treat everyone will love.
  • Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for potlucks, bake sales, or casual gatherings where you want a dessert that looks impressive but requires minimal effort.
  • Nostalgic Flavor Twist: Transforms the beloved chocolate kiss cookie into a convenient, shareable bar format that brings back childhood memories while offering modern convenience.

Peanut Butter Blossom Bars – Ingredient Rundown

Cookie Base Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and texture for the classic peanut butter cookie base.
  • Baking Soda: Helps the bars rise and creates a soft, tender crumb.
  • Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and helps create a smooth, creamy texture.
  • Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps with caramelization.
  • Creamy Peanut Butter: Delivers the signature peanut butter flavor and moisture.
  • Large Eggs: Binds ingredients together and adds structure to the bars.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and enhances the overall flavor profile.
Chocolate and Topping:
  • Hershey's Kisses: Classic chocolate topping that creates the signature blossom look.
  • Coarse Sugar or Decorative Sugar: Optional coating for extra crunch and sparkle on top of the bars.

How to Make Peanut Butter Blossom Bars from Scratch

Step 1: Prepare Cookie Dough Base

Grab a mixing bowl and combine softened butter with brown and white sugars.

Whisk until the mixture becomes creamy and light.

Blend in a smooth peanut butter, vanilla extract, and an egg, stirring until everything integrates perfectly.

In another bowl, sift together flour, baking soda, and a pinch of salt.

Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, creating a consistent, soft dough.

Step 2: Press Dough into Baking Pan

Take a rectangular baking pan and line it with parchment paper, allowing slight overhang for easy removal.

Spread the cookie dough evenly across the pan, using your fingers or a spatula to create a smooth, uniform layer.

Press the dough gently but firmly to ensure it covers the entire bottom of the pan.

Step 3: Bake the Cookie Base

Slide the pan into a preheated oven.

Bake until the edges turn golden brown and the center looks set but slightly soft.

The baking process typically takes around 15-20 minutes.

Remove from the oven and let the cookie base cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 4: Create Chocolate Topping

In a microwave-safe bowl, melt chocolate chips in short intervals, stirring between each to prevent burning.

Once smooth and glossy, pour the melted chocolate over the cooled cookie base.

Use a spatula to spread the chocolate evenly across the surface.

Step 5: Add Decorative Peanut Butter Drizzle

Warm peanut butter slightly in the microwave until it becomes liquid enough to drizzle.

Using a spoon or piping bag, create zigzag patterns across the chocolate layer.

This adds visual appeal and extra peanut butter flavor.

Step 6: Chill and Set

Place the pan in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.

This helps the chocolate and peanut butter topping firm up and creates clean, crisp cuts when slicing.

Step 7: Cut and Serve

Remove the bars from the pan using the parchment paper overhang.

Place on a cutting board and slice into neat squares.

Serve at room temperature for the best texture and flavor enjoyment.

  • Mix butter and sugars thoroughly until light and fluffy to ensure bars hold together perfectly.
  • Gently press Hershey's Kisses into warm bars immediately after baking to create a smooth, melted chocolate surface.
  • Use unsalted butter to manage the overall salt content and balance the sweetness of the peanut butter and chocolate.
  • Swap regular flour with gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly version without compromising taste or texture.
  • Cool bars completely before cutting and store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.

Store Peanut Butter Blossom Bars

  • Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, keeping them fresh and maintaining their delicious texture.
  • Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months for a make-ahead treat that stays delectable.
  • Remove frozen bars from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before enjoying, preserving their soft, chewy consistency.
  • Warm briefly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds if you prefer a slightly melted Hershey's kiss and a warm, gooey bar.

Best Matches for Peanut Butter Blossom Bars

  • Chocolate Malt Companion: Complement the rich peanut butter and chocolate flavors with a creamy chocolate malt milkshake, enhancing the dessert's sweet and nutty profile.
  • Espresso Accent: Pair the bars with a bold espresso or cappuccino to cut through the sweetness and provide a contrasting bitter note that highlights the cookie's depth.
  • Vanilla Ice Cream Match: Top the warm bars with a scoop of classic vanilla ice cream, creating a delightful temperature contrast and adding a smooth, creamy texture.
  • Caramel Drizzle Enhancement: Elevate the bars by drizzling salted caramel sauce over the top, intensifying the dessert's complexity and adding a luxurious touch.

Blossom Bars Peanut Butter Mixes

  • Gluten-Free Version: Replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend and ensure baking powder is gluten-free for celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.
  • Vegan Alternative: Swap butter with coconut oil, use plant-based egg replacer, and select dairy-free chocolate kisses to create a completely vegan-friendly dessert bar.
  • Nut-Free Option: Substitute peanut butter with sunflower seed butter or soy nut butter for those with peanut allergies while maintaining similar texture and richness.
  • Low-Sugar Modification: Use monk fruit sweetener or stevia instead of regular sugar, and select dark chocolate kisses with lower sugar content to reduce overall sweetness and calories.

FAQs

  • Are peanut butter blossoms traditionally made as bars?

No, classic peanut butter blossoms are traditionally cookies. These bars offer a simplified, easier version of the beloved cookie with the same delicious flavors.

  • Can I use natural peanut butter for this recipe?

Stick with creamy, processed peanut butter like Jif or Skippy. Natural peanut butter has different oil content and might make the bars too dry or crumbly.

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

Look for golden edges and a slightly set center. The bars will continue to firm up as they cool, so don’t overbake. A toothpick inserted should come out with a few moist crumbs.

  • What if I don't have Hershey's Kisses?

You can substitute with chocolate chips or chocolate chunks. Hershey’s Kisses create the classic look, but other chocolate options work just as well for topping the bars.

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Peanut Butter Blossom Bars Recipe

Peanut Butter Blossom Bars Recipe


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4.6 from 14 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Indulgent peanut butter blossom bars merge classic cookie charm with irresistible chocolate-kissed simplicity. Crumbly, sweet layers deliver comforting nostalgia that draws hungry friends and family straight to the dessert plate.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour

Sweeteners and Flavor Enhancers:

  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup milk

Leavening and Seasoning:

  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Topping:

  • 36 Hershey’s Kisses, unwrapped

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven and line a baking pan with parchment paper, creating an easy-lift surface for later removal.
  2. Cream together butter, peanut butter, and sugars until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, ensuring a smooth base for the bars.
  3. Incorporate eggs and vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly to bind the wet ingredients and develop rich flavor.
  4. Gradually fold in flour, baking soda, and salt, stirring until a cohesive dough forms without overmixing.
  5. Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan, creating a uniform layer that will bake consistently.
  6. Bake in the preheated oven until the edges turn golden brown and the center appears set but slightly soft.
  7. Remove from the oven and immediately place chocolate kisses on top of the warm bars, gently pressing each one into the surface.
  8. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan, which helps the chocolate kisses adhere and the base to set.
  9. Once cooled, lift the bars out using the parchment paper and slice into squares.
  10. Serve at room temperature, enjoying the perfect blend of soft peanut butter base and smooth chocolate topping.

Notes

  • Swap traditional peanut butter for almond or sunflower seed butter to create a nut-free version perfect for school lunches or allergy-sensitive gatherings.
  • Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent excessive spreading and maintain a more compact bar shape.
  • Press chocolate kisses gently into the warm bars immediately after baking to ensure they stick perfectly without sinking too deep into the cookie base.
  • For a gluten-free adaptation, replace all-purpose flour with a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend, maintaining the same delicious texture and flavor profile.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 249
  • Sugar: 18 g
  • Sodium: 105 mg
  • Fat: 16 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 24 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 20 mg
James Walker

James Walker

Lead Recipe Developer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Southern Cuisine & Farm-to-Table Cooking, Recipe Development & Testing, Culinary Education & Instruction​

Education

School: Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts

Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts and Operations

Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern culinary techniques, kitchen operations, and farm-to-table practices. ​


James didn’t learn cooking from a TV show, he learned it from busy kitchens, family gatherings, and long afternoons spent testing recipes the hard way.
After training at the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, he brought his love for real, down-to-earth food to every dish he makes.
At Dining At Home, James loves building recipes that feel familiar but still have something special, like adding a twist to a classic or making a slow Sunday dinner feel brand new.
When he’s not in the kitchen, you’ll probably find him swapping garden tips at the farmers’ market or teaching his daughter how to flip pancakes without a mess (almost).

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