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