Peanut Butter Blossom Bars Recipe

The Best Peanut Butter Blossom Bars Recipe for Sweet Tooth Joy

Crafting delectable peanut butter blossom bars brings pure joy to any kitchen adventure.

Sweet memories flood back with each bite of this nostalgic treat.

Chocolate kisses nestled atop rich, buttery squares create an irresistible combination.

Soft, chewy textures mingle with a perfect balance of nutty and sweet flavors.

Home bakers adore how simple ingredients transform into something magical.

Crumbly edges and tender centers promise a delightful experience for everyone.

Why Peanut Butter Blossom Bars Shine

  • Super Simple Baking: Whip up these delightful bars with minimal effort, perfect for bakers of all skill levels who want a quick and delicious treat.
  • Kid-Friendly Dessert Delight: Combine the classic combination of peanut butter and chocolate in a fun, shareable bar format that will make kids and adults go crazy.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Party Treat: Ideal for potlucks, gatherings, and celebrations, these bars are easy to transport and serve, guaranteed to impress everyone with their irresistible flavor and cute Hershey's Kiss topping.
  • Versatile Sweet Snack: Enjoy as an afternoon pick-me-up, after-school snack, or decadent dessert that comes together faster than traditional cookies while delivering maximum flavor and satisfaction.

What You Need For Blossom Bars

Base Ingredients:
  • Butter: Creamy and rich dairy fat for soft texture.
  • Granulated Sugar: Sweet white crystal sugar for sweetness.
  • Brown Sugar: Moist sugar with caramel notes for depth.
  • Peanut Butter: Smooth, nutty spread for rich flavor.
  • Egg: Binding ingredient for structure.
Dry Ingredients:
  • Flour: Basic baking powder that adds structure.
  • Baking Soda: Leavening agent for rising.
  • Baking Powder: Additional rising agent for softness.
  • Salt: Flavor enhancer for balanced taste.
Topping and Mix-In Ingredients:
  • Milk Chocolate Chips, Hershey's Kisses: Sweet chocolate morsels for extra indulgence.
  • Sparkling Sugar: Decorative crunchy sugar for finishing touch.

Steps To Make Blossom Bars

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Get your oven ready by setting the temperature to 350°F.

Grab a 9×13-inch baking pan and give it a light coating of grease to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create the Magical Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine these ingredients:
  • Softened butter
  • Granulated sugar
  • Brown sugar
  • Creamy peanut butter
  • Egg

Whip these together until they’re smooth and perfectly blended.

Gently fold in:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking soda
  • Baking powder
  • Salt

Mix until a soft dough forms.

Sprinkle in milk chocolate chips and stir them throughout the dough.

Step 3: Spread the Happiness

Press the dough evenly into your prepared baking pan.

Sprinkle a bit of sparkling sugar across the top for extra shimmer and crunch.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the pan into the preheated oven.

Bake for 22-24 minutes until the top turns a beautiful golden brown and the surface looks puffy and inviting.

Step 5: Add the Chocolate Kiss Surprise

Right after pulling the pan from the oven, quickly press Hershey’s Kisses into the warm surface.

Arrange them in a neat 4×6 grid pattern.

Dust the top with remaining sparkling sugar for a final touch of magic.

Step 6: Cool and Slice

Let the bars cool completely in the pan.

Once cooled, slice into squares, making sure each piece has a chocolate kiss nestled in its center.

Enjoy your homemade treat!

Pro Tips For Peanut Butter Bars

  • Let butter sit at room temperature for 30-60 minutes before mixing to ensure smooth, even blending without lumps.
  • Gently fold flour mixture just until combined to keep bars tender and avoid tough, dense texture.
  • Use creamy, no-stir peanut butter for consistent texture and rich flavor in the bars.
  • Press chocolate kisses immediately after baking while bars are still warm to help them melt slightly and adhere perfectly.
  • Refrigerate bars for 15-20 minutes before slicing to achieve neat, precise squares without crumbling.

Storing Blossom Bars Right

  • Store cooled bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, keeping them fresh and maintaining their soft texture.
  • Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months, preserving their delicious flavor and texture.
  • Remove frozen bars from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before enjoying, allowing them to soften naturally.
  • Warm refrigerated or thawed bars in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to restore their gooey chocolate kiss and soft, tender crumb.

What To Pair With Peanut Bars

  • Pair Perfectly with Peanut Butter Blossom Bars
  • Complementary Beverage Pairing: Rich cold milk enhances the chocolate and peanut butter flavors, creating a classic childhood-inspired combination that balances sweetness and creaminess.
  • Dessert Wine Match: Select a sweet Pedro Ximénez sherry with deep caramel undertones that harmonizes beautifully with the chocolate and nutty elements in the bars.
  • Coffee Companion: Brew a medium-roast Colombian coffee with subtle chocolate notes that will highlight the dessert's rich peanut butter and chocolate profile without overwhelming its delicate texture.
  • Unexpected Flavor Booster: Serve alongside vanilla bean ice cream to amplify the dessert's creamy qualities and provide a cool contrast to the warm, freshly baked bars.

Peanut Blossom Variations

  • Gluten-Free Peanut Butter Bars: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for a celiac-friendly version.
  • Vegan Chocolate Chip Bars: Swap butter with coconut oil, use flax egg instead of chicken egg, and select dairy-free chocolate chips to create a plant-based alternative.
  • Low-Sugar Option: Substitute granulated sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, reducing overall sugar content while maintaining delicious flavor profile.
  • Nut-Free Adaptation: Remove peanut butter and replace with sunflower seed butter for individuals with nut allergies, keeping the basic cookie bar structure intact.

FAQs

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

These bars combine the classic peanut butter cookie flavor with the convenience of a bar dessert, allowing you to skip individual cookie shaping and enjoy a faster baking process with the same delicious taste.

  • Can I use different types of chocolate for the Kisses?

Absolutely! While Hershey’s Kisses are traditional, you can experiment with different flavored Kisses like caramel, dark chocolate, or hugs for a unique twist on the classic recipe.

  • Is it necessary to use sparkling sugar?

Sparkling sugar isn’t mandatory but adds a nice crunch and decorative touch to the bars. If you don’t have it, you can skip it or use regular granulated sugar as an alternative.

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

Look for golden brown edges and a puffed-up surface. The bars should be set but still slightly soft in the center, which takes about 22-24 minutes at 350°F.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Peanut Butter Blossom Bars Recipe

Peanut Butter Blossom Bars Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 32 reviews

  • Total Time: 39 minutes
  • Yield: 16 1x

Description

Sweet, nostalgic memories of classic peanut butter blossom bars dance across familiar flavor profiles in this delightful dessert. Rich chocolate kisses nestled atop buttery peanut butter squares create a perfect marriage of comforting childhood treats you’ll savor to the last crumb.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup (100 grams) granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup (110 grams) brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 1 egg

Dry Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cups (180 grams) all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt

Toppings and Extras:

  • 2/3 cup milk chocolate chips
  • 24 Hershey’s Kisses, unwrapped
  • 3 teaspoons white sparkling sugar (or granulated sugar)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan with a light grease coating to prevent sticking.
  2. In a spacious mixing bowl, thoroughly cream together butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, peanut butter, and egg until the mixture becomes smooth and homogeneous.
  3. Gently incorporate flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt into the wet mixture, stirring until a cohesive dough forms without overmixing.
  4. Fold milk chocolate chips into the dough, distributing them evenly throughout the mixture.
  5. Transfer the dough into the prepared pan, using gentle pressure to create an uniform layer that reaches all corners and edges.
  6. Delicately sprinkle sparkling sugar across the surface of the unbaked dough.
  7. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 22-24 minutes, watching for a golden-brown color and consistent puffing across the entire surface.
  8. Immediately after removing from the oven, carefully press Hershey’s Kisses into the warm bars, arranging them in a precise 4×6 grid pattern.
  9. Dust the remaining sparkling sugar over the freshly decorated bars for added texture and visual appeal.
  10. Allow the bars to cool completely within the pan, which helps them set and develop a stable structure.
  11. Once thoroughly cooled, slice into individual squares, ensuring each piece contains a centered Hershey’s Kiss.

Notes

  • Swap peanut butter with almond or sunflower seed butter for nut-free alternatives that maintain the creamy texture and rich flavor profile.
  • Reduce baking time by 2-3 minutes if you prefer softer, chewier bars with a slightly underbaked center for extra moisture.
  • Use dark chocolate kisses or dairy-free chocolate chips to create a more intense chocolate experience and accommodate different taste preferences.
  • Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent excessive spreading and create a more structured, compact bar texture.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 24 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 16
  • Calories: 220
  • Sugar: 14g
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 29g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 20mg
Angelina Wiles

Angelina Wiles

Content Editor & Culinary Enthusiast

Expertise

Food Writing and Editing, Vegetarian and Vegan Cuisine, Baking and Pastry Arts, Sustainable Cooking Practices​

Education

Portland Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focus: Emphasis on sustainable cooking practices, vegetarian cuisine, and food writing.​

​Oregon Culinary Institute
Diploma in Baking and Pastry Arts
Focus: Specialized training in artisanal baking, pastry techniques, and dessert presentation.


Angelina’s love for cooking started with handwritten family recipes and weekend trips to farmers’ markets around Portland. She followed her passion with a Certificate in Culinary Arts from Portland Community College, then perfected her sweet side with a Diploma in Baking and Pastry Arts at Oregon Culinary Institute.
Angelina believes recipes should feel like a conversation, not a science project. She’s all about helping readers trust themselves in the kitchen with simple steps, fresh ideas, and easy twists on classic meals.
When she’s not editing recipes, she’s baking bread, sipping coffee, or getting inspired by the changing seasons.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star