Sweet Peanut Butter Blossom Bars Recipe

The Perfect Peanut Butter Blossom Bars Recipe for Sweet Smiles

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

Sweet memories of childhood treats inspire this nostalgic dessert.

Chocolate kisses nestle perfectly atop rich, crumbly cookie bases that melt in your mouth.

Soft textures and incredible flavors combine in each irresistible square.

Home bakers adore how simple ingredients create such magical results.

Chocolatey centers and buttery backgrounds promise a delightful experience for everyone.

Prepare to fall in love with this classic American dessert that transforms ordinary moments into something extraordinary.

Why Peanut Butter Blossom Bars Are A Hit

  • Minimal Prep Magic: Craft these delectable bars with just a few simple steps, requiring minimal kitchen skills and basic ingredients that most home bakers already have on hand.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Chocolate Peanut Butter Combo: Satisfy sweet tooths with the irresistible combination of rich chocolate Kisses and creamy peanut butter, creating a dessert that appeals to both kids and adults.
  • Versatile Dessert Option: Perfect for potlucks, bake sales, family gatherings, or as a delightful treat to enjoy with afternoon coffee, these bars bring instant happiness to any occasion.
  • Texture Sensation: Experience a delightful mix of crumbly base, smooth chocolate centers, and crunchy peanut topping that creates an exciting sensory experience in every single bite.

Everything In Peanut Butter Blossom Bars

For the Base:
  • Butter: A rich, creamy ingredient that provides a smooth foundation for the dessert.
  • Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Sweet components that add depth of flavor and help create a tender texture.
  • Peanut Butter: Adds a nutty richness and helps bind the base together.
  • All-Purpose Flour: Creates structure and helps form the crumbly cookie base.
For the Toppings:
  • Hershey's Kisses: Chocolate candies that create a delightful centerpiece for each bar.
  • Chocolate Chips, Chopped Peanuts: Provide extra crunch and complementary flavors to the dessert.
For the Drizzle:
  • Peanut Butter, Powdered Sugar: Combine to create a smooth, sweet drizzle that enhances the overall flavor profile.

Making Peanut Butter Blossom Bars Step By Step

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank the oven to a cozy 350°F and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, letting the edges hang over for super easy lifting later.

Step 2: Create A Creamy Base

Grab a large mixing bowl and blend together:
  • Butter
  • Granulated sugar
  • Brown sugar
  • Peanut butter

Whip these ingredients until they transform into a silky smooth mixture.

Step 3: Build The Dough

Gradually mix in flour, working it gently until a soft, crumbly dough emerges that can be pressed into the pan.

Step 4: Spread The Foundation

Use your fingertips to distribute the dough evenly across the pan, creating a uniform base with gentle, consistent pressure.

Step 5: Bake The Bottom Layer

Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 18-20 minutes. Watch for light golden edges and a set surface that isn’t completely firm.

Step 6: Add Chocolate Kisses

Pull the warm pan from the oven and immediately press Hershey’s Kisses across the surface in a beautiful grid pattern.

Step 7: Drizzle Peanut Butter Glaze

Whisk together peanut butter and powdered sugar until silky, then gracefully drizzle thin lines over the warm bars.

Step 8: Sprinkle Final Touches

Scatter chocolate chips and chopped peanuts across the top for extra crunch and visual excitement.

Step 9: Cool And Set

Let the bars cool completely in the pan, allowing chocolate kisses and toppings to settle perfectly.

Step 10: Slice And Serve

Lift the entire dessert out using parchment paper edges, then slice into squares, ensuring each piece showcases a delectable chocolate kiss centerpiece.

Helpful Tips For Peanut Butter Blossom Bars

  • Prep Like a Pro: Line the pan with parchment paper for effortless removal and clean cutting.
  • Smooth Dough Secret: Use room temperature butter and mix thoroughly to create a uniform, soft texture that presses easily into the pan.
  • Kiss Placement Trick: Press warm Hershey's Kisses immediately after baking while the base is still hot to help them adhere perfectly and create a glossy finish.
  • Drizzle with Precision: Whisk peanut butter and powdered sugar until silky smooth, then use a spoon or piping bag to create elegant, thin drizzle lines.
  • Texture Boost: Sprinkle chopped peanuts and extra chocolate chips for a delightful crunch and visual contrast that elevates the entire dessert.

New Ideas For Peanut Butter Blossom Bars

  • Gluten-Free Peanut Butter Bars: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free blend for celiac-friendly version.
  • Vegan Chocolate Kiss Alternative: Swap Hershey's Kisses with dairy-free chocolate chunks or vegan chocolate drops for plant-based option.
  • Low-Sugar Modification: Use monk fruit sweetener instead of granulated sugar and reduce total sugar content by half, maintaining similar texture and sweetness.
  • Nutty Chocolate Variation: Substitute peanut butter with almond butter and use dark chocolate chips for a different flavor profile and nutritional boost.

What Tastes Good With Peanut Butter Blossom Bars

  • Chocolate Companion Wine: Pair with a rich port wine that complements the deep chocolate and nutty flavors, enhancing the dessert's sweetness and complexity.
  • Nutty Beverage Boost: Serve alongside a creamy hazelnut latte or cold brew coffee, which balances the rich peanut butter and chocolate notes with a smooth, roasted undertone.
  • Textural Contrast Plate: Match with vanilla bean ice cream or whipped cream to provide a cool, light counterpoint to the dense, chewy bar texture.
  • Flavor Harmony Suggestion: Accompany with a crisp sparkling rosé that cuts through the richness and provides a refreshing palate cleansing effect between bites.

How To Store Peanut Butter Blossom Bars Fresh

  • Store cooled bars in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers for up to 5 days, maintaining their soft texture and preventing sticking.
  • Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag, lasting up to 3 months for future enjoyment.
  • Keep bars in a sealed container at cool room temperature for 2-3 days, away from direct sunlight or heat sources to preserve quality.
  • Warm briefly in microwave for 10-15 seconds or let bars sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to restore soft, slightly melty texture.

Peanut Butter Blossom Bars Questions Made Easy

  • How do I ensure the dough is the right consistency?

Gently mix the ingredients until a soft, crumbly dough forms that can be easily pressed into the pan. If too dry, add a tiny bit of butter; if too wet, sprinkle a little more flour.

  • Can I use a different type of chocolate instead of Hershey's Kisses?

Yes, you can substitute with chocolate chunks, chocolate chips, or other chocolate varieties. Just ensure they’re similar in size for even distribution.

  • What's the best way to press the Kisses into the warm base?

Immediately after removing from the oven, gently press Kisses into the warm surface with light, even pressure. This helps them stick and slightly melt into the base.

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
Sweet Peanut Butter Blossom Bars Recipe

Sweet Peanut Butter Blossom Bars Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 20 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 24 1x

Description

Nostalgic peanut butter blossom bars elevate classic cookie memories with a delightful twist. Chocolate-kissed squares deliver comfort and sweetness in each delectable bite you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Base Layer:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter

Topping Layer:

  • 24 Hershey’s Kisses
  • 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 2 tablespoons powdered sugar

Garnish:

  • 1/4 cup chocolate chips
  • 2 tablespoons chopped peanuts

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing excess to hang over the sides for easy removal.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and peanut butter until smooth and well-combined.
  3. Gradually fold in the flour, mixing until a soft, crumbly dough forms that can be pressed into the prepared pan.
  4. Evenly distribute the dough across the pan, using your fingertips to create a uniform base layer with gentle, even pressure.
  5. Bake the base for 18-20 minutes, or until the edges turn light golden and the surface appears set but not completely firm.
  6. Remove from the oven and immediately press Hershey’s Kisses evenly across the warm surface, creating a grid pattern of chocolate centers.
  7. Whisk together additional peanut butter and powdered sugar until smooth, then drizzle the mixture over the warm bars in thin, elegant lines.
  8. Sprinkle chocolate chips and chopped peanuts across the top for added texture and visual appeal.
  9. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan, which will help the chocolate kisses and toppings set properly.
  10. Using the parchment paper overhang, lift the entire dessert out of the pan and slice into squares, ensuring each piece has a perfect chocolate kiss centerpiece.

Notes

  • Customize the base by substituting gluten-free flour for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the classic peanut butter cookie texture.
  • Experiment with alternative chocolate toppings like dairy-free chocolate kisses or dark chocolate chunks for vegan or lactose-intolerant dietary needs.
  • Control baking time meticulously, watching for light golden edges to prevent over-browning and maintain a soft, chewy bar consistency.
  • Create symmetrical kiss placement using a ruler or grid pattern for professional-looking presentation and even chocolate distribution.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 24
  • Calories: 200
  • Sugar: 10 g
  • Sodium: 120 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 24 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
James Hambly

James Hambly

Founder & Recipe Creator

Expertise

Recipe Development, Culinary Education, Farm-to-Table Cooking, Southern Cuisine

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focus: Hands-on training in professional cooking techniques, emphasizing farm-to-table practices and Southern cuisine.

The Chef’s Academy
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts
Focus: Comprehensive culinary education covering global cuisines, kitchen management, and food safety.​


James grew up surrounded by the smells of cast-iron skillets and slow-cooked Southern meals in Asheville, North Carolina.
He sharpened his skills with a Certificate in Culinary Arts from Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, and later leveled up with an Associate Degree from The Chef’s Academy.
James’s philosophy is simple: the best meals don’t need fancy tricks, just fresh ingredients, a hot pan, and a little bit of heart. His favorite days are spent testing one-pan wonders, chasing bold flavors, and creating recipes that feel easy, even on a busy night.

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