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
- 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.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and peanut butter until smooth and well-combined.
- Gradually fold in the flour, mixing until a soft, crumbly dough forms that can be pressed into the prepared pan.
- Evenly distribute the dough across the pan, using your fingertips to create a uniform base layer with gentle, even pressure.
- Bake the base for 18-20 minutes, or until the edges turn light golden and the surface appears set but not completely firm.
- Remove from the oven and immediately press Hershey’s Kisses evenly across the warm surface, creating a grid pattern of chocolate centers.
- Whisk together additional peanut butter and powdered sugar until smooth, then drizzle the mixture over the warm bars in thin, elegant lines.
- Sprinkle chocolate chips and chopped peanuts across the top for added texture and visual appeal.
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan, which will help the chocolate kisses and toppings set properly.
- 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