Peanut Butter Blossom Bars
Peanut Butter Blossom Bars combine the timeless flavors of creamy or chunky peanut butter with a chewy cookie base and a signature chocolate kiss on top. These delightful bars are easy to make with simple pantry ingredients, versatile for various dietary needs and occasions, and perfect for sharing as a sweet treat that everyone will love.
- Author: Sarah
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (when using gluten-free flour blend)
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup creamy or chunky peanut butter
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free version)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Topping
- About 24 chocolate kisses or chocolate chips
Optional Add-Ins & Garnishes
- Chopped roasted peanuts
- Flaky sea salt
- Mini peanut butter cups (for chunky style)
- Cocoa powder (for double chocolate variation)
- Prepare the dough: Begin by creaming the softened butter and peanut butter together with both brown and granulated sugars until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt, then gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until a soft dough forms.
- Shape and place on baking tray: Scoop out portions of dough about 1 inch in size and roll them into balls. Place these dough balls onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing each ball at least 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.
- Bake and add chocolate kisses: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the dough balls for 8 to 10 minutes until the edges are lightly golden but the centers remain soft. Immediately after removing from the oven, press a chocolate kiss gently into the center of each warm cookie, slightly flattening it without breaking the cookie.
- Cool and enjoy: Allow the bars to cool completely on the baking sheet so they firm up properly. Once cooled, transfer them to a storage container or serve immediately with a smile.
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth mixing and uniform texture.
- Don’t overbake; slightly undercooking the bars results in a soft, chewy center.
- Press the chocolate kisses gently to prevent cracking or squashing the bars.
- For thicker bars, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
- Use quality creamy natural peanut butter for enhanced flavor without overpowering.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: peanut butter bars, peanut butter blossom bars, chocolate kiss cookies, chewy peanut butter bars, gluten-free peanut butter dessert