If you love the classic Peanut Butter Blossom cookies, then you’re in for a treat with Peanut Butter Blossom Bars. These bars provide the same rich peanut butter flavor and chocolate topping as the cookies but in an easy, no-roll format. Perfect for quick desserts, holiday gatherings, or just a casual snack, these bars are a crowd favorite.
In this article, we’ll cover the full recipe, some helpful tips, and variations to make the bars your own, along with suggestions for proper storage and fun serving ideas.
Ingredients for Peanut Butter Blossom Bars
To create these delicious bars, you’ll need the following:
- Creamy peanut butter: Forms the base of the dough.
- Granulated sugar and brown sugar: For sweetness and moisture.
- Unsalted butter: Helps bind the ingredients together.
- Egg: Acts as a binder.
- All-purpose flour: Adds structure to the bars.
- Baking soda and baking powder: Leavening agents to help the bars rise.
- Milk chocolate chips: Extra chocolate mixed into the dough.
- Hershey’s Kisses: The signature topping.
Looking for other baked treats with a twist? You can explore different flavor profiles by checking out these Earl Grey Cookies, which use Earl Grey tea for a unique taste.
How to Make Peanut Butter Blossom Bars
Making Peanut Butter Blossom Bars is simple and straightforward:
- Mix the dough
Combine softened butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and creamy peanut butter in a bowl. Beat until the mixture is smooth and creamy. - Add the dry ingredients
Stir in the egg, followed by flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Mix until the dough forms. Fold in the milk chocolate chips for added richness. - Press and bake
Press the dough into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Bake at 350°F for 22-24 minutes or until golden and puffed. - Top with Hershey’s Kisses
As soon as the bars come out of the oven, place Hershey’s Kisses in neat rows (about 4 rows of 6). Let the bars cool completely before cutting into squares.
For more snack and treat ideas, check out this fun recipe for Muddy Buddies, which offers a delicious and crunchy peanut butter snack option.
Tips for the Perfect Peanut Butter Blossom Bars
- Don’t touch the Hershey’s Kisses too early: After placing the Hershey’s Kisses on the hot bars, wait until the bars are fully cooled before touching. Otherwise, the kisses may melt and lose their shape.
- Use parchment paper: Lining your baking dish with parchment paper makes it easier to lift out the bars and cut them neatly.
- Vary the chocolate: Experiment with different types of chocolate like dark chocolate or Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups for a fun twist.
Variations of Peanut Butter Blossom Bars
Here are some ways to customize your Peanut Butter Blossom Bars:
- Swap the Hershey’s Kisses: Use Reese’s Cups, dark chocolate squares, or even caramel-filled chocolates for a new flavor profile.
- Add toppings: Sprinkle chopped nuts, crushed candy canes, or drizzle white chocolate over the top for added texture and flair.
- Mix in different chips: Try using white chocolate chips, dark chocolate chips, or butterscotch chips in place of the milk chocolate chips.
For a fall-inspired treat, you might also like the Pumpkin Banana Loaf, which brings the flavors of pumpkin and banana together in a moist, flavorful loaf.
How to Store Peanut Butter Blossom Bars
To keep your bars fresh:
- At room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to five days.
- In the freezer: Place the bars in an airtight container and freeze for up to three months. Let them thaw at room temperature before serving.
For more tips on storing baked goods, check out this guide on how to store cookies and bars.
FAQs
What is the difference between Peanut Butter Blossom Bars and cookies?
While both share the same flavor, the bars are baked in a pan, making the preparation easier by eliminating the need to roll individual cookie dough balls.
Can I use other types of chocolate for the topping?
Yes! You can use Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, dark chocolate squares, or even caramel-filled chocolates for a unique twist on the traditional Hershey’s Kisses.
How should I store Peanut Butter Blossom Bars to keep them fresh?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to three months.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
Why should I wait to touch the Hershey’s Kisses until the bars cool?
Touching the Hershey’s Kisses while they are warm will cause them to melt and lose their shape. Let them cool completely to maintain their form.
Conclusion
Peanut Butter Blossom Bars are a delicious, easy-to-make alternative to the classic cookie. With rich peanut butter flavor, the iconic Hershey’s Kiss topping, and a convenient no-roll method, these bars are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering, party, or simply for an afternoon snack, these bars are sure to be a hit!
For more baking ideas and recipes, check out the wide variety of delicious treats available on Recipes Alyssa.