Oh, the joy of that first bite — soft peanut butter base, melty chocolate in the middle, and just enough sweetness to make you reach for another (and maybe another). These Peanut Butter Blossom Bars are the cozy cousin of the classic holiday cookie — baked in a pan, sliced into shareable squares, and perfect for lazy afternoons or bake-sale magic. Grab a cold glass of milk and let’s get baking!
Table of Contents
The Nostalgia Behind Peanut Butter Blossom Bars
Remember those peanut butter cookies with the shiny chocolate Kiss pressed right in the center? These bars are that memory — but easier. No rolling, no fuss, just a buttery, peanut-scented dough that hugs melted chocolate in every bite. They’re soft, chewy, and unapologetically comforting — the kind of treat that disappears before the pan cools.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One bowl, minimal cleanup
- Perfect for holidays, bake sales, or sweet cravings
- Stays soft and chewy for days
- Beautiful and nostalgic — each square crowned with a chocolate Kiss
- Kid-approved and freezer-friendly
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ⅔ cup milk chocolate chips
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 egg
- ¾ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- 24 Hershey’s Kisses (unwrapped)
Peanut butter lover? You’ll fall in love with these No-Bake Peanut Butter Balls too!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. This helps the bars bake evenly and lift out beautifully without sticking.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, peanut butter, both sugars, and the egg until smooth and fluffy. This base gives your bars that classic peanut butter cookie flavor and tender texture.
Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients
Stir in the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until just combined. Gently fold in the milk chocolate chips for little pockets of melted chocolate in every bite.
Step 4: Press and Bake
Spread the dough evenly into your prepared pan. Sprinkle a touch of sugar on top for sparkle and texture. Bake for 20–22 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and your kitchen smells absolutely dreamy.
Step 5: Top with Hershey’s Kisses
Right after removing from the oven, press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each bar while it’s still warm. The chocolate will soften and glisten, giving you that signature “blossom” look.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Let the bars cool completely before cutting into squares. Store them in an airtight container — though they’re so good, it’s doubtful they’ll last the day!
Tips for Perfect Peanut Butter Blossom Bars
- Don’t overbake — soft and chewy beats dry and crumbly every time.
- Use a mix of brown and white sugar for the best flavor and texture.
- Want a twist? Swap milk chocolate for dark or white Kisses.
- For a bakery-style finish, sprinkle sea salt on top before baking.
Serving & Storage
These bars are pure joy with a tall glass of milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Perfect for cookie platters, lunchboxes, or after-dinner treats.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 2 months. To refresh, warm them for 10 seconds in the microwave — the chocolate will melt just enough to taste freshly baked.
Cozy tip: They pair beautifully with a mug of Hot Chocolate with Whipped Cream.
Variations to Try
- Swap Kisses for mini Reese’s cups for double peanut flavor.
- Use crunchy peanut butter for texture lovers.
- Drizzle melted chocolate or caramel over cooled bars for a festive touch.
FAQs About Peanut Butter Blossom Bars
Can I make these without eggs?
Yes! Replace the egg with a flaxseed egg (1 tbsp flaxseed + 3 tbsp water) for a soft, chewy bite.
Can I use dark chocolate kisses?
Absolutely — the slight bitterness pairs perfectly with the sweet peanut base.
How do I keep them soft?
Store with a slice of bread in your container. It helps maintain that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Final Thoughts
There’s something magical about these Peanut Butter Blossom Bars. They’re simple, nostalgic, and impossible not to love. Bake them for the people who make you smile and maybe keep a few hidden for yourself. They taste like a warm hug in dessert form.
If you try this recipe, leave a comment below or pin it for later! Your kitchen will thank you.
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Peanut Butter Blossom Bars
Equipment
- Mixing bowl For creaming butter and sugar
- Electric mixer Helps create a fluffy batter
- 9×13 baking dish For even baking
- Spatula To spread dough evenly
- Cooling rack To cool bars before slicing
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ⅔ cup milk chocolate chips
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- ¾ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- 24 Hershey’s Kisses, unwrapped
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, cream together softened butter, peanut butter, both sugars, and the egg until smooth and fluffy.
- Stir in flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Fold in the milk chocolate chips until evenly combined.
- Spread the dough evenly into the greased pan, sprinkle with sugar, and bake for 20–22 minutes until edges are golden.
- Remove from oven and immediately press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each square while warm.
- Allow to cool completely before slicing. Store in an airtight container at room temperature.