Name: Peanut Butter Blossom Bars Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup smooth peanut butter; 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened); 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 cup brown sugar (packed); 3 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 24 pieces chocolate kisses (unwrapped)

Jump to Recipe

If you love the classic combination of peanut butter and chocolate, you are going to fall head over heels for these Peanut Butter Blossom Bars. This delightful treat takes all the best parts of the nostalgic peanut butter cookie with a chocolate kiss on top and transforms it into a rich, chewy bar that’s perfect for sharing or savoring solo. Imagine a soft, buttery peanut butter base with pockets of melty chocolate that beckon you back for more. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or craving a cozy homemade dessert, these bars deliver that wonderful mix of sweet, salty, and chocolatey goodness in every bite.

Peanut Butter Blossom Bars Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this recipe is straightforward, yet each plays a vital role in making the Peanut Butter Blossom Bars irresistibly tasty and perfectly textured. From creamy peanut butter that gives a nutty richness to the flour and baking soda that ensure just the right crumb, every element counts.

1 cup smooth peanut butter: This is the star ingredient that brings that trademark peanut flavor and creamy texture.
1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened): Adds richness and moisture, helping the bars stay tender.
1 cup granulated sugar: Provides sweetness and slight crispness at the edges.
1 cup brown sugar (packed): Adds depth with a hint of molasses flavor and keeps the bars chewy.
2 large eggs: Bind everything together and create structure.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a warm, aromatic touch.
3 cups all-purpose flour: The base that gives the bars their body and perfect crumb.
1 teaspoon baking soda: Acts as a leavening agent to lighten the texture slightly.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and boosts all the flavors.
24 pieces chocolate kisses (unwrapped): Each kiss melts into a luscious, glossy chocolate spot on top.

How to Make Peanut Butter Blossom Bars

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready by the time your batter is mixed. Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan thoroughly so your bars don’t stick and come out cleanly shaped and perfect.

Step 2: Cream Together Peanut Butter, Butter, and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, combine the smooth peanut butter, softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. This step is all about building the base flavor and richness. Mix until everything becomes creamy and smooth, which helps create a tender bar texture.

Step 3: Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to integrate air and keep the batter light. Stir in the vanilla extract to give your bars that warm, inviting aroma and flavor.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients Separately

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Ensuring these dry ingredients are combined evenly helps your bars bake uniformly without any unexpected salty or bitter spots.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients with Wet Mixture

Gradually add the flour mixture to the peanut butter mixture. Mix gently but thoroughly until just incorporated. Overmixing at this stage can toughen the bars, so stop when you see no dry streaks.

Step 6: Spread Batter and Bake

Spread the batter evenly into your prepared pan, smoothing out the top to an even layer. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until you see golden edges and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean—this signals a perfectly baked bar without being dry.

Step 7: Top with Chocolate Kisses

As soon as the bars come out of the oven, press the unwrapped chocolate kisses evenly in a grid pattern over the warm surface. The heat will gently melt the chocolate, giving you those signature glossy, delicious “blossoms”. Let the bars cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before slicing.

How to Serve Peanut Butter Blossom Bars

Garnishes

To amp up presentation and flavor, sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on each chocolate kiss once they’re melted. A light dusting of powdered sugar can also add a pretty touch and a hint of vanilla sweetness. If you want a bit of crunch, chopped roasted peanuts scattered on top are fantastic too.

Side Dishes

Peanut Butter Blossom Bars are so rich and satisfying they can be the star of a dessert spread. Serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a classic combo. Fresh berries or sliced bananas make for a refreshing pairing, balancing the richness with their natural sweetness and acidity.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or gift-giving, cut the bars into small bite-sized squares and arrange them on a festive platter with little picks for easy snacking. You can also layer them in decorative boxes lined with parchment paper for a homemade gift that feels extra special. Wrapping individual pieces in wax paper ribbons adds a charming touch that friends and family will adore.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Peanut Butter Blossom Bars keep wonderfully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. This helps maintain their soft texture and rich flavors without drying out. To freshen them before serving, you can microwave a piece for 10-15 seconds to enjoy a slightly warm, melty chocolate experience.

Freezing

If you want to keep these bars for longer, wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Frozen Peanut Butter Blossom Bars last up to 3 months. Thaw them overnight in the fridge or gently at room temperature for a perfect treat anytime.

Reheating

When reheating, avoid microwaving too long or bars might become dry; a quick 10-15 second zap or warming in a low-temperature oven (around 300°F) for 5-7 minutes will restore that fresh-baked charm. This warms the chocolate slightly and softens the peanut buttery base without overcooking.

FAQs

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of smooth?

Absolutely! Using crunchy peanut butter will add a delightful texture contrast inside the bars. Just be aware that the consistency might differ slightly, and your bars could be a bit chunkier but still delicious.

What types of chocolate kisses work best?

Classic milk chocolate kisses are traditional and melt beautifully, but feel free to experiment with dark or even white chocolate variants for unique twists. Just make sure they are unwrapped before pressing onto the warm bars.

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend. The texture may be a bit different but should still produce tasty, chewy Peanut Butter Blossom Bars.

How do I prevent the chocolate kisses from melting too much?

Press the chocolate kisses onto the bars right after baking while it is still warm but not piping hot. If the pan is too hot, the chocolate can melt completely and lose its shape. Letting bars cool for a minute or two before adding the kisses helps maintain that signature “blossom” look.

Can I double this recipe for a larger batch?

Yes, you can double the ingredients and bake in a larger pan (like 9×18 inch) or two 9×13 pans. Just keep an eye on baking time, as it might vary slightly depending on thickness.

Final Thoughts

Peanut Butter Blossom Bars are one of those rare treats that bring together comfort, nostalgia, and irresistible flavor in every bite. They’re simple enough for a quick bake yet impressive enough to share with loved ones at gatherings or special occasions. Give this recipe a try—you might find these bars quickly becoming your new favorite dessert to make and share.

Peanut Butter Blossom Bars Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 6 reviews

Author: Ethan
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 24 bars 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Peanut Butter Blossom Bars are a delicious twist on the classic peanut butter cookie, featuring a soft, chewy base topped with iconic chocolate kisses. These bars combine the rich flavors of peanut butter and chocolate, making them perfect for holiday treats or anytime snacking.

Instructions

Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
Mix wet ingredients and sugars: In a large mixing bowl, combine the smooth peanut butter, softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Mix until the mixture is creamy and smooth, ensuring the sugars are well incorporated.
Add eggs and vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to create a smooth batter. Stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and salt.
Mix dry into wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the peanut butter and sugar mixture, stirring until fully incorporated and you have a uniform batter.
Spread batter: Evenly spread the batter into the prepared 9×13 inch pan, smoothing the top for an even bake.
Bake bars: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Add chocolate kisses: Remove the bars from the oven and immediately press the unwrapped chocolate kisses into the warm bars in a grid pattern, spacing them evenly for a classic look.
Cool and cut: Allow the bars to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes to set. Then cut into squares and serve.

Notes

You can substitute crunchy peanut butter if you prefer added texture.
Make sure the chocolate kisses are pressed into the bars while they are still warm to prevent cracking.
Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.
For a nut-free version, try sunflower seed butter as a substitute for peanut butter.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dessert, Snack
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American