Oh my goodness, let me tell you about the joy that peanut butter blossom bars bring into my life! These chewy, sweet treats are like a warm hug on a plate. I remember the first time I made them – the smell of peanut butter wafting through my kitchen was pure bliss! It was a rainy afternoon, and I had friends over. We couldn’t resist sneaking bites of the dough before it even hit the oven. Once baked, the bars transform into golden goodness topped with lovely chocolate kisses that just melt in your mouth. Seriously, there’s nothing quite like that combination of rich peanut butter and sweet chocolate! They’re perfect for any gathering or just a cozy night in. Trust me, you’re going to want to whip these up right away!
Ingredients List
- 1 cup peanut butter (creamy or chunky, depending on your preference)
- 1 cup granulated sugar (this adds sweetness and helps with texture)
- 1 cup packed brown sugar (for that lovely molasses flavor and chewiness)
- 2 large eggs (room temperature for better mixing)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (a must for that warm, sweet aroma)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (this is the base that holds everything together)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda (helps the bars rise and gives them that perfect texture)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (just a pinch to enhance all the flavors)
- 24 chocolate kisses (the delicious cherry on top that makes these bars irresistible!)
How to Prepare Peanut Butter Blossom Bars
Preheating and Mixing
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial because it ensures your bars bake evenly and come out perfectly chewy! While that’s warming up, grab a large mixing bowl and combine the peanut butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. I usually use a sturdy whisk or an electric mixer for this part—just mix until everything is well incorporated and smooth. You want that creamy texture that makes these bars so delightful!
Combining Dry Ingredients
Now, in another bowl, mix together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This is a super important step! By combining these dry ingredients separately, you ensure that the baking soda and salt are evenly distributed throughout the flour. This helps create that perfect texture in the bars – soft and chewy. Just whisk them together until they’re well mixed, and then you’re ready to combine the wet and dry ingredients.
Baking the Bars
Next, gradually add the dry mixture to the peanut butter mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Don’t overmix! Once everything is together, spread the dough evenly in a greased baking pan. Make sure it’s nice and smooth on top. Now, pop it into the oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. It’s so hard to wait, but let them cool a bit before moving on to the final step!
Adding Chocolate Kisses
As soon as you take those beautiful bars out of the oven, it’s time for the best part—pressing the chocolate kisses into the center! Do this while the bars are still warm; it allows the kisses to melt slightly and get all cozy in the dough. I usually space them out evenly, about 3 inches apart. Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares. Trust me, the chocolate and peanut butter combo is pure magic!
Nutritional Information
Each of these delightful peanut butter blossom bars is approximately 180 calories, making them a sweet treat worth indulging in! You’ll find about 8g of fat, 4g of protein, and 24g of carbohydrates per bar. They also contain around 12g of sugar, which adds that delicious sweetness we all love. Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on your specific ingredients and portion sizes. Enjoy every bite!
Tips for Success
To ensure your peanut butter blossom bars turn out perfectly every time, here are a few handy tips! First, make sure your eggs are at room temperature before mixing. This helps them blend more easily into the batter for a smoother texture. Also, when mixing the wet ingredients, don’t overmix! Just stir until everything is combined to keep those bars nice and chewy.
Another crucial step is keeping an eye on the baking time. Every oven is different, so check the bars a couple of minutes before the recommended time. You want them golden brown around the edges but still soft in the center. Lastly, don’t skip the cooling step before cutting; it helps the bars set up nicely. Follow these tips, and you’ll have delicious, melt-in-your-mouth bars that everyone will love!
Variations
There are so many fun ways to switch up these peanut butter blossom bars! For a delightful twist, try using almond butter instead of peanut butter. It adds a nutty richness that’s simply divine! If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even mix in some mini chocolate chips instead of the traditional chocolate kisses. They provide a little extra burst of chocolatey goodness in every bite!
Another idea is to throw in some chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, for added crunch and texture. You can also experiment with flavored chocolate kisses—like caramel-filled or mint—to give a whole new vibe to your bars. The beauty of these variations is that they let you customize the flavor to match your mood or occasion. Get creative and have fun with it!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your leftover peanut butter blossom bars fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container. I usually layer them with parchment paper between the bars to prevent them from sticking together. They’ll stay tasty for up to a week at room temperature, or you can pop them in the fridge for even longer freshness!
If you want to enjoy them warm, simply microwave a bar for about 10-15 seconds. This will soften the chocolate kisses and make the peanut butter even more indulgent! Just be careful not to overheat them, or they might get a bit too gooey. Alternatively, you can reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes. This will help maintain that lovely chewy texture while bringing back that freshly baked aroma. Enjoy every bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy preparation, perfect for beginners!
- Simple ingredients you probably already have on hand.
- Deliciously chewy with a perfect blend of peanut butter and chocolate.
- Crowd-pleasing treat that’s great for parties or family gatherings.
- Versatile recipe that allows for fun variations to match your taste.
FAQ Section
Can I use natural peanut butter for these bars?
Absolutely! Natural peanut butter works well, but keep in mind that it can make the bars a bit more crumbly due to its oil separation. Just give it a good stir before using!
What if I don’t have chocolate kisses?
No worries! You can substitute with chocolate chips, mini chocolate chips, or even chunks of your favorite chocolate bar. Get creative with it!
How should I store the leftover bars?
I recommend storing your leftover peanut butter blossom bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want them to last longer, pop them in the fridge!
Can I freeze these bars?
Yes, you can! Just wrap the bars individually in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw them at room temperature.
What’s the best way to serve these bars?
These bars are delicious on their own, but you can also warm them slightly in the microwave for that gooey chocolatey goodness. Serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special treat!
Peanut Butter Blossom Bars: 5 Ways to Indulge Today
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Peanut butter blossom bars are chewy, sweet treats topped with chocolate kisses.
Ingredients
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 24 chocolate kisses
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix peanut butter, sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla.
- In another bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
- Spread the dough in a greased baking pan.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
- Remove from oven and immediately press chocolate kisses into the center.
- Allow to cool before cutting into bars.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Substitute almond butter for a different flavor.
- Use mini chocolate chips for a variation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: peanut butter blossom bars, dessert, baking
