Oh my goodness, let me tell you about the absolute magic of peanut butter blossom bars! These little delights are not just a treat; they’re a warm hug in dessert form. Imagine soft and chewy peanut butter cookies topped with sweet, melty chocolate kisses—talk about a perfect pairing! The way the flavors blend together is simply irresistible, and every bite brings back the sweetest memories of baking with my mom. We’d make these bars on rainy afternoons, filling the kitchen with that heavenly peanut butter aroma. It’s a nostalgic experience I love to recreate, and now I can share it with you!
What I adore most about these bars is how easy they are to whip up. Seriously, if you’re looking for a quick dessert that’ll impress anyone, these are it! With just a handful of ingredients and a little bit of love, you’ll have a batch of gooey, chocolatey goodness that will disappear in minutes. So grab your peanut butter and let’s dive into this deliciousness together!
Ingredients for Peanut Butter Blossom Bars
Alright, let’s gather our superstar ingredients! You’ll need:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon fine salt
- 24 chocolate kisses
Trust me, these simple ingredients come together to create something spectacular. The creamy peanut butter provides that rich, nutty flavor, while the sugar adds just the right amount of sweetness. And don’t forget the chocolate kisses—they’re like the cherry on top! You’ll want to make sure you have everything ready to go because these bars come together faster than you can say “peanut butter bliss!”
How to Prepare Peanut Butter Blossom Bars
Preheat the Oven
The first step is super crucial—preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your bars bake evenly and come out perfectly golden brown. Trust me, that preheat time is essential for getting that lovely texture we all crave!
Mix the Ingredients
Now, let’s get mixing! In a large mixing bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, egg, vanilla extract, baking soda, and fine salt. I usually use a wooden spoon or a hand mixer to blend everything together until it’s nice and smooth. You want to see no lumps—just a beautiful, cohesive mixture that smells heavenly!
Spread the Mixture
Next, grab your greased 9×9 inch baking pan and spread that luscious mixture evenly into the bottom. I like to use a spatula for this; it helps to ensure every corner is filled and the surface is nice and flat. An even spread is key to even baking, so take your time with this step!
Bake the Bars
Pop your pan in the preheated oven and let those bars bake for 15 to 20 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges are golden brown and the center looks set. If you gently press the top, it should feel soft but not doughy. Once they’re out of the oven, set them aside to cool for about 5 minutes. This cooling time is just enough to get them ready for the next delicious step!
Add Chocolate Kisses
Here comes the fun part! While the bars are still warm, take your chocolate kisses and press them gently into the top of the bars. I like to place one kiss in the center of each bar, but feel free to get creative! Just remember, the heat from the bars will soften the kisses, making them extra melty and delightful.
Cool and Cut
Finally, let the bars cool completely in the pan. This will take about 30 minutes or so. Once they’re cool, you can cut them into squares—the perfect little bites of bliss! Just grab a sharp knife and slice through those bars, and you’re ready to enjoy your homemade peanut butter blossom bars!
Why You’ll Love Peanut Butter Blossom Bars
- They’re incredibly quick to make—ready in just about 30 minutes!
- Cleanup is a breeze with just one mixing bowl and a baking pan.
- Perfect for parties or gatherings; they disappear faster than you can say “peanut butter!”
- The combination of soft peanut butter and melty chocolate is simply irresistible.
- Kid-friendly and fun to make together—kids love pressing the chocolate kisses on top!
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve made these for last-minute get-togethers, and they’re always a hit. Honestly, they’re like a crowd-pleasing secret weapon in my dessert arsenal!
Tips for Success
Want to make sure your peanut butter blossom bars turn out absolutely perfect? I’ve got you covered with some tried-and-true tips!
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Take your egg and peanut butter out of the fridge beforehand. This helps them mix together more smoothly and evenly, giving you that deliciously creamy texture.
- Avoid Overmixing: Once you combine the ingredients, mix just until everything is smooth. Overmixing can lead to tougher bars, and we want them soft and chewy!
- Ensure Even Baking: Make sure to spread the mixture evenly in the baking pan. If the thickness is uneven, some parts may bake faster than others, leading to a less-than-perfect texture.
- Store Properly: Once your bars are cooled and cut, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, they freeze beautifully! Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and pop them in the freezer. Thaw them overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to enjoy!
These little tips can make a big difference, and I promise they’ll help you create the best peanut butter blossom bars every single time. Happy baking!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the nutritional side of these delicious peanut butter blossom bars! Keep in mind that these values are estimates based on the ingredients I’ve used, so your exact numbers might vary a bit.
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 10g
- Protein: 3g
These bars strike a nice balance between indulgence and satisfaction, making them a delightful treat without going overboard. Just remember to enjoy them in moderation—though I know it can be hard to stop at just one!
FAQ About Peanut Butter Blossom Bars
Got questions about these delicious peanut butter blossom bars? Don’t worry, I’ve got answers! Here are some common queries that pop up, along with my best tips and tricks.
Can I use a different nut butter?
Absolutely! If you’re looking for a nut-free option, you can try sunflower seed butter or even a creamy almond butter. Just keep in mind that the flavor will change a bit, but it’ll still be delicious!
How should I store the bars?
Once they’ve cooled completely, store your peanut butter blossom bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them fresh longer, they freeze beautifully. Just wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap and pop them in the freezer. When you’re ready to indulge, let them thaw overnight in the fridge.
Can I make these bars vegan?
Yes, you can! To make a vegan version, substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water works great). Just let it sit for a few minutes to thicken. Also, make sure your chocolate kisses are dairy-free!
What can I use instead of sugar?
If you’re looking to swap out the sugar, you could use coconut sugar or a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit. However, this may affect the texture and sweetness, so keep that in mind!
How can I adjust the sweetness?
If you prefer a less sweet treat, try reducing the sugar by a couple of tablespoons. Just remember, the sugar does help with the structure, so don’t cut it too dramatically!
What’s the best way to cut the bars?
To get clean cuts, use a sharp knife and cut the bars while they’re cool but not refrigerator cold. I like to wipe the knife with a damp cloth between cuts to keep the edges nice and neat!
Can I add mix-ins?
Definitely! Feel free to mix in some chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even a sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking for an extra flavor boost. The possibilities are endless!
I hope this FAQ helps you tackle any uncertainties you might have. If you have more questions, feel free to reach out! Happy baking!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Alright, let’s talk about how to keep those delicious peanut butter blossom bars fresh and tasty! Once they’ve cooled completely, the best way to store the bars is in an airtight container. This keeps them soft and chewy while preventing them from drying out. They’ll stay good at room temperature for up to a week, but trust me, they might not last that long!
If you want to keep them longer, these bars freeze beautifully! Just wrap each individual bar tightly in plastic wrap, then pop them into a freezer-safe container or a zip-top bag. They’ll be good for up to two months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them overnight in the fridge, or if you’re feeling impatient, you can let them sit at room temperature for about an hour. No reheating needed—just enjoy them chilled or at room temperature!
Pro tip: If you do decide to reheat them for that fresh-from-the-oven feel, pop a bar in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This will get the chocolate kisses all melty again, making them even more irresistible. Just be careful not to overheat them—nobody wants a rubbery dessert!
Print
Warm and Chewy Peanut Butter Blossom Bars That Comfort You
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Peanut butter blossom bars are delicious and easy to make. They combine soft peanut butter cookies with chocolate kisses for a delightful treat.
Ingredients
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 24 chocolate kisses
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix peanut butter, sugar, egg, vanilla, baking soda, and salt until smooth.
- Spread the mixture into a greased 9×9 inch baking pan.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes.
- Press chocolate kisses into the top of the bars while still warm.
- Allow to cool completely before cutting into squares.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container.
- These bars freeze well.
- You can use any type of chocolate candy on top.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Keywords: peanut butter blossom bars, dessert, cookies, chocolate