Name: Peanut Butter Blossom Bars: The Ultimate Recipe & Baking Tips
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 48 cookies
Ingredients: 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup creamy peanut butter; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 cup packed brown sugar; 2 large eggs; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 3 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; Approximately 48 milk chocolate candy kisses, unwrapped; Granulated sugar, for rolling

Peanut Butter Blossom Bars: Prepare to be transported back to childhood bake sales and holiday cookie exchanges with this irresistible treat! Imagine sinking your teeth into a soft, chewy peanut butter bar, perfectly complemented by a sweet and melty chocolate kiss. It's a symphony of flavors and textures that's simply divine.

These delightful bars are a variation of the classic Peanut Butter Blossom cookie, a beloved American confection that has graced dessert tables for generations. While the exact origins are debated, the cookie's popularity soared in the 1950s, thanks to a Pillsbury Bake-Off contest. The bar version offers the same iconic taste in an easier-to-make format, perfect for feeding a crowd or satisfying your own sweet cravings.

What makes Peanut Butter Blossom Bars so universally adored? It's the perfect marriage of salty and sweet, the creamy peanut butter against the rich chocolate. Plus, they're incredibly convenient! No need to roll individual cookies; simply press the dough into a pan, bake, and add those signature chocolate kisses. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a kitchen novice, these bars are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. So, let's get baking and create some sweet memories!

Ingredients:

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup creamy peanut butter
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup packed brown sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
Approximately 48 milk chocolate candy kisses, unwrapped
Granulated sugar, for rolling

Preparing the Dough:

Alright, let's get started! First things first, we need to cream together the butter and peanut butter. Make sure your butter is nice and soft – it'll make this process so much easier. I usually leave mine out on the counter for about an hour before I start baking.

In a large bowl (or the bowl of your stand mixer), cream together the softened butter and peanut butter until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes. You want it to be really well combined, so don't rush this step!
Gradually add the granulated sugar and brown sugar to the butter mixture, beating until well combined. Again, take your time here. We want everything to be nice and smooth. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to make sure everything is incorporated.
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Make sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. The vanilla adds a lovely warmth to the cookies, so don't skip it!
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This ensures that the leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the dough. Nobody wants a cookie with a random pocket of baking soda!
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough! Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, and we definitely don't want that. Mix until the flour is just incorporated, and then stop.

Shaping and Baking the Cookies:

Now comes the fun part – shaping the cookies! This is where you can really get your hands dirty (well, not literally, since we'll be using sugar!).

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This will prevent the cookies from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Pour some granulated sugar into a small bowl. This is for rolling the cookie dough balls.
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls. This is about a tablespoon of dough per cookie. I like to use a small cookie scoop to ensure that all the cookies are the same size. This helps them bake evenly.
Roll each dough ball in the granulated sugar, coating it completely. The sugar adds a nice sparkle and a little extra sweetness to the cookies.
Place the sugared dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. They will spread a little as they bake.
Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Keep a close eye on them, as they can burn easily. You want them to be just set, but still soft in the center.
Remove the baking sheets from the oven and immediately press a milk chocolate candy kiss into the center of each cookie. Press it down gently but firmly, so it adheres to the cookie.
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This will prevent them from breaking.

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Peanut Butter Blossom Bars:

Here are a few extra tips to ensure your Peanut Butter Blossom Bars are a smashing success:

Use good quality peanut butter. The flavor of the peanut butter really shines through in these cookies, so use a brand that you love. I prefer creamy peanut butter, but you can use chunky if you prefer.
Don't overbake the cookies. Overbaked cookies will be dry and crumbly. You want them to be just set, but still soft in the center.
Press the chocolate kisses in while the cookies are still warm. This will help them adhere to the cookies and prevent them from cracking.
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
For a festive touch, use different colored sprinkles instead of granulated sugar. This is a great way to customize the cookies for different holidays or occasions.
If your dough is too sticky, chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before rolling. This will make it easier to handle.
You can freeze the unbaked dough balls for up to 2 months. Just thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
Experiment with different types of chocolate kisses. Dark chocolate, caramel-filled, or even peppermint kisses would be delicious!

Troubleshooting:

Sometimes things don't go exactly as planned in the kitchen. Here are a few common problems and how to fix them:

Cookies are spreading too much: This could be due to a few things. Make sure your butter isn't too soft, and that you're not overmixing the dough. You can also try chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
Cookies are dry and crumbly: This is usually caused by overbaking. Make sure you're not baking them for too long.
Chocolate kisses are cracking: This can happen if the cookies are too hot when you press the kisses in. Let them cool for a minute or two before adding the kisses.
Dough is too sticky: Add a tablespoon or two of flour at a time until the dough is easier to handle.

Variations:

Want to mix things up a bit? Here are a few variations you can try:

Chocolate Peanut Butter Blossoms: Add 1/4 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder to the dry ingredients for a chocolatey twist.
Peanut Butter Cup Blossoms: Use mini peanut butter cups instead of chocolate kisses.
White Chocolate Peanut Butter Blossoms: Use white chocolate kisses instead of milk chocolate kisses.
Sprinkle Blossoms: Roll the dough balls in sprinkles instead of granulated sugar.
Gluten-Free Peanut Butter Blossoms: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of the regular flour. Make sure to choose a blend that contains xanthan gum.

Serving Suggestions:

These Peanut Butter Blossom Bars are delicious on their own, but here are a few ideas for serving them:

Serve them with a glass of cold milk.
Include them on a dessert platter with other cookies and treats.
Package them up as a gift for friends and family.
Bring them to a potluck or holiday gathering.
Enjoy them as a sweet treat after dinner.

Nutritional Information (Approximate):

Please note that this is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients you use.

Calories: 150-200 per cookie
Fat: 8-12 grams
Saturated Fat: 4-6 grams
Cholesterol: 20-30 mg
Sodium: 50-75 mg
Carbohydrates: 18-25 grams
Sugar: 12-18 grams
Protein: 2-3 grams

Enjoy your delicious Peanut Butter Blossom Bars! I hope this recipe helps you create some sweet memories with your loved ones.

Conclusion:

And there you have it! These Peanut Butter Blossom Bars are more than just a dessert; they're a nostalgic trip down memory lane with a delicious, updated twist. I truly believe this recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves the classic peanut butter and chocolate combination. The soft, chewy peanut butter base, perfectly complemented by the rich, melty chocolate kiss, creates a symphony of flavors and textures that will leave you wanting more. But why is this recipe a must-try, you ask? Well, beyond the incredible taste, it's also surprisingly easy to make. The ingredients are simple and readily available, and the steps are straightforward, even for beginner bakers. Plus, these bars are incredibly versatile. They're perfect for holiday gatherings, potlucks, bake sales, or simply a sweet treat to enjoy with your afternoon coffee. They're guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser, no matter the occasion. Looking for serving suggestions or variations? The possibilities are endless! For a festive touch, try using different colored sprinkles to match the holiday or event. You could also experiment with different types of chocolate kisses, such as dark chocolate, caramel-filled, or even mint chocolate. If you're feeling adventurous, consider adding a layer of peanut butter cups or chopped nuts to the top of the bars before baking. For a slightly healthier option, you could substitute some of the butter with applesauce or use whole wheat flour. Another fantastic serving suggestion is to warm the bars slightly before serving. The warmth intensifies the peanut butter flavor and makes the chocolate kiss even more gooey and irresistible. Serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra decadent treat, or pair them with a glass of cold milk for a classic combination. They're also delicious crumbled over yogurt or oatmeal for a sweet and satisfying breakfast. Don't be afraid to get creative and experiment with different variations to find your perfect Peanut Butter Blossom Bar! I encourage you to try this recipe and experience the joy of baking and sharing these delightful treats with your loved ones. I'm confident that you'll be amazed by how easy and delicious they are. I'm so excited for you to try this recipe! Once you've had a chance to bake these Peanut Butter Blossom Bars, I would absolutely love to hear about your experience. Did you make any variations? What did your family and friends think? Share your photos and stories in the comments below! Your feedback is invaluable and helps me continue to create and share recipes that you'll love. Happy baking, and I can't wait to see your delicious creations! Let me know if you have any questions, and I'll do my best to help. Enjoy!