why make this recipe
Peanut Butter Blossom Bars are a delightful treat that combines the rich taste of peanut butter with the sweetness of chocolate. They are easy to make and perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a gathering, baking for a bake sale, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth. These bars bring back the nostalgia of classic peanut butter blossoms but with a twist that makes them even easier to enjoy. Plus, they are great for sharing with friends and family.
how to make Peanut Butter Blossom Bars
Ingredients
- ½ cup butter flavored shortening
- ¾ cup creamy peanut butter
- ½ cup light brown sugar (packed)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 Tablespoons whole milk
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 24 Hershey Kisses (unwrapped)
- 2 Tablespoons granulated sugar (optional)
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a 13×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper and set it aside.
- In a mixing bowl, beat together the shortening and peanut butter until smooth.
- Add in the brown sugar and the ½ cup of granulated sugar. Beat until well blended.
- Mix in the egg, milk, and vanilla extract. Slowly add the flour, baking soda, and salt, mixing just until combined.
- Press the cookie dough into the prepared baking dish. If desired, sprinkle with 2 Tablespoons of granulated sugar.
- Bake for 16-18 minutes, just until they begin to brown. Remove from the oven and immediately press the unwrapped Hershey Kisses into the bars.
- Allow to cool, then enjoy!
how to serve Peanut Butter Blossom Bars
Peanut Butter Blossom Bars can be served straight from the baking dish. You can cut them into squares or rectangles for easy serving. They are delicious on their own but also pair well with a glass of milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a special treat.
how to store Peanut Butter Blossom Bars
To store Peanut Butter Blossom Bars, place them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them, which will extend their freshness for about two weeks. You can also freeze the bars for up to three months. Just make sure they are well-wrapped!
tips to make Peanut Butter Blossom Bars
- Make sure your butter flavored shortening is softened before mixing for better blending.
- Don’t over-mix the dough after adding the flour. Mix just enough to combine.
- Press the Hershey Kisses into the bars right after taking them out of the oven to ensure they stick well.
- Feel free to experiment by adding chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the dough for added texture.
variation
You can easily switch things up by using different types of chocolate candies instead of Hershey Kisses, like Reese’s Cups or M&M’s. For a fun twist, you can also add a sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking for a sweet and salty flavor.
FAQs
1. Can I use natural peanut butter instead of creamy peanut butter?
Yes, you can use natural peanut butter, but it may affect the texture of the bars.
2. Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make them gluten-free.
3. How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The bars should be lightly browned around the edges but still soft in the middle. You can also check by inserting a toothpick; it should come out with a few moist crumbs.
