These 4-Ingredient Peanut Butter Blossom Bars bring peanut butter cookie dough and chocolate Kisses together in an easy pan dessert. The peanut butter base bakes in one dish, then the chocolates are pressed into the warm surface to soften.
What You’ll Need
- Creamy peanut butter. Use 1 cup. A conventional, well-blended creamy peanut butter gives a more consistent dough than a variety with separated oil.
- Granulated sugar. One cup sweetens the bars and contributes to their cookie texture.
- Egg. One large egg helps bind the dough.
- Chocolate Kisses. Unwrap one 10-ounce bag before the bars finish baking so the chocolates are ready to press into the hot base.
How to Make Peanut Butter Blossom Bars
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly grease an 8-inch square baking dish or line it with parchment paper, leaving overhang for lifting.
Stir the peanut butter, sugar, and egg together until evenly combined into a thick dough. Press it across the bottom of the dish in an even layer, smoothing the surface with a spoon or spatula.
Bake for 15–18 minutes, until slightly puffed, lightly golden around the edges, and just set in the center. Immediately press the unwrapped chocolates into the warm bars, spacing them evenly.
Adding the Chocolate Topping
Plan the chocolate placement around your intended cuts. For 16 squares, imagine a four-by-four grid and arrange the chocolates within each portion, leaving space for the knife.
The heat from the bars will soften the chocolate. Leave the chocolates undisturbed if you want them to retain their familiar shape. Allow both the base and topping to firm before slicing.
Tips for Bars That Hold Together
Spread the dough evenly so the edges and center bake at a similar rate. Begin checking at 15 minutes, as ovens and baking dishes vary.
The bars will be delicate while warm. Let them cool completely in the dish before lifting or cutting. If the chocolate remains soft after the base has cooled, briefly refrigerate the pan until it is easier to handle.
Serving Ideas
Serve these peanut butter and chocolate squares on a cookie platter, pack them in individual paper liners, or pair them with coffee or a glass of milk. Keep the portions small for a rich, sweet dessert.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there flour in this recipe?
The dough uses peanut butter, sugar, and an egg, with no flour added.
Can I use natural peanut butter?
Natural peanut butter varies in consistency and can change the texture of the bars. Conventional creamy peanut butter is the more predictable choice for this recipe.
Should I spread the softened chocolates?
You can gently spread them for a chocolate layer, or leave them in place for the blossom-style appearance. Let the chocolate firm before cutting.
Why are the bars crumbling?
They may have been cut while warm or baked longer than needed. Cool completely and support each square with a small spatula when lifting it from the dish.
4-Ingredient Peanut Butter Blossom Bars Recipe Card
Easy peanut butter cookie bars topped with chocolate Kisses while warm.
- Prep time — About 10 minutes
- Bake time — 15–18 minutes
- Cooling time — Until the bars and chocolate are firm enough to slice
- Yield — 16 bars
Ingredients
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 bag (10 ounces) Hershey’s Kisses, unwrapped
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly grease an 8-inch square baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, stir together the peanut butter, sugar, and egg until a thick, evenly combined dough forms.
- Press the dough evenly into the prepared dish and smooth the top.
- Bake for 15–18 minutes, until slightly puffed, lightly golden around the edges, and just set in the center.
- Immediately press the unwrapped chocolates evenly over the hot bars, arranging them with the intended cutting lines in mind.
- Let cool completely in the dish. Allow the softened chocolate to firm, briefly refrigerating after cooling if needed.
- Cut into 16 squares and serve.
Recipe Notes
- Unwrap the chocolates before the bars come out of the oven.
- Conventional creamy peanut butter gives a more consistent dough.
- The bars are fragile while warm. Cool thoroughly before slicing.
- Preparation and baking times are estimates.