Peanut Butter Blossom Bars
INGREDIENTS:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
¾ cups creamy peanut butter
½ cup sugar
½ cup packed brown sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 tablespoons sugar, for sprinkling
20 hershey kisses
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda and salt.
2. Beat the butter and peanut butter in the bowl of an electric mixer until creamy and combined.
3. Add the sugars and beat on medium speed until fluffy, for 5 full minutes.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, beating until each is combined. Add in the vanilla extract. Beat in the dry ingredients until just combined.
5. Press the cookie dough into a 9x13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle all over with the 2 tablespoons of sugar. Bake for 20 minutes.
6. After 20 minutes, remove the dish and press the hershey kisses into the bars, doing four in a row, leaving about an inch between each. Make sure you press it far enough into the dough so it can melt a bit and be secure once the bars cool. Return the bars to the oven and bake for another 2 to 4 minutes.
7. Remove and let cool completely. Slice into bars and serve.
Peanut Butter Blossom Bars are a delightful twist on traditional cookies, combining creamy peanut butter and chocolate in a deliciously chewy bar format. These treats are perfect for gatherings, parties, or a sweet indulgence at home. When preparing these bars, consider using natural peanut butter for a healthier option, which contains less sugar and no additives. Infusing these bars with a touch of sea salt can enhance the flavor of the chocolate and peanut butter, making each bite irresistibly tasty. For variations, try adding chopped nuts or substituting chocolate chips for the Hershey's kisses. Additionally, you can explore using alternative sweeteners like coconut sugar or maple syrup for a unique flavor and nutritional profile. Serving these bars warm or at room temperature brings out their best flavors, making them ideal for sharing with friends or family. Don’t forget to store any leftovers in an airtight container to maintain freshness for days! These Peanut Butter Blossom Bars are a delightful addition to any dessert table and are sure to keep everyone coming back for more.