Peanut Butter Blossom Bars: A Soft, Chewy Twist on a Classic Favorite

If you’ve ever found yourself reaching for a warm, nutty Peanut Butter Blossom cookie, you’re going to fall head over heels for these Peanut Butter Blossom Bars. All the charm of the original cookie — the tender, peanut buttery base and the decadent layer of sweetness — now transformed into an easy-to-make, sliceable dessert that’s ideal for feeding a crowd.

These bars are chewy, dense, buttery, and rich, with the added bonus of being frosted or swirled with melted peanut butter or chocolate on top — the ultimate finishing touch.

Whether you’re looking for a back-to-school snack, a holiday cookie swap addition, or just a reliable go-to bar recipe for your dessert table, this one checks all the boxes.

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What Are Peanut Butter Blossom Bars?

Think of them as the bar cookie cousin to the iconic peanut butter blossom cookie — you know, the one with a Hershey’s Kiss pressed in the center? Instead of rolling and pressing each cookie individually, these bars are made in one pan, baked evenly, and then sliced into perfect squares.

The peanut butter base is thick and soft with a brown sugar richness, while the topping can be left plain, swirled with melted chocolate, or — as in the version pictured — frosted with creamy peanut butter for a double dose of indulgence.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔️ No scooping, rolling, or pressing needed
✔️ Soft, chewy texture with crispy edges
✔️ One bowl + one pan = minimal cleanup
✔️ Perfect for bake sales, potlucks, or freezing
✔️ Freezer-friendly and customizable

And perhaps best of all: the peanut butter flavor really shines here. You get that warm, salty-sweet hit in every bite — amplified by a glossy peanut butter layer on top.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Most of what you need is probably already in your pantry:

For the Bars:

• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup creamy peanut butter
• ¾ cup light brown sugar, packed
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt

Optional Toppings:

• ½ cup creamy peanut butter, warmed for spreading
• OR 1 cup milk chocolate chips, melted
• OR Hershey’s Kisses or mini peanut butter cups (pressed on top after baking)

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat Oven

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper or spray with non-stick spray.

2. Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, cream together the butter, peanut butter, and sugars until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes). Add the egg and vanilla, mixing until smooth.

3. Combine Dry Ingredients

Add the flour, baking soda, and salt, mixing just until combined. Do not overmix — this keeps the bars soft.

4. Press and Bake

Spread the dough evenly into the prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to smooth the top. Bake for 22–26 minutes, until the top is golden and a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs.

5. Add Toppings (Optional)

Let the bars cool for 10 minutes. Then:

• Option 1: Spread warm peanut butter over the top for a glossy finish.
• Option 2: Drizzle with or swirl in melted chocolate chips.
• Option 3: Press in Hershey’s Kisses or mini peanut butter cups while still warm.

6. Cool & Slice

Let bars cool completely before slicing into 12 or 16 squares, depending on your size preference.

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Expert Tips for Perfect Bars

• Use room temperature butter for even mixing.
• Don’t overbake! Slightly underdone bars will set up as they cool and stay chewy.
• Warm the topping slightly before spreading for smooth application.
• Use parchment paper for easy removal and slicing.

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Topping Variations

💥 Swirled Chocolate – Before baking, swirl in melted chocolate for a marbled effect
🌰 Nutty Crunch – Add chopped peanuts or a crushed pretzel layer on top
🍫 Reese’s Pieces – Press into the top before baking for color and crunch
🍓 PB&J Bars – Swirl in a bit of strawberry or raspberry jam for a nostalgic twist
🍌 Peanut Butter Banana Bars – Add ½ mashed banana for moisture and flavor

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What to Serve With Peanut Butter Blossom Bars

These bars are rich and decadent, so they pair wonderfully with:

• A cold glass of milk (classic combo)
• Hot coffee or espresso for contrast
• Vanilla ice cream for dessert
• A side of fresh berries to balance the sweetness

They’re also perfect for holiday trays, potlucks, bake sales, or snacking straight from the pan in your kitchen.

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Storage and Freezing

Room Temperature:

Store bars in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Place parchment between layers if stacking.

Refrigerator:

Keeps well up to 1 week — just bring to room temp before serving.

Freezer:

Wrap individual bars in plastic and store in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temp before enjoying.

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FAQs

❓Can I use natural peanut butter?

You can, but the texture may be slightly different. Make sure it’s well-stirred and not oily.

❓Can I double this recipe?

Yes! Bake in a 9×13-inch pan and adjust the baking time to 30–35 minutes.

❓Are they gluten-free?

You can substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.

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Why These Bars Are Always a Hit

Peanut Butter Blossom Bars are one of those recipes that everyone loves but no one expects. They take the nostalgic flavors of childhood — creamy peanut butter, a kiss of sweetness — and turn them into an effortless treat that can be sliced, stacked, and devoured at will.

And while the classic blossom cookie will always have a place in our hearts, these bars prove that sometimes… bigger is better.

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