1. Mix Wet Ingredients:

• In a large mixing bowl, beat together the butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, peanut butter, and egg with an electric mixer on medium speed until well combined.

1. Add Dry Ingredients:

• By hand, stir in the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until just combined and a stiff dough forms. Fold in the milk chocolate chips.

1. Prepare the Pan:

• Press the dough evenly into the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking pan. Sprinkle 2 teaspoons of sparkling sugar (or granulated sugar) evenly over the top.

1. Bake:

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 22-24 minutes, or until the bars are puffed and golden brown.

1. Add Hershey’s Kisses:

• Immediately after removing the bars from the oven, place unwrapped Hershey’s Kisses in a 4×6 pattern across the bars. Sprinkle the remaining teaspoon of sugar over the top.

1. Cool and Serve:

• Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares, ensuring each square has a Hershey’s Kiss in the center. Store in an airtight container.

Tips:

• The dough will be stiff and slightly crumbly, but it should press easily into the pan.
• After placing the Hershey’s Kisses, avoid touching them until the bars have fully cooled. The warmth of the bars will melt the Kisses slightly, but they will retain their shape if left undisturbed.