Chocolate Kiss Peanut Butter Cookie Bars: A Sweet Delight in Every Bite

Introduction

If you’re looking for the perfect combination of peanut butter and chocolate, then these Chocolate Kiss Peanut Butter Cookie Bars are the ultimate treat. Imagine a soft and chewy peanut butter cookie base, baked to perfection, with the sweet surprise of a chocolate Hershey’s Kiss on top of each bar. The balance of flavors between the rich, creamy peanut butter and smooth milk chocolate is simply irresistible. This dessert is a crowd-pleaser at any gathering, from birthday parties to casual get-togethers, and it’s easy to make with ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.

These cookie bars take the classic peanut butter blossom cookies up a notch by turning them into easy-to-serve squares. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is both simple and fun to make. With minimal preparation and straightforward directions, you’ll have a delicious dessert ready in no time. Plus, they make for a wonderful homemade gift during the holiday season. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to make a batch of sweet, nutty, chocolate-topped bliss!

Ingredients

• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ¾ cup packed brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2¼ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 48 chocolate Hershey’s Kisses, unwrapped

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Cream the butter and sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and creamy.
3. Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, ensuring everything is well combined.
4. Mix dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
5. Spread the dough: Evenly spread the cookie dough into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Add the Hershey’s Kisses: Immediately after removing the pan from the oven, gently press a chocolate Hershey’s Kiss into the top of each bar. The warmth of the bars will slightly melt the chocolate, making it extra soft and delicious.
8. Cool and cut: Allow the cookie bars to cool completely before cutting them into squares. Serve and enjoy!

How to Prepare

To prepare these Chocolate Kiss Peanut Butter Cookie Bars, start by gathering your ingredients and preheating your oven. Mixing the butter, peanut butter, and sugars first ensures a smooth and creamy base for the dough. Be sure to add the eggs and vanilla extract one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure a well-combined mixture.

When adding the dry ingredients, it’s important to do so gradually. This allows the dough to come together without overmixing, which can result in tough bars. Once you’ve spread the dough evenly in the baking pan, the baking process should take around 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye on the bars, and as soon as the edges turn golden, they’re ready to come out of the oven.

The best part? Pressing a Hershey’s Kiss into each warm cookie bar. The heat from the bars slightly melts the chocolate, making each bite a delightful combination of peanut butter and chocolate goodness.

Preparation Time

• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cooking time: 30 minutes
• Total time: 45 minutes

Servings

• 24 bars

FAQs

1. Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
   Yes! Crunchy peanut butter will add texture to the bars with small peanut bits, making them even more delightful.
2. How should I store these cookie bars?
   Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also refrigerate them if you’d prefer them to last longer.
3. Can I freeze the cookie bars?
   Absolutely. Once cooled, you can freeze them in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
4. Can I substitute the Hershey’s Kisses with other chocolate?
   Yes, you can substitute with chocolate chunks, mini peanut butter cups, or even drizzle melted chocolate over the top instead.
5. Can I make these bars gluten-free?
   Yes, just substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure all other ingredients, especially the peanut butter, are gluten-free as well.

Conclusion

These Chocolate Kiss Peanut Butter Cookie Bars offer the perfect mix of sweet and nutty flavors, making them an instant favorite for anyone who loves the combination of peanut butter and chocolate. The buttery peanut butter base is rich and chewy, while the Hershey’s Kisses add a smooth and decadent finish. They’re perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a bake sale, holiday party, or a simple family dessert.

Best of all, they’re easy to make, with straightforward ingredients and steps. The bars also store well, so you can bake a batch in advance and enjoy them throughout the week. You can even get creative and experiment with different types of chocolates or add-ins like chopped nuts or sprinkles. So, give these cookie bars a try, and get ready to enjoy a treat that’s bound to become a family favorite!

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