About This Recipe
I have always loved Peanut Blossom Cookies, that classic Pillsbury Bake-Off recipe that tops a tender peanut butter cookie with a chocolate kiss. I changed the recipe quite a bit over the years, using all butter, reducing the flour for a more tender cookie, and adding a chilling step.
But the cookie is fussy to make. You can make the shaping and baking an occasion, of course, but what if you don’t want to spend all that time shaping and baking dozens of cookies?
You turn them into bar cookies, of course!
And to make the cookies even better, I added peanut butter cups (natch), and a rich chocolate and peanut butter frosting in place of the chocolate kisses.
You will adore this recipe for Rich Peanut Blossom Bars. It’s so easy to make. And it’s easy to eat the whole pan. This is the perfect recipe to take to a bake sale, or to a cookie exchange. And of course it’s perfect on a cookie tray for Christmas.
Tips for best results:
- Measure the flour correctly. I know I keep harping on this point, but it’s crucial to good baking results. You can’t add more flour and expect a recipe to work.
- Spoon the flour lightly into the measuring cup and level it off with the back of a knife.
- Make sure the butter is soft before you begin. Leave it out at room temperature for a couple of hours before you want to start making the recipe.
- Measuring brown sugar correctly is important too. You need to firmly pack the brown sugar into the cup. The sugar should hold its shape when you turn the cup over.
Why this recipe for Rich Peanut Blossom Bars works:
- Well, it’s obvious, isn’t it? The combination of chocolate and peanut butter is classic and has been back into the depths of time.
- The addition of chopped peanut butter cups is perfect. It elevates the bars and adds a depth of flavor and texture you just can’t get any other way.
Steps
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1
Done
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Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray a 9" x 13" pan with nonstick baking spray with flour and set aside. |
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2
Done
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In a large bowl, combine the butter and 3/4 cup peanut butter and beat until combined. Add the granulated sugar and the brown sugar and beat until creamy. Then add the egg, egg yolks, milk, and vanilla. |
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3
Done
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Add the flour, baking powder, and salt to the batter and mix until combined. |
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4
Done
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Spread the dough in the pan and smooth the top. Bake for 20 to 30 minutes or until the bars are light golden brown and just set. Do not over bake. |
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5
Done
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As soon as the bars come out of the oven, sprinkle with all of the chopped peanut butter cups. |
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6
Done
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Then combine the chocolate chips and 1/2 cup peanut butter in a small microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high for 1 minute, then remove and stir. Continue microwaving this mixture for 30 second intervals on high, stirring after each interval, until the chips are melted and the frosting is smooth. |
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7
Done
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Pour the frosting over the warm bars and gently spread to coat. Let the bars stand until they are cool, then cut into squares to serve. |
