1. Prepare Oven and Pan

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

• Lightly grease or line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients

• In a small bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

3. Cream Butter and Peanut Butter

• In a large bowl, beat softened butter and creamy peanut butter together until smooth and creamy.

4. Add Sugars and Beat

• Beat in granulated sugar and brown sugar. Continue mixing for about 5 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy.

5. Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla

• Beat in eggs one at a time.

• Stir in vanilla extract.

6. Combine Dry Ingredients

• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until dough forms. Avoid overmixing.

7. Spread Dough in Pan

• Evenly press the dough into the prepared baking dish using a spatula or your hands, ensuring it reaches all corners.

8. Sprinkle Sugar and Bake

• Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar evenly over the top.

• Bake for 20 minutes.

9. Add Hershey’s Kisses

• Remove the pan carefully from the oven. Quickly press unwrapped Hershey’s Kisses into the bars, spacing about four per row evenly.

10. Final Bake

• Return to oven and bake an additional 2–4 minutes, allowing the chocolate to melt slightly into the bars.

11. Cool and Slice

• Let bars cool completely in the pan.

• Use a sharp knife to cut into squares, wiping the blade clean between cuts if necessary.