Peanut Butter Lunch Lady Cookie Bars

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Peanut Butter Lunch Lady Cookie Bars are a nostalgic treat that brings back memories of classic school lunches. These cookie bars are soft, chewy, and loaded with peanut butter flavor, making them the ultimate indulgence. With a rich peanut butter base and a sweet, creamy frosting, every bite is irresistible. Perfect for snack time, dessert, or sharing at a gathering, these bars are sure to please anyone with a sweet tooth or love for peanut butter.

Ingredients

For the cookie bars:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1 cup peanut butter (smooth or chunky)

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 1 cup packed brown sugar

• 3 large eggs

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 cup rolled oats (optional, for extra texture)

For the frosting:

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1/2 cup peanut butter

• 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar

• 2-3 tablespoons milk (or more for desired consistency)

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.

2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.

3. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. If you’re adding oats, fold them in at this point.

5. Spread the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the bars are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

6. Allow the cookie bars to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

7. While the bars are cooling, prepare the frosting. In a medium mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and peanut butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until combined. Add milk one tablespoon at a time until the frosting reaches your desired consistency, then stir in the vanilla extract.

8. Once the cookie bars are completely cooled, spread the peanut butter frosting evenly over the top.

9. Slice into bars and serve. Enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12-16 bars

• Preparation time: 15 minutes

• Baking time: 20-25 minutes

• Cooling time: 30 minutes (for bars to cool completely before frosting)

• Total time: 1 hour

Variations

• Chocolate Drizzle: For a chocolate twist, melt some chocolate chips and drizzle over the frosted bars for extra flavor.

• Crunchy Peanut Butter: Use crunchy peanut butter in the cookie dough and frosting for added texture and a nutty crunch.

• Add-ins: Add mini chocolate chips or chopped peanuts to the dough for extra flavor and crunch.

• Vegan Option: Substitute the butter with vegan butter, use a flax egg, and choose a plant-based milk for the frosting.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store these cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4-5 days. For longer shelf life, you can refrigerate them for up to a week.

• Freezing: You can freeze these bars for up to 2-3 months. Wrap them individually or place them in a freezer-safe container to prevent sticking.

• Reheating: If you prefer warm bars, microwave them for a few seconds to soften them before enjoying.

FAQs

1. Can I use natural peanut butter for this recipe?

Yes, you can use natural peanut butter, but keep in mind that it may result in a slightly different texture. Natural peanut butter tends to be a bit more runny, so you may need to adjust the consistency of the dough by adding a little more flour.

2. How can I make the frosting thicker?

If you prefer thicker frosting, simply add more powdered sugar a little at a time until you reach the desired consistency.

3. Can I use a different nut butter?

Yes, you can substitute peanut butter with other nut butters like almond butter or cashew butter for a different flavor profile.

4. Can I make these bars without oats?

Yes, oats are optional in this recipe. You can leave them out and still have delicious peanut butter cookie bars.

5. Can I make these bars in advance?

Yes, you can make these bars a day ahead of time and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. The flavors will continue to meld, making them even better the next day!

6. Can I use a different type of frosting?

Yes, you can make a chocolate frosting or a cream cheese frosting if you prefer. Chocolate frosting pairs especially well with peanut butter.

7. Can I make these bars in a different size pan?

Yes, if you use a larger or smaller pan, be sure to adjust the baking time. A larger pan will make the bars thinner, and a smaller pan will make them thicker, so check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center.

8. Can I freeze these bars?

Yes, you can freeze the bars after they’ve cooled completely. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.

9. How can I prevent the frosting from melting?

Make sure the cookie bars are completely cooled before frosting them. If your frosting is too runny, try adding a little more powdered sugar to thicken it up.

10. Can I add chocolate chips to the cookie bars?

Yes, adding chocolate chips to the dough is a great way to enhance the flavor. You can add about 1 cup of mini chocolate chips to the dough before baking.

Conclusion

Peanut Butter Lunch Lady Cookie Bars are a delicious throwback to childhood lunches, offering the perfect combination of sweet and peanut buttery goodness. With their chewy texture, rich frosting, and easy-to-follow steps, these bars are perfect for any occasion—whether you’re looking for a quick dessert, a snack, or a treat to share. Customize them with your favorite add-ins or variations, and enjoy this irresistible treat that will surely be a hit with everyone!

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