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Peanut Butter Lunch Lady Cookie Bars


  • Author: Emily
  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 24 bars 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

These Peanut Butter Lunch Lady Cookie Bars are a nostalgic, chewy, and frosted dessert inspired by classic school cafeteria treats. With a rich peanut butter flavor and a smooth, creamy frosting, these bars are easy to make and perfect for sharing.


Ingredients

Scale

For the Cookie Bars:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 cup peanut butter
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • ½ cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon salt

For the Frosting:

  • ½ cup peanut butter
  • ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • 4 cups powdered sugar

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat & Prepare

  • Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C).
  • Grease a large rimmed cookie sheet or line with parchment paper.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

  • In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt.

Step 3: Whisk Wet Ingredients

  • In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, vanilla extract, and beaten eggs.

Step 4: Melt Peanut Butter & Butter

  • In a saucepan, melt butter and peanut butter over medium heat, stirring constantly.
  • Bring to a gentle boil, then remove from heat.

Step 5: Combine Ingredients

  • Gradually add the peanut butter mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring continuously.
  • Slowly mix in the milk and egg mixture until well combined.

Step 6: Bake the Bars

  • Pour batter into the prepared baking sheet, spreading evenly.
  • Bake for 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  • Let cool completely before frosting.

Step 7: Prepare the Frosting

  • In a saucepan, melt butter and peanut butter over medium heat, stirring until smooth.
  • Remove from heat and stir in 2 tablespoons milk.
  • Gradually mix in powdered sugar, whisking until smooth.

Step 8: Frost the Bars

  • Spread the warm frosting evenly over the cooled bars.
  • Let set for at least 30 minutes before cutting into squares.

Notes

  • For a firmer texture: Chill the bars before cutting.
  • To reduce sweetness: Use unsweetened peanut butter or cut the sugar slightly.
  • To add texture: Sprinkle chopped peanuts or chocolate chips on top of the frosting.
  • Storage: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for 4 days, refrigerate for 1 week, or freeze for up to 3 months.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 28g
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 40mg