Description
These Peanut Butter Lunch Lady Cookie Bars are a soft, chewy, and nostalgic dessert reminiscent of classic school cafeteria treats. Featuring a rich peanut butter cookie base topped with a creamy peanut butter frosting, these bars are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth with a homemade touch.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Bars
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Frosting
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Cream the butter and sugars: In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is smooth, light, and fluffy, ensuring proper incorporation of air for tenderness.
- Add eggs and vanilla: Incorporate the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract to enhance flavor.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and seasoning.
- Mix dry into wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined to avoid overmixing that can cause toughness.
- Spread dough in pan: Evenly spread the cookie dough into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the top for uniform baking.
- Bake the bars: Bake in the preheated oven for 22 to 25 minutes, until the bars are golden brown and set but not overbaked to retain softness.
- Prepare the frosting: While the bars bake, melt the butter and peanut butter together in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring until smooth. Remove from heat and stir in the milk.
- Mix frosting sugar and vanilla: Whisk in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract to the peanut butter mixture until the frosting is creamy and smooth without lumps.
- Frost the bars: Once the bars are slightly cooled but still warm, pour the frosting evenly over them and spread to cover the entire surface.
- Set and slice: Allow the frosting to set completely before slicing the bars into 24 pieces for even serving.
Notes
- The bars are soft, chewy, and deliver a nostalgic taste similar to classic school cafeteria cookies.
- For added indulgence, sprinkle mini chocolate chips on top before the frosting sets or drizzle melted chocolate over the bars.
- Do not overbake the bars to keep a moist and tender texture.
- Let the frosting set fully to avoid it sliding off when cutting.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
