Peanut Butter Lunch Lady Cookie Bars

If you’re in the mood for something irresistibly sweet, chewy, and full of peanut butter goodness, then these Peanut Butter Lunch Lady Cookie Bars are just what you need. Think of them as the ultimate treat: buttery, rich, and topped with a creamy peanut butter frosting that will leave you wanting more. Whether you’re looking for a fun snack to share with friends or a dessert to bring to a potluck, these cookie bars are guaranteed to steal the show. Trust me, they’re a game-changer!

Why You’ll Love Peanut Butter Lunch Lady Cookie Bars

Here’s why this recipe will quickly become one of your favorites:

Chewy and Buttery: The base of these bars has a wonderfully chewy texture, making each bite a satisfying experience. The combination of butter and peanut butter creates a melt-in-your-mouth flavor that’s simply irresistible.

Easy to Make: These bars are perfect for beginners and anyone who wants a simple, fuss-free dessert. With no need for complex techniques, you can enjoy homemade cookie bars with minimal effort.

Packed with Peanut Butter Flavor: The peanut butter in both the cookie base and the frosting gives these bars a rich, nutty flavor that’s hard to beat. If you’re a peanut butter lover, these are an absolute must-try!

Perfect for Sharing: Whether you’re hosting a party, sending treats to school, or just wanting something to share with family and friends, these cookie bars are ideal. They’re easy to slice and serve, making them a perfect treat for a crowd.

Versatile: You can even customize the frosting with chocolate chips or drizzle some chocolate on top for a more decadent version!

Ingredients in Peanut Butter Lunch Lady Cookie Bars

Let’s take a look at the ingredients that make this sweet treat so delicious:

Butter: The key ingredient for the chewy, rich texture of the cookie base. It adds flavor and helps the bars hold together beautifully.

Peanut Butter: The peanut butter in the base and frosting gives these cookie bars their signature flavor. Smooth peanut butter works best, but chunky will add a nice texture if you prefer it.

Sugar: The perfect balance of sweetness to complement the richness of the peanut butter.

Eggs: These help bind the ingredients together and give the bars their soft, chewy texture.

Vanilla Extract: Adds a touch of warmth and depth to the flavor profile of the bars.

All-Purpose Flour: The base for the cookie dough, giving it structure and a soft crumb.

Baking Soda: Helps the bars rise slightly and gives them a light, airy texture.

Salt: Balances the sweetness of the sugar and enhances the peanut butter flavor.

Powdered Sugar: Used in the frosting to create a smooth, creamy texture.

Milk: Helps loosen up the frosting to make it spreadable.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s get to making these irresistible cookie bars:

Prepare the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan. This will ensure the cookie bars bake evenly and don’t stick.

Make the Cookie Base: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and peanut butter. Add the sugar and continue to beat until light and fluffy. Next, beat in the eggs and vanilla extract until fully combined. Gradually mix in the flour, baking soda, and salt, stirring until the dough comes together.

Bake the Base: Spread the cookie dough evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake for about 20-25 minutes or until the bars are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the bars cool completely in the pan.

Make the Frosting: While the cookie bars are cooling, make the peanut butter frosting. In a mixing bowl, beat together the peanut butter and powdered sugar until smooth. Add the milk a little at a time and continue mixing until you get a smooth, spreadable consistency.

Frost the Bars: Once the bars have cooled, spread the peanut butter frosting evenly over the top. If you want, you can sprinkle some chopped peanuts or even drizzle some melted chocolate for an extra touch.

Slice and Serve: Cut into squares and serve! These bars are best enjoyed at room temperature but can also be stored in the fridge for a firmer frosting.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 300
Sugar: 28g
Sodium: 180mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 6g
Cholesterol: 35mg

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
Total Time: 30-35 minutes

How to Serve Peanut Butter Lunch Lady Cookie Bars

These cookie bars are delicious as is, but here are some fun ways to serve them up:

As a Snack: Perfect for an afternoon treat or after-school snack. Pair with a glass of milk for the ultimate nostalgic experience!

With Ice Cream: Serve a warm piece of the bar with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream. The cold ice cream pairs wonderfully with the chewy, peanut buttery base.

For a Party: These bars are fantastic for gatherings and potlucks. They’re easy to slice and serve, making them a hit with both kids and adults.

For a Sweet Breakfast: If you’re feeling indulgent, enjoy a piece with your morning coffee or tea. A little peanut butter sweetness in the morning goes a long way.

Additional Tips

Let the Bars Cool: Make sure the cookie bars cool completely before frosting them. This prevents the frosting from melting off the bars.

Double the Recipe: If you’re feeding a crowd, feel free to double the recipe and bake it in two pans. You can store the extra bars in an airtight container or freeze them for later.

Mix in Chocolate Chips: For an extra indulgent treat, mix some chocolate chips into the cookie dough or drizzle melted chocolate on top of the frosting.

Storage Tips: Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days, or refrigerate them to extend their shelf life for up to a week.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use creamy peanut butter instead of chunky?
A1: Yes, creamy peanut butter works perfectly in this recipe. If you love a bit of texture, you can use chunky peanut butter for a fun twist.

Q2: Can I make these cookie bars ahead of time?
A2: Absolutely! You can bake the cookie bars ahead of time and store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Just add the frosting when you’re ready to serve.

Q3: Can I freeze Peanut Butter Lunch Lady Cookie Bars?
A3: Yes! These bars freeze well. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then store them in a freezer-safe container. To enjoy, thaw at room temperature.

Q4: Can I add other ingredients like chocolate chips or nuts?
A4: Absolutely! Feel free to add chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even swirl in some caramel for an extra indulgent version.

Q5: How do I store leftover frosting?
A5: Leftover frosting can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just bring it to room temperature before spreading it again.

Q6: Can I use brown sugar instead of white sugar?
A6: Yes, brown sugar can be used for a slightly richer flavor. It will add a bit of extra moisture to the dough, making the bars even chewier.

Q7: Can I make these bars without peanut butter?
A7: If you’re not a fan of peanut butter, you can substitute it with almond butter or cashew butter. The flavor will change, but it will still be delicious!

Q8: Can I make these bars gluten-free?
A8: Yes! To make them gluten-free, simply swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the rest of your ingredients are also gluten-free.

Q9: Can I use a different frosting?
A9: Yes, if you prefer a different frosting, you can try chocolate frosting or even cream cheese frosting for a tangy twist.

Q10: Can I cut these into smaller squares for a party?
A10: Absolutely! These cookie bars can be sliced into smaller squares, making them perfect for serving at parties or gatherings.

Conclusion

These Peanut Butter Lunch Lady Cookie Bars are a crowd-pleasing treat that’s perfect for any occasion. With a soft, chewy peanut butter cookie base and a creamy peanut butter frosting, they’re sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. Plus, they’re easy to make and can be customized with your favorite add-ins. So, go ahead, bake a batch, and enjoy these irresistible bars with your family and friends!

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