Classic Peanut Butter Lunch Lady Cookie Bars

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Nostalgic Flavor: Brings back the beloved taste of school cafeteria desserts.

• Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples you likely have on hand.

• Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for events, potlucks, or as a family treat.

• Customizable: Easily adaptable with variations to suit your preferences.

Ingredients

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

For the Cookie Bars:

• Unsalted butter

• Creamy peanut butter

• Granulated sugar

• Light brown sugar

• Large eggs

• Vanilla extract

• All-purpose flour

• Baking soda

• Salt

For the Frosting:

• Creamy peanut butter

• Unsalted butter

• Milk

• Powdered sugar

• Vanilla extract

Directions

1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper.

2. Mix the Cookie Dough: In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract.

3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.

4. Bake: Spread the dough evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 18–22 minutes or until the edges are golden and the center is set. Avoid overbaking. Let the bars cool for 10–15 minutes.

5. Prepare the Frosting: In a medium bowl, whisk together melted butter and peanut butter until smooth. Add milk, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat until creamy, adding more milk if needed for a spreadable consistency.

6. Frost and Cool: Spread the frosting over the warm bars for a glaze-like effect, or let the bars cool fully before frosting for a thicker layer. Allow them to cool completely before cutting into squares.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: Approximately 24 bars

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 20 minutes

• Total Time: 35 minutes

Variations

• Chocolate Chip Addition: Fold in 1 cup of mini chocolate chips into the batter before baking for a chocolatey twist.

• Swirled Frosting: Drizzle melted chocolate over the peanut butter frosting and swirl with a toothpick for a marbled effect.

• Crunchy Texture: Use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy for added texture.

• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze them.

• Freezing: Place bars in a single layer in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper. Freeze for up to 3 months.

• Reheating: Enjoy bars at room temperature or warm them slightly in the microwave for a few seconds if desired.

FAQs

Can I use natural peanut butter in this recipe?

Yes, but the texture may be slightly more crumbly. Ensure it's well-stirred before using.

Can I make these bars without the frosting?

Absolutely! The bars are delicious on their own, though the frosting adds a classic touch.

How do I know when the bars are done baking?

The edges should be golden, and the center set. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, you can double the ingredients and use two pans or bake in batches.

What’s the best way to cut these bars neatly?

Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts for clean edges.

Can I add other mix-ins to the batter?

Certainly! Consider adding chopped nuts, dried fruit, or other flavored chips.

Is it necessary to use unsalted butter?

Unsalted butter allows you to control the salt content, but if using salted butter, you can reduce the added salt.

Can I make these bars in advance?

Yes, they stay fresh for several days and can be frozen for longer storage.

How should I store leftovers?

Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate for extended freshness.

Can I use a different size pan?

Yes, but adjust baking time accordingly. A smaller pan will yield thicker bars and may require a longer baking time.

Conclusion

These Classic Peanut Butter Lunch Lady Cookie Bars are a delightful throwback to cherished school days. With their rich peanut butter flavor and soft, chewy texture, they're sure to be a hit at your next event or as a sweet treat to enjoy with family. Whether you enjoy them with a simple frosting or add your favorite mix-ins, these bars will satisfy your peanut butter cravings and bring a nostalgic smile to your face.