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Classic Peanut Butter Lunch Lady Cookie Bars

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Transport yourself back to school days with these Classic Peanut Butter Lunch Lady Cookie Bars. Soft, chewy, and topped with a smooth peanut butter frosting, they’re perfect for bake sales, family gatherings, or after-school snacks. Easy to make with simple pantry staples, these bars are sure to become a crowd favorite!

Ingredients

For the Cookie Bars:

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

1/2 cup creamy peanut butter

1 cup granulated sugar

1 cup light brown sugar, packed

2 large eggs

1 tsp vanilla extract

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

For the Frosting:

1/2 cup creamy peanut butter

1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

3 tbsp milk

4 cups powdered sugar

1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

  • Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 10x15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper.

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

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

  • 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. Let the bars cool for 10–15 minutes.

  • 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, adjusting the milk for a spreadable consistency.

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

Notes

  • For an extra touch, add 1 cup of mini chocolate chips to the batter before baking.

  • If you prefer a marbled effect, swirl melted chocolate over the peanut butter frosting.

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

  • For a gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

Find it online: http://recipesbyjanet.com/classic-peanut-butter-lunch-lady-cookie-bars/