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Peanut Butter Lunch Lady Cookie Bars

  • Author: Diana Carrozza
  • Total Time: 51 minute
  • Yield: 16-24 bars
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

A taste of nostalgia! These easy Peanut Butter Lunch Lady Cookie Bars feature a super chewy peanut butter base baked in one pan and topped with a simple, creamy peanut butter frosting poured over while warm. A crowd-pleasing classic perfect for snacks, potlucks, and bake sales.

Ingredients

  • For the Bars:

    • 1 cup (2 sticks) Unsalted Butter, softened

    • 1 cup Creamy Peanut Butter (standard commercial type)

    • 1 cup Granulated Sugar

    • 1 cup Packed Light Brown Sugar

    • 2 Large Eggs

    • 1 tsp Vanilla Extract

    • 2 cups All-Purpose Flour

    • 1 tsp Baking Soda

    • 1/4 tsp Salt

  • For the Frosting:

    • 1/2 cup Creamy Peanut Butter (standard commercial type)

    • 1/4 cup Unsalted Butter

    • 1/4 cup Milk

    • 2 cups Powdered Sugar

    • 1/2 tsp Vanilla Extract

Instructions

  1.  paper with overhang.

  2. Cream: In a large bowl, beat softened butter, 1 cup peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth (2-3 mins).

  3. Add Eggs/Vanilla: Beat in eggs one at a time, then vanilla.

  4. Combine Dry: Whisk flour, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl.

  5. Make Batter: Gradually add dry ingredients to wet, mixing on low just until combined. Do not overmix. Batter will be thick.

  6. Spread & Bake: Spread batter evenly in prepared pan. Bake 18-23 minutes, until edges are lightly golden and a toothpick has moist crumbs. Do not overbake.

  7. Start Frosting: Near end of baking, combine 1/2 cup peanut butter and 1/4 cup butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir until just melted and smooth.

  8. Finish Frosting: Remove from heat. Whisk in milk and vanilla. Gradually whisk in powdered sugar until smooth.

  9. Frost Hot Bars: Immediately pour warm frosting over hot bars just out of the oven. Spread evenly.

  10. COOL COMPLETELY: Let bars cool entirely in pan on a wire rack (2-3 hours) before slicing. This is essential for frosting to set.

Notes

Use standard creamy peanut butter (like Jif/Skippy), not natural style.

Do not overmix batter or overbake bars for best chewy texture.

Frosting while bars are hot is key for this recipe style.

Must cool completely (2-3 hours) before slicing for clean cuts and set frosting.

Use parchment paper overhang for easy removal from pan.

Store cooled bars airtight at room temperature up to 4 days.

  • Prep Time: 15-20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 18-23 minutes
  • Category: Dessert, Bars, Cookies
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bar (1/16th of pan)
  • Calories: ~350 kcal
  • Sugar: ~32 g
  • Sodium: ~180 mg
  • Fat: ~22 g
  • Saturated Fat: ~10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: ~11 g
  • Trans Fat: ~0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: ~38 g
  • Fiber: ~1.5 g
  • Protein: ~6.5 g
  • Cholesterol: ~50 mg

Keywords: Peanut Butter Lunch Lady Cookie Bars, lunch lady peanut butter bars, easy peanut butter bars, peanut butter sheet cake bars, frosted peanut butter bars, school cafeteria recipe, 9x13 dessert.

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Find it online: https://cookerycrafters.com/4639-2peanut-butter-lunch-lady-cookie-bars/