These Peanut Butter Lunch Lady Cookie Bars bring back memories of school cafeterias and homemade desserts that warm the heart. With a moist peanut butter cookie base and a rich, creamy frosting, these bars are perfect for sharing or indulging in a bit of nostalgic comfort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich Peanut Butter Flavor: Every bite is packed with the nutty goodness of peanut butter.
- Soft and Moist Texture: Thanks to the butter and milk, these bars are tender and satisfying.
- Perfect for Sharing: The large sheet pan size makes it ideal for parties or family gatherings.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this a beginner-friendly recipe.
Ingredients Breakdown
For the Cookie Base
- Flour (2 cups): The structure of the cookie bars, giving them a firm but tender texture.
- Sugar (2 cups): Provides sweetness and contributes to the moistness.
- Eggs (2 large, beaten): Binds the ingredients and adds richness.
- Peanut Butter (1 cup): The key flavor element, adding creamy nuttiness.
- Unsalted Butter (1 cup, melted): Adds moisture and a buttery flavor.
- Milk (½ cup): Keeps the batter smooth and the bars moist.
- Baking Soda (1 teaspoon): Helps the bars rise slightly for a soft texture.
- Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the flavor profile.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and highlights the peanut butter flavor.
For the Frosting
- Peanut Butter (½ cup): Creates a rich, creamy topping.
- Butter (½ cup, melted): Adds a smooth, spreadable texture.
- Powdered Sugar (4 cups): Sweetens the frosting to perfection.
- Milk (2 tablespoons): Adjusts the frosting consistency.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Cookie Base
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F and grease a large cookie sheet or line it with parchment paper.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: Whisk together ½ cup milk, vanilla extract, and beaten eggs in a separate bowl.
- Melt Butter and Peanut Butter: In a saucepan, melt 1 cup butter and 1 cup peanut butter over medium heat. Bring to a gentle boil.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the flour mixture to the melted peanut butter mixture, followed by the milk and egg mixture. Stir until the batter is smooth and well combined.
- Bake: Pour the batter onto the prepared cookie sheet, spreading it evenly. Bake for 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let it cool completely before frosting.
2. Make the Frosting
- Melt Butter and Peanut Butter: In a saucepan, melt ½ cup butter and ½ cup peanut butter. Bring to a boil.
- Add Milk and Sugar: Remove from heat and stir in 2 tablespoons milk. Gradually mix in powdered sugar until the frosting is smooth.
- Frost the Bars: Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cookie bars. Let the frosting set before slicing and serving.
Tips for Success
- Don’t Overbake: Watch the bars closely to avoid overbaking, which can make them dry.
- Cool Completely Before Frosting: This ensures the frosting spreads evenly and doesn’t melt into the bars.
- Spread Evenly: Use an offset spatula for smooth and even frosting coverage.
- Adjust Frosting Consistency: Add more milk if the frosting is too thick or more powdered sugar if it’s too thin.
Variations
- Chocolate Drizzle: Add a drizzle of melted chocolate over the frosting for extra indulgence.
- Crunchy Twist: Use chunky peanut butter for added texture in both the bars and frosting.
- Nut Topping: Sprinkle chopped peanuts over the frosting for a decorative and crunchy finish.
- Layered Bars: Add a layer of chocolate chips before baking for a two-tone effect.
Storage and Freezing
Room Temperature
Store the bars in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Refrigeration
For a longer shelf life, refrigerate the bars for up to a week. Bring to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.
Freezing
Freeze individual bars in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature.
FAQs
Can I Use Salted Butter Instead of Unsalted?
Yes, but reduce the added salt in the recipe to avoid overpowering the peanut butter flavor.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure other ingredients are also gluten-free.
What’s the Best Way to Cut the Bars?
Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water for clean cuts. Wipe the blade between slices for neat edges.
Can I Use Natural Peanut Butter?
Yes, but the texture may be slightly different. Stir natural peanut butter well before measuring to avoid oil separation.
Perfect for Every Occasion
Whether it’s a potluck, a family gathering, or a cozy weekend treat, these Peanut Butter Lunch Lady Cookie Bars are sure to impress. The nostalgic flavors combined with the rich frosting make them a dessert you’ll return to again and again.
Indulge in the nutty, buttery goodness of these cookie bars today! Your taste buds will thank you.
