Why You Will Love This Recipe
These cookie bars are not just delicious; they are also incredibly versatile. You can enjoy them plain, with a drizzle of chocolate, or even add some chopped nuts for an extra crunch. The combination of peanut butter and butter creates a rich and creamy texture that melts in your mouth. Plus, they are easy to make in large batches, making them perfect for parties, bake sales or family gatherings. Once you take a bite, you’ll understand why they are a beloved classic!
Introduction
Peanut butter is one of those ingredients that can instantly elevate any dessert. Its rich, nutty flavor pairs beautifully with sweet treats, making it a popular choice for cookies, cakes, and bars. These Peanut Butter Lunch Lady Cookie Bars are a delightful homage to the classic school cafeteria dessert that many of us grew up with. They are soft, chewy, and topped with a creamy peanut butter frosting that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
In this recipe, we’ll walk you through the steps to create these delectable bars from scratch. You’ll find that the preparation is straightforward, and the results are nothing short of fantastic. Perfect for sharing or keeping all to yourself, these cookie bars are sure to become a family favorite!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups flour
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 ½ cups peanut butter
- 3 sticks butter
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup milk
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven is warming, grease a large cookie sheet with butter or cooking spray and set it aside. This will ensure that your cookie bars come out easily after baking.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt. Make sure there are no lumps in the mixture, as this will help ensure an even texture in your cookie bars. Set this bowl aside while you prepare the wet ingredients.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, vanilla extract, and eggs until well combined. This mixture will add moisture and flavor to your cookie bars.
Step 4: Prepare Batter
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter and peanut butter over low heat, stirring constantly until smooth. Once melted, remove the saucepan from the heat and pour the peanut butter mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir until everything is well combined. Finally, add the egg mixture to the batter and mix until fully incorporated.
Step 5: Bake
Spread the batter evenly onto the prepared cookie sheet, using a spatula to smooth it out. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once baked, allow the bars to cool completely in the pan.
Step 6: Make the Frosting
While the bars are cooling, prepare the frosting. In a saucepan, melt the remaining butter and peanut butter together over low heat. Once melted, remove from heat and whisk in the milk and powdered sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Step 7: Assemble and Serve
Once the cookie bars have cooled completely, spread the frosting evenly over the top. Allow the frosting to set for a few minutes before slicing the bars into squares. Serve and enjoy the deliciousness of these Peanut Butter Lunch Lady Cookie Bars!
COOKING Rating: 5/5
Serving Suggestions:
These cookie bars are perfect on their own, but you can elevate them by serving them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce. They also pair wonderfully with a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of coffee. For a fun twist, consider adding some chopped peanuts on top of the frosting for added texture and flavor.
Tips:
- For an extra peanut butter flavor, use chunky peanut butter instead of creamy.
- Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- Feel free to experiment with toppings! Chocolate chips, crushed cookies, or even a sprinkle of sea salt can add a delightful touch.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: Approximately 250 kcal per bar
- Protein: 5g
- Sodium: 150mg
Conclusion
These Peanut Butter Lunch Lady Cookie Bars are a delightful treat that brings back fond memories while satisfying your sweet tooth. With their rich flavor and soft texture, they are sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just because, this recipe is one you’ll want to keep on hand. So grab your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready to indulge in a classic dessert that’s as easy to make as it is delicious!
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use natural peanut butter in this recipe?
Yes, you can use natural peanut butter, but the texture may vary slightly. Natural peanut butter tends to be a bit runnier, so you may need to adjust the amount of flour slightly to achieve the right consistency. - How do I store leftover cookie bars?
Store the cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want them to last longer, you can refrigerate them for up to two weeks. - Can I freeze these cookie bars?
Absolutely! You can freeze the cookie bars for up to three months. Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container. - What can I use instead of eggs?
If you need an egg substitute, you can use flaxseed meal or applesauce. For each egg, use 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water or 1/4 cup of applesauce. - Can I add chocolate chips to the batter?
Yes! Adding chocolate chips to the batter is a great way to enhance the flavor of these cookie bars. You can fold in about 1 cup of chocolate chips before baking for a delicious twist.
