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Peanut Butter Lunch Lady Cookie Bars Recipe

Peanut Butter Lunch Lady Cookie Bars Recipe


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4.6 from 18 reviews

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 24 1x

Description

Legendary Peanut Butter Lunch Lady Cookie Bars bring nostalgia straight from school cafeterias to home kitchens. Craving comfort and sweetness, you’ll love these classic treats with rich peanut butter flavor and classic chocolate drizzle.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (225 g / 8 ounces) unsalted butter (softened)
  • 1 ½ cups (375 g / 13.2 ounces) creamy peanut butter
  • 1 cup (200 g / 7 ounces) granulated sugar
  • 1 cup (220 g / 7.8 ounces) brown sugar (packed)
  • 2 large eggs

Dry Ingredients:

  • 2 cups (250 g / 8.8 ounces) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt

Frosting Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (250 g / 8.8 ounces) powdered sugar
  • ½ cup (125 g / 4.4 ounces) creamy peanut butter
  • 34 tablespoons milk (adjust for consistency)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Prepare the baking environment by warming the oven to 350F (175C) and creating a non-stick surface in a 9×13-inch pan using parchment paper and a light grease coating.
  2. Transform butter and sugars into a creamy, airy mixture by vigorously beating them until they develop a fluffy, pale texture that indicates perfect incorporation.
  3. Introduce peanut butter and blend until silky smooth, then incorporate eggs individually, ensuring each is fully integrated before adding the next, followed by a splash of vanilla extract to enhance the flavor profile.
  4. Create a dry ingredient foundation by thoroughly combining flour, baking soda, and salt in a separate vessel, then gently fold these elements into the wet mixture, stirring until just harmonized without overmixing.
  5. Distribute the cookie dough evenly across the prepared pan, creating a uniform layer that will guarantee consistent baking and texture. Slide the pan into the preheated oven and monitor for 25-30 minutes, watching for golden-brown edges and a clean toothpick test, which signals perfect doneness.
  6. Allow the baked bars to cool completely within the pan, permitting them to set and develop a rich, chewy consistency before cutting and serving.

Notes

  • Ensure butter is softened at room temperature for smooth creaming and better texture.
  • Use creamy peanut butter for consistent flavor and easier mixing, avoiding natural or chunky varieties.
  • Test doneness by gentle pressing center of bars – they should spring back slightly and edges look golden brown.
  • Slightly underbake for extra chewy texture, as bars will continue cooking while cooling in pan.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 24
  • Calories: 335
  • Sugar: 25 g
  • Sodium: 134 mg
  • Fat: 16 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 42 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 7 g
  • Cholesterol: 31 mg