Description

Welcome to the ultimate homemade treat with a nostalgic twist! These Peanut Butter Lunch Lady Cookie Bars bring back the comforting flavors of school cafeteria favorites. With their chewy texture, rich peanut butter taste, and a smooth chocolate frosting, these bars are perfect for parties, family gatherings, or as a personal indulgence. Simple ingredients and easy preparation make this a must-try recipe for any dessert lover!

Ingredients

• For the Cookie Bars:Butter – 1 cup (softened)Granulated sugar – 1 cupBrown sugar – 1 cup (packed)Creamy peanut butter – 1 cupEggs – 2 largeVanilla extract – 2 teaspoonsAll-purpose flour – 2 cupsBaking soda – 1 teaspoonSalt – ½ teaspoonQuick oats – 2 cups
• For the Frosting:Butter – ½ cup (melted)Cocoa powder – ¼ cupPowdered sugar – 3 cupsMilk – ¼ cupVanilla extract – 1 teaspoon

Preparation Method

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Grease a 9 by 13 inch baking dish.
3. Cream butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy.
4. Mix in peanut butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until well blended.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, and salt.
6. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
7. Fold in quick oats until evenly distributed.
8. Press dough into the greased baking dish evenly.
9. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until edges are golden brown and center is set.
10. Allow bars to cool slightly before frosting.

11. In a medium bowl, whisk melted butter and cocoa powder.
12. Gradually add powdered sugar and milk, alternating, until smooth.
13. Stir in vanilla extract.
14. Spread frosting evenly over warm cookie bars.
15. Let frosting set for about 20 minutes before slicing into squares.

Tips and Conclusion

Use chunky peanut butter if you prefer added crunch.

For a healthier twist, substitute half the butter with unsweetened applesauce.

If you love a chocolate-peanut butter combo, add ½ cup of chocolate chips to the cookie dough.

Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

These Peanut Butter Lunch Lady Cookie Bars are a delicious throwback to school cafeteria treats, packed with rich peanut butter flavor and topped with a smooth chocolate frosting. Whether for a nostalgic bite or a crowd-pleasing dessert, these bars are sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Try them today and enjoy a sweet taste of the past!