Peanut Butter Lunch Lady Cookie Bars

Chewy, buttery, and topped with a thick layer of rich peanut butter frosting, these Peanut Butter Lunch Lady Cookie Bars are a nostalgic dessert that brings back the best school cafeteria memories. Baked in a single sheet pan, these bars are super simple to make and perfect for parties, bake sales, potlucks, or just treating yourself to something sweet and satisfying.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
One-Pan Wonder – No scooping or shaping, just press and bake.
Old-School Flavor – Just like the ones from the school lunch line.
Rich & Chewy – Soft and dense with a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Peanut Butter Frosting – Thick, creamy, and absolutely addictive.
Feeds a Crowd – Makes a big batch, perfect for sharing.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Bars:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt

For the Peanut Butter Frosting:

• ½ cup creamy peanut butter
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 3–4 tbsp milk (adjust for consistency)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Tools You’ll Need
13×9-inch baking pan
Electric mixer or whisk
Mixing bowls
Rubber spatula
Offset spatula or butter knife (for frosting)
Measuring cups and spoons

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat & Prep

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Lightly grease a 13×9-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy lifting.

Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough

1. In a large bowl, cream together the butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
2. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until just combined.

Step 3: Bake the Bars

1. Spread the dough evenly into the prepared pan. Use a spatula to smooth out the top.
2. Bake for 22–25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is just set.
3. Let the bars cool completely in the pan before frosting.

Step 4: Make the Frosting

1. In a mixing bowl, beat together the peanut butter and butter until smooth and creamy.
2. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract.
3. Mix in 3 tablespoons of milk and continue beating until the frosting is fluffy. Add more milk as needed to reach a spreadable consistency.

Step 5: Frost & Slice

1. Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled bars using an offset spatula.
2. Cut into squares or rectangles and serve.

Tips for Perfect Bars
Don’t Overbake – The center should be just set for a chewy texture.
Cool Before Frosting – Warm bars will melt the frosting.
Use Classic Peanut Butter – Avoid natural peanut butter for the best structure and taste.
Make It Fancy – Add chopped peanuts, mini chocolate chips, or a drizzle of melted chocolate on top.
Easy Cutting – Chill the frosted bars for 15–20 minutes before slicing for cleaner edges.

Serving Suggestions
With a Glass of Milk – The classic combo never fails.
Pack in Lunchboxes – A special treat for kids or adults.
As Party Squares – Cut into smaller pieces for dessert platters.
Topped with Ice Cream – Turn into a decadent dessert.

How to Store & Freeze

Storing:
Room Temp: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Refrigerator: Keeps well for up to 1 week, especially in warmer climates.

Freezing:
Freeze frosted or unfrosted bars in a sealed container, separated by parchment paper, for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use chunky peanut butter?
   Yes! It’ll add a little crunch and texture to the bars.
2. What if I only have natural peanut butter?
   Natural peanut butter can make the bars oily or crumbly. Stir it well and reduce added fat slightly, but for best results, use conventional peanut butter.
3. Can I cut this recipe in half?
   Absolutely! Use an 8×8-inch pan and reduce baking time to 18–20 minutes.
4. Can I make it gluten-free?
   Yes, substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour.
5. Is there a way to reduce the sugar?
   You can reduce the sugar slightly in both the bars and frosting, but keep in mind it will affect taste and texture.

Final Thoughts
Peanut Butter Lunch Lady Cookie Bars are the ultimate nostalgic treat. They’re easy to make, great for sharing, and bursting with sweet peanut butter flavor from top to bottom. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just need a comforting dessert to enjoy at home, these bars deliver in every way.

Try the recipe and share your peanut butter creations—I’d love to see your baking magic!

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Bar – based on 24 bars):
Calories: 290 | Protein: 5g | Carbohydrates: 32g | Fat: 16g | Fiber: 1g | Sodium: 160mg

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