Peanut Butter Lunch Lady Cookie Bars

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Baking cookies in a sheet pan is a magical thing – the recipe is simple to make and allows you to feed a crowd without having to hand out individual spoonfuls of dough. Our childhood table lady knew all the tricks to feeding a hungry crowd, so we took our inspiration from her with our Peanut Butter Lunch Lady cookie bars (although our food hopefully tastes a little better than the standard dining room fare). If your usual dessert at home is to pick up something at the grocery store, we suggest you try some homemade cookie bars. Of course, store-bought treats take some of the pressure off the front desk, but once you see how easy it is, you may never go back. Although we usually go for chocolate, we love a good cookie sheet, no matter what the flavor. We’re rarely the type to turn down something sweet! We chose peanut butter for our last cookie bars and it was the right decision. It was absolutely delicious!

We covered these cookie bars with peanut butter frosting, which is sweet but goes great. You can’t have too much peanut butter. If you want a little more contrast, you can use chocolate icing – but we’re getting ahead of ourselves. Peanut butter desserts are pretty delicious – of course we like the sweetness, but the salty touch really adds something special. The salty and sweet really go together in dessert heaven, and our peanut butter cookie bars bring the best of both worlds together in one sheet.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Peanut Butter Lunch Lady Cookie Bars are perfect for any peanut butter lover. They are easy to make, serve a crowd, and combine the perfect balance of sweet and salty. The peanut butter frosting adds a rich flavor that complements the bars beautifully.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• Large cookie sheet
• Mixing bowls
• Saucepan
• Whisk
• Spatula
• Parchment paper (optional)

Ingredients

• 2 cups of flour
• 2 cups of sugar
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 ½ cup peanut butter, divided
• 1 ½ cups (3 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup milk + 2 tablespoons, divided
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 4 cups powdered sugar

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F. Grease a large cookie sheet or line it with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In another bowl, whisk together ½ cup milk, vanilla extract, and eggs. Set aside.
4. In a saucepan, melt 1 cup (2 sticks) of butter and 1 cup of peanut butter, bringing it to a boil. Remove from heat.
5. Slowly add the flour mixture to the saucepan, followed by the milk/egg mixture. Stir until well blended.
6. Pour the dough onto the prepared cookie sheet, spreading it evenly to the edges.
7. Bake for 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow to cool completely before glazing.
8. For the icing: In a saucepan, bring 1 stick of butter and ½ cup peanut butter to a boil. Add 2 tablespoons of milk and slowly stir in the powdered sugar until well blended.
9. Pour the icing over the cooled bars, spreading it evenly to the edges. Allow the icing to cool and set before serving.

Tips for Success

• Ensure the cookie bars are completely cooled before applying the icing to prevent it from melting.
• Use parchment paper for easy removal and cleanup.

Additional Tips or Variations

• Add chopped peanuts or chocolate chips to the batter for extra texture.
• For a festive touch, top with colored sprinkles.

Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)

Each serving contains approximately 450 calories, with 22g of fat, 55g of carbohydrates, and 6g of protein.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of smooth?
Yes, crunchy peanut butter will add a nice texture to the bars.

How should I store these cookie bars?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage.

Conclusion

These Peanut Butter Lunch Lady Cookie Bars are a delightful treat that combines the best of sweet and salty flavors. We invite you to try this recipe and share your experiences with us. Enjoy baking and enjoy eating!

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