Indulge in the perfect blend of sweet and salty with these Peanut Butter Lunch Lady Cookie Bars. Featuring essential ingredients like flour, sugar, eggs, creamy peanut butter, unsalted butter, milk, and powdered sugar, these bars are a delightful treat for any occasion. Ideal for peanut butter lovers!
Growing up, the highlight of my school cafeteria was the legendary Peanut Butter Lunch Lady Cookie Bars. The lunch lady, Mrs. Jenkins, was a wizard in the kitchen. Her bars were the perfect balance of chewy and crunchy, with a rich, peanut buttery taste that lingered long after the last bite. Every bite of these bars takes me back to those carefree school days, filled with laughter and the sweet smell of peanut butter wafting through the air.
Why We Love Peanut Butter Lunch Lady Cookie Bars
- Nostalgic Charm: Evokes fond school cafeteria memories.
- Perfect Texture: Chewy and satisfying, with a creamy frosting.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients, straightforward steps.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Loved by both kids and adults.
- Versatile: Ideal for parties, picnics, or a comforting treat.
Ingredients Notes for Peanut Butter Lunch Lady Cookie Bars
The key to these mouthwatering cookie bars lies in their simple yet effective ingredients. Flour and sugar form the base, providing structure and sweetness. Eggs bind the ingredients together and contribute to the bars' chewiness. The hero, peanut butter, infuses each bite with its rich, nutty flavor. Unsalted butter adds a creamy depth, while milk softens the texture. The magical frosting, a blend of peanut butter, butter, milk, and powdered sugar, crowns these bars with a smooth, irresistible finish.
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Recipe Breakdown in Easy-to-Follow Steps
These Peanut Butter Lunch Lady Cookie Bars are a delightful treat that combines the nutty richness of peanut butter with the sweet, comforting taste of homemade cookies. Let's break down the recipe into simple, easy-to-follow steps.
- Preparation: Start by preheating your oven and prepping your cookie sheet. This ensures a hot, ready oven and a non-stick surface for your cookie bars.
- Dry Ingredients: Mix your dry ingredients - flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt. This step is crucial for evenly distributing the flavors and leavening agents.
- Wet Ingredients: Whisk together milk, vanilla extract, and eggs. This mixture will add moisture and bind the ingredients together.
- Melting and Combining: Melt butter and peanut butter, then mix in your dry and wet ingredients. This process creates a harmonious blend of all the flavors and textures.
- Baking: Pour the batter and bake. This step is where the magic happens, transforming your batter into golden, chewy cookie bars.
- Frosting: Prepare and apply the frosting. This final touch adds an extra layer of peanut butter goodness and completes the bars.
Storage Options for Peanut Butter Lunch Lady Cookie Bars
Store these Peanut Butter Lunch Lady Cookie Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to 2 weeks. They're also freezer-friendly; wrap them individually and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for a few hours before serving. This versatility makes the bars perfect for make-ahead treats or last-minute cravings!
Variations and Substitutions for the Recipe
- Peanut Butter Alternatives: Almond or cashew butter for a different nutty twist.
- Butter Substitutes: Use margarine or coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
- Milk Variations: Non-dairy milk like almond or soy milk works well.
- Sugar Adjustments: Reduce sugar or use alternatives like coconut sugar for a less sweet version.
- Add-Ins: Stir in chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit for extra texture and flavor.
Using these variations and substitutions, you can tailor the Peanut Butter Lunch Lady Cookie Bars to suit various dietary needs and taste preferences, making them a versatile treat for everyone to enjoy!
Peanut Butter Lunch Lady Cookie Bars
Ingredients
- 2 cups flour
- 2 cups 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 salt
- 4 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Grease a large cookie sheet or line with parchment paper.
- Mix together dry ingredients: flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Whisk together ½ cup milk, vanilla extract, eggs. Set aside.
- In a saucepan, melt 1 cup (2 sticks) of butter and 1 cup peanut butter, bring to a boil. Remove from heat and slowly add flour mixture, followed by milk and egg mixture. Mix until well combined.
- Pour batter onto cookie sheet, spreading batter evenly to edges. Bake for 20 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool completely before frosting.
- For frosting: In a saucepan, bring 1 stick butter and ½ cup peanut butter to a boil. Add 2 tablespoons milk and slowly mix in powdered sugar until well combined. Pour frosting over cake, spreading evenly to edges. Allow frosting to cool and set before serving.
