Description
Peanut Butter Lunch Lady Cookie Bars are a nostalgic, school-cafeteria-inspired dessert featuring a chewy peanut butter base and creamy peanut butter frosting. A perfect sweet treat for potlucks, lunchboxes, or after-school snacks.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup milk + 2 tbsp (divided)
- 1½ cups creamy peanut butter (divided)
- 1½ cups (3 sticks) unsalted butter, softened (divided)
- 4 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease or line a large cookie sheet.
- In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk eggs, vanilla, and ½ cup milk.
- Melt 1 cup butter and 1 cup peanut butter in a saucepan. Bring to boil, then remove from heat.
- Mix dry ingredients into the peanut butter mixture. Stir in egg mixture until well combined.
- Pour batter into prepared sheet. Spread evenly.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean. Let cool.
- For frosting, melt remaining ½ cup peanut butter and 1 stick butter. Boil, then remove from heat.
- Stir in 2 tbsp milk, then powdered sugar gradually until smooth.
- Spread frosting over cooled bars. Let set, then cut into squares.
Notes
- Use creamy, no-stir peanut butter for best texture.
- Sift powdered sugar for smoother frosting.
- For gluten-free version, substitute with baking-grade gluten-free flour.
- Optional toppings: chopped nuts, chocolate drizzle, or mini chocolate chips.
