Peanut Butter Lunch Lady Cookie Bars: A Nostalgic Treat
Rediscover the sweet nostalgia of your school days with these Peanut Butter Lunch Lady Cookie Bars. Perfect for bake sales, family gatherings, or a delightful treat to brighten up your day, these cookie bars strike the perfect balance between tender and crunchy, with a rich, creamy peanut butter frosting that’s utterly irresistible. Follow this easy recipe to recreate a childhood favorite or to introduce a new generation to this beloved treat.
Ingredients
To make these Peanut Butter Lunch Lady Cookie Bars, you’ll need:
- For the Cookie Bars:
- 2 Cups of Flour
- 2 Cups of Sugar
- 2 Large Eggs, beaten
- 1 ½ Cups of Peanut Butter, divided
- 1 ½ Cups (3 Sticks) of Unsalted Butter, softened
- ½ Cup + 2 Tablespoons of Milk, divided
- 1 Teaspoon of Baking Soda
- 1 Teaspoon of Vanilla Extract
- 1 Teaspoon of Salt
- For the Frosting:
- 4 Cups of Powdered Sugar
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). Grease a large cookie sheet or line it with parchment paper.
- Mix the dry ingredients: Combine the flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt in a bowl. Set aside.
- Combine the wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together ½ cup milk, vanilla extract, and eggs. Set this aside as well.
- Prepare the peanut butter mixture: Melt 1 cup of butter and 1 cup of peanut butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Once it boils, remove from the heat. Gradually stir in the dry ingredients, followed by the wet mixture, until everything is well combined.
- Bake: Spread the batter evenly onto your prepared cookie sheet. Bake for 20 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let it cool completely before frosting.
- Make the frosting: Melt the remaining stick of butter and ½ cup of peanut butter in a saucepan. Stir in 2 tablespoons of milk and then gradually add the powdered sugar until the mixture is smooth.
- Frost your cookie bars: Pour the frosting over the cooled bars and spread it evenly.
- Cool: Allow the frosting to set before serving.
Preparation Tips
- Ensure all your ingredients, especially the eggs and butter, are at room temperature to achieve a smooth batter.
- For an even layer of frosting, use an offset spatula.
- If you’re a fan of chunky textures, consider adding chopped peanuts to the frosting for an extra crunch.
- Cut the bars before the frosting completely sets for cleaner edges.
Conclusion
These Peanut Butter Lunch Lady Cookie Bars are more than just a treat; they’re a journey back to the cherished moments of childhood. They embody the simplicity and joy of school days, bringing a touch of sweetness to any occasion. Whether you’re sharing them with friends, family, or reliving your childhood memories, these cookie bars are sure to delight everyone. Whip up a batch today and indulge in the nostalgia of these irresistible treats!