Name: Peanut Butter Lunch Lady Cookie Bars Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
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

Indulge in the irresistible goodness of Peanut Butter Lunch Lady Cookie Bars recipe! This easy-to-follow recipe combines the rich flavors of peanut butter with a soft and chewy texture, making it a crowd-pleasing favorite for any occasion. With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, these bars are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth or impressing guests. Try them today and enjoy a delightful homemade treat that everyone will love!

Ingredients:

Before diving into the baking process, gather your ingredients:

2 cups of all-purpose flour

2 cups of granulated sugar

1 teaspoon of baking soda

2 large eggs, beaten

1 ½ cups of creamy peanut butter, divided

1 ½ cups (3 sticks) of unsalted butter, softened

½ cup + 2 tablespoons of milk, divided

1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

1 teaspoon of salt

4 cups of powdered sugar

Directions:

Preheat and Prep: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. Grease a large cookie sheet or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Mix Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, baking soda, and salt. Set this dry mixture aside for now.

Prepare Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together ½ cup of milk, the beaten eggs, and the vanilla extract until well combined. Set this mixture aside.

Create Peanut Butter Mixture: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt 1 cup of butter and 1 cup of peanut butter, stirring until smooth. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil, then remove it from the heat. Slowly incorporate the dry flour mixture, followed by the milk and egg mixture. Stir until all ingredients are thoroughly combined into a smooth batter.

Bake to Perfection: Pour the batter onto the prepared cookie sheet, spreading it evenly to the edges. Place the sheet in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, allow the bars to cool completely before frosting.

Craft the Perfect Frosting: While the bars cool, it’s time to whip up the irresistible peanut butter frosting. In a saucepan, combine the remaining stick of butter and ½ cup of peanut butter over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a boil, then add the remaining 2 tablespoons of milk. Gradually stir in the powdered sugar until the frosting is smooth and well combined.

Frost and Enjoy: Once the bars have cooled, evenly spread the warm peanut butter frosting over the top, ensuring it reaches the edges. Allow the frosting to cool and set before slicing the bars into squares and serving.

Serving Tips:

Warm or Chilled: These bars are delicious when served warm or chilled. Consider heating them slightly in the microwave for a gooey, comforting treat, or chill them in the refrigerator for a refreshing dessert option.

Accompaniments: Enhance the indulgence by serving these bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The creamy textures complement the rich peanut butter flavor beautifully.

Garnish with Nuts: For an extra crunch and visual appeal, sprinkle chopped peanuts or peanut butter chips over the frosting before it sets. This adds a delightful contrast of textures and elevates the presentation.

Portion Control: Cut the bars into uniform squares for easy serving. Consider using a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry between cuts to achieve clean edges.

Pair with Beverages: These bars pair wonderfully with a variety of beverages, such as a glass of cold milk, a hot cup of coffee, or a creamy latte. The combination of flavors creates a delightful taste experience.

Storage Tips:

Room Temperature: Store the Peanut Butter Lunch Lady Cookie Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. Ensure that the container is sealed tightly to prevent them from drying out.

Refrigeration: If you prefer a chilled treat or need to extend the shelf life, you can refrigerate the bars. Place them in a sealed container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap to maintain freshness. They will keep well in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Freezing: These bars freeze exceptionally well, making them a convenient make-ahead option. Wrap individual bars or stack them with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Place them in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag and store them in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Frosting Consideration: If freezing the bars with frosting, allow the frosting to set completely before wrapping or stacking to prevent smudging. You can also freeze the bars without frosting and add it fresh before serving.

Related Recipes:

No-Bake Cookie Dough Cheesecake Bars

FAQs:

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy for this recipe?

Absolutely! While the recipe calls for creamy peanut butter, you can substitute it with crunchy peanut butter if you prefer added texture in your bars. Just keep in mind that the texture of the bars will be slightly different, but they will still be deliciously indulgent.

Can I make these cookie bars ahead of time for a party or event?

Yes, you can! These Peanut Butter Lunch Lady Cookie Bars are perfect for making ahead of time. You can bake and frost them the day before your event, or even freeze them for longer storage. Simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before serving for optimal freshness.

How do I prevent the frosting from becoming too thick or thin?

Achieving the perfect consistency for the frosting is crucial for a smooth and creamy finish. If the frosting is too thick, you can thin it out by adding a little more milk, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency. Conversely, if it’s too thin, gradually add more powdered sugar until it thickens to your liking. Be sure to mix well after each addition to avoid lumps.

Can I customize these cookie bars with additional ingredients?

Absolutely! While these bars are delicious as is, you can customize them to suit your taste preferences. Consider adding chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even a drizzle of melted chocolate on top for extra decadence. Get creative and have fun experimenting with different flavor combinations to make these bars your own!

Conclusion:

Indulge your taste buds and impress your loved ones with these Peanut Butter Lunch Lady Cookie Bars. With their irresistible flavor and straightforward preparation, they’re a must-try for any baking enthusiast. So, preheat that oven, gather your ingredients, and get ready to delight in the sweet satisfaction of homemade goodness!