Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Peanut Butter Lunch Lady Cookie Bars combine everything you love about peanut butter and cookies in one simple, yet delicious treat. The soft, buttery base provides the perfect foundation for the sweet and creamy peanut butter frosting on top. This recipe is easy to make, uses pantry staples, and yields large, satisfying bars that everyone will enjoy. Whether you grew up with these bars or are making them for the first time, they’ll quickly become a favorite in your household.

Ingredients

2 cups flour
2 cups sugar
1 ½ cups peanut butter
3 sticks butter
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp vanilla
1 tsp salt
4 cups powdered sugar
2 eggs
½ cup milk

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a large cookie sheet.
In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
In another bowl, whisk together the milk, vanilla, and eggs. Set aside.
Melt the butter and peanut butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, mix them with the dry ingredients until well combined. Then, stir in the egg mixture and mix until smooth.
Spread the batter evenly onto the prepared cookie sheet and bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown. Let the bars cool completely.
For the frosting: Melt the butter and peanut butter in a saucepan. Add the milk and powdered sugar, stirring until smooth. Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled bars.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 24 cookie bars.

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes

Variations

Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars: For an extra chocolatey twist, mix in some mini chocolate chips into the batter or top the bars with a layer of melted chocolate before adding the peanut butter frosting.
Crunchy Peanut Butter Bars: If you like some texture, use crunchy peanut butter in place of the creamy variety.
Nut-Free Version: Replace the peanut butter with almond butter or sunflower seed butter if you need a nut-free alternative.

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. You can also refrigerate them for up to a week if you prefer them cold. If you’d like to freeze them, wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. To thaw, simply let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use creamy peanut butter instead of chunky?

Yes, creamy peanut butter works perfectly in this recipe, and it will give you a smooth texture in both the bars and the frosting.

Can I use margarine instead of butter?

Margarine can be used as a substitute for butter, though the flavor might not be as rich as when using butter. The texture should still be similar.

Can I reduce the sugar in the recipe?

If you’re looking to cut down on sugar, you can reduce the amount slightly, but it may affect the texture and sweetness of the bars. You could also try using a sugar substitute, though the results might vary.

Can I use a different type of frosting?

If you’re not a fan of peanut butter frosting, you can use a chocolate frosting or even a simple powdered sugar glaze as an alternative.

What size cookie sheet should I use?

A standard 12×18-inch cookie sheet works well for this recipe. If you only have a smaller sheet, you can divide the batter between two sheets and bake them separately.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, these bars can be made a day ahead of time and stored at room temperature or in the fridge. The frosting may even set better if left to sit overnight.

Can I add chocolate chips to the batter?

Yes, adding a handful of chocolate chips to the batter is a delicious idea. It complements the peanut butter flavor and adds an extra layer of sweetness.

How do I know when the bars are done baking?

The bars are done when they are golden brown around the edges and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.

Is there a way to make this recipe healthier?

To make these bars a bit healthier, you could substitute the butter with applesauce or use a reduced-fat peanut butter. You can also use whole wheat flour in place of all-purpose flour for added fiber.

Can I freeze the bars after they’ve been frosted?

Yes, you can freeze the bars after frosting. Just make sure they are completely cooled and wrapped tightly before freezing. Let them thaw in the refrigerator or at room temperature before serving.

Conclusion

These Peanut Butter Lunch Lady Cookie Bars are a perfect blend of nostalgia and indulgence, making them a great treat for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them at a family gathering or enjoying them as a sweet snack, these bars are sure to bring smiles to everyone’s face. With their chewy, peanut buttery texture and creamy frosting, they’re bound to become a new favorite in your recipe collection!