Peanut Butter Lunch Lady Cookie Bars: A Sweet and Comforting Treat

These Peanut Butter Lunch Lady Cookie Bars are the perfect combination of soft, chewy cookie bars topped with rich chocolate frosting. Packed with creamy peanut butter and oats, they’re a nostalgic treat that’s sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just for yourself, these bars are a hit every time.

With the simple ingredients of butter, sugar, eggs, and peanut butter, these cookie bars come together quickly, and the chocolate frosting adds just the right amount of indulgence. Once baked and frosted, these bars are the ultimate comfort food to enjoy any time of day.

What You Need to Make Peanut Butter Lunch Lady Cookie Bars:

Ingredients for the Cookie Bars:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup packed light brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups quick-cooking oats

For the Chocolate Frosting:

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

How to Make Peanut Butter Lunch Lady Cookie Bars:

1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang to make it easier to lift the bars out of the pan later.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugars:
   In a large mixing bowl, cream together the room temperature butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer on medium speed.
3. Add the Wet Ingredients:
   Beat in the eggs, one at a time, making sure each one is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract and creamy peanut butter until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
4. Combine the Dry Ingredients:
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Then, stir in the quick-cooking oats.
5. Spread the Batter in the Pan:
   Transfer the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it out into an even layer. The batter will be thick, so use a spatula or your hands to help spread it evenly.
6. Bake:
   Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Be careful not to overbake; the bars should still be soft.
7. Prepare the Chocolate Frosting:
   While the bars are baking, make the frosting. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Stir in the milk and cocoa powder until smooth. Remove from heat and gradually whisk in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until the frosting is smooth and spreadable. If the frosting is too thick, add a teaspoon of milk at a time until you reach the desired consistency.
8. Frost the Bars:
   Once the cookie bars are done, allow them to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, spread the chocolate frosting over the warm bars. The warmth from the bars will make it easier to spread the frosting evenly.
9. Cool and Serve:
   Let the frosted cookie bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, use the parchment paper to lift the bars out of the pan. Cut them into squares or rectangles and serve!

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Common Questions About This Recipe:

Can I use chunky peanut butter instead of creamy?
Yes, you can use chunky peanut butter for added texture, but it may slightly affect the batter consistency.

Can I make these bars without the frosting?
Yes, you can skip the frosting if you prefer a simpler version. The bars are delicious on their own, thanks to the peanut butter flavor.

Can I freeze the cookie bars?
Yes, these bars freeze well! Let them cool completely, then store them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature or heat in the microwave.

Can I add chocolate chips to the batter?
Absolutely! You can add a cup of chocolate chips to the batter for extra chocolaty goodness.

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These Peanut Butter Lunch Lady Cookie Bars are a perfect treat for any occasion, combining the classic flavors of peanut butter and chocolate with a soft, chewy texture. They’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering or a sweet snack when you need something indulgent.

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