Peanut Butter Lunch Lady Cookie Bars are a delightful treat that blend the creamy richness of peanut butter with the comforting sweetness of homemade cookie bars. This recipe yields a batch of indulgent bars perfect for sharing with friends and family or enjoying as a special treat for yourself. With simple ingredients and straightforward directions, these bars are sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire.
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
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F. Grease a large cookie sheet or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients: flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Whisk together ½ cup milk, vanilla extract, and beaten eggs in a separate bowl. Set aside.
- In a saucepan, melt 1 cup (2 sticks) of butter and 1 cup of peanut butter, bringing them to a gentle boil. Remove from heat.
- Slowly add the flour mixture to the melted butter and peanut butter, followed by the milk and egg mixture. Stir until the batter is well combined.
- Pour the batter onto the prepared cookie sheet, spreading it evenly to reach the edges.
- Bake for approximately 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the bars to cool completely before frosting.
Tips:
- Be sure to use softened butter for easier mixing.
- When spreading the batter onto the cookie sheet, aim for an even thickness to ensure uniform baking.
- For best results, allow the bars to cool completely before applying the frosting to prevent it from melting excessively.
Conclusion:
Peanut Butter Lunch Lady Cookie Bars offer a delectable combination of flavors and textures, making them a delightful treat for any occasion. Whether served as an indulgent dessert or a sweet snack, these bars are sure to satisfy cravings and earn rave reviews from all who indulge in them. Enjoy the comforting taste of homemade goodness with every bite of these irresistible peanut butter bars!
- Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy peanut butter?
- Yes, you can use crunchy peanut butter if you prefer a bit of texture in your bars. However, keep in mind that the texture of the bars may be slightly different compared to using creamy peanut butter.
- Can I substitute the unsalted butter with salted butter in this recipe?
- While you can substitute salted butter for unsalted butter, it’s important to adjust the amount of additional salt in the recipe accordingly. Reduce the amount of added salt or omit it altogether to prevent the bars from becoming overly salty.
- Can I make these bars ahead of time and freeze them?
- Yes, you can make the bars ahead of time and freeze them for later enjoyment. Once cooled and frosted, cut the bars into individual portions and place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to a month. Thaw the bars in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
- How should I store leftover Peanut Butter Lunch Lady Cookie Bars?
- Store any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. If you prefer to keep them longer, refrigerate them for up to a week. Just be sure to let them come to room temperature before serving for the best taste and texture.