Delicious Peanut Butter Lunch Lady Cookie Bars

Peanut Butter Lunch Lady Cookie Bars Recipe | Soft, Chewy & Easy to Make

These soft, chewy Peanut Butter Lunch Lady Cookie Bars bring back the comforting flavors of classic school cafeteria desserts. With their rich peanut butter taste, buttery texture, and golden-brown crust, these bars are easy to make and perfect for bake sales, after-school snacks, or a quick dessert for peanut butter lovers. Follow this step-by-step guide to create the ultimate nostalgic treat with simple pantry ingredients.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Ingredients: Uses everyday pantry staples.
• Soft & Chewy Texture: Perfectly balanced with a golden crust and tender center.
• Quick to Make: Minimal prep time and one-bowl mixing.
• Customizable: Add chocolate chips, nuts, or a chocolate drizzle.

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

3. Cream Butter & Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, beat softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).

4. Add Peanut Butter & Eggs

Mix in peanut butter until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.

5. Combine Wet & Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing.

6. Bake

Spread the dough evenly into the prepared baking dish. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the edges are golden brown and the center is set.

7. Cool & Slice

Allow the cookie bars to cool completely before slicing into squares.

Tips for Perfect Cookie Bars

• Do Not Overmix: Overmixing can make the bars dense. Mix until just combined.
• Watch the Baking Time: The bars should look slightly underbaked in the center when removed from the oven. They will continue to firm up as they cool.
• Use Classic Peanut Butter: Avoid natural peanut butter with oil separation, as it can affect the texture.
• For Clean Slices: Let the bars cool completely before cutting.

Variations & Serving Suggestions

Recipe Variations:

• Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars: Fold in ½ cup chocolate chips before baking.
• Nutty Cookie Bars: Add chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.
• Salted Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle melted caramel and sprinkle sea salt for a sweet-salty contrast.

How to Serve:

• Classic Style: Pair with a glass of milk.
• Warm Dessert: Serve with vanilla ice cream.
• Bite-Sized Treat: Cut into smaller squares for parties or gatherings.

Storage & Freezing Instructions

Storing Leftovers:

• Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• For longer freshness, refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.

Freezing Instructions:

• Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.
• Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use crunchy peanut butter?

Yes, crunchy peanut butter adds extra texture and works well in this recipe.

How do I know when the bars are done baking?

The edges should be golden brown, while the center should appear slightly underbaked. They will firm up as they cool.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes, substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for all-purpose flour.

Related Recipes

• No-Bake Peanut Butter Bars – A quick, easy alternative for peanut butter lovers.
• Classic Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars – A timeless favorite with a chewy texture.

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