Peanut Butter Lunch Lady Cookie Bars
There’s something deeply comforting about revisiting childhood favorites, and nothing captures that sense of sweet nostalgia quite like Peanut Butter Lunch Lady Cookie Bars. Imagine the buttery aroma wafting through a school cafeteria, the comforting warmth of gooey peanut butter bars straight from a lunch tray, and the melt-in-your-mouth frosting that made them unforgettable. These bars are the ultimate comfort food—simple, satisfying, and steeped in memory.
Whether you’re looking to relive the good ol’ days, treat your family to something special, or need a go-to dessert for potlucks, game days, or school bake sales, this recipe delivers every time. And here’s the best part: they’re incredibly easy to make, requiring basic pantry ingredients and just a little love.
So roll up your sleeves, preheat that oven, and don’t lose this recipe—you’re going to want to make it again and again.
Why You’ll Love These Cookie Bars
- Nostalgic and comforting: A classic school cafeteria dessert, reimagined for your home kitchen.
- Simple ingredients: Everything you need is probably already in your pantry.
- Perfectly sweet and salty: The peanut butter and frosting combo hits all the right notes.
- Feeds a crowd: Great for gatherings, parties, or just because.
- Customizable: Add a chocolate drizzle, chopped peanuts, or sprinkles for fun variations.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s take a quick look at the magic behind these bars. Each ingredient plays a key role in creating that rich, chewy texture and flavor-packed finish.
For the Bars:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 ½ cups peanut butter (creamy is classic, but chunky works if you like texture)
- 3 sticks unsalted butter (that’s 1 ½ cups)
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup milk
For the Frosting:
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- ¼ cup milk
- ½ cup peanut butter
- ½ stick (4 tbsp) butter
Pro Tip: Want a smoother frosting? Sift the powdered sugar before mixing for a silky finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a large cookie sheet or jelly roll pan (about 10×15 inches). You can also line it with parchment paper for easy removal and cleanup.
2. Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, mix together:
- 2 cups flour
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
Set this dry mix aside.
3. Mix the Wet Ingredients
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