Peanut Butter Lunch Lady Cookie Bars

A classic school cafeteria favorite turned into easy-to-make cookie bars. Perfect for bake sales, family gatherings, or just a sweet treat for yourself!

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Yield: 24 bars

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Ingredients

For the Bars:

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

For the Frosting:

• 1/2 cup creamy natural peanut butter
• 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
• 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 1/3 cup whole milk or heavy cream (plus more if needed for consistency)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

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1. Preheat and Prepare:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

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2. Make the Cookie Bar Dough:
   • In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
   • Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
   • In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.

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3. Bake the Bars:
   Spread the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula or your hands to press it down evenly.
   Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
   Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before frosting.

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4. Make the Frosting:
   • In a medium mixing bowl, beat together the peanut butter, powdered sugar, butter, and vanilla extract.
   • Gradually add the milk or cream, one tablespoon at a time, until the frosting reaches a smooth, spreadable consistency.

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5. Frost the Bars:
   Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cookie bars. Allow the frosting to set for 20–30 minutes before cutting into bars.

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Nutritional Information (Per Bar, Based on 24 Bars):
Calories: 290 | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Carbohydrates: 34g | Sugar: 26g | Protein: 5g | Fiber: 1g | Sodium: 140mg

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Kitchen Tips

1. Peanut Butter Choice: For the best results, use creamy natural peanut butter without added sugar or oils.
2. Don’t Overbake: To maintain the chewy texture, keep an eye on the bars during baking—slightly underbaked is better than overdone!
3. Toppings: Add a sprinkle of crushed peanuts or a drizzle of melted chocolate on top for extra flair.
4. Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
5. Freezing: These bars freeze well. Wrap individually and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

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Enjoy these decadent and nostalgic Peanut Butter Lunch Lady Cookie Bars—they’re bound to be a crowd-pleaser!