Satisfy your sweet tooth with the irresistible charm of Peanut Butter Lunch Lady Cookie Bars. These delectable bars are a nostalgic nod to the classic flavors of childhood, combining the richness of peanut butter with the sweetness of powdered sugar for a truly indulgent treat. Whether you’re reminiscing about school days or simply craving a comforting dessert, these cookie bars are sure to hit the spot. Let’s dive into the world of baking and discover the magic of Peanut Butter Lunch Lady Cookie Bars together!
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
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
2. Prepare the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and 1 cup of peanut butter until smooth.
- Gradually add the sugar, beating until light and fluffy.
- Add the beaten eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
3. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the peanut butter mixture, alternating with ½ cup of milk, until a thick dough forms.
4. Spread the Dough:
- Spread the dough evenly into the prepared baking dish, using a spatula to smooth the surface.
5. Bake the Bars:
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Cool Completely:
- Remove the baking dish from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the dish on a wire rack.
7. Prepare the Peanut Butter Frosting:
- In a medium saucepan, melt the remaining ½ cup of peanut butter and ½ cup of milk over low heat, stirring until smooth.
- Gradually whisk in the powdered sugar until the frosting is thick and creamy.
8. Frost the Bars:
- Once the bars are completely cooled, spread the peanut butter frosting evenly over the top using a spatula.
9. Chill and Serve:
- Place the bars in the refrigerator to chill for at least 1 hour before slicing into squares.
- Serve chilled and enjoy the deliciousness of Peanut Butter Lunch Lady Cookie Bars!
Cook’s Notes and Variations:
- Chocolate Drizzle: For an extra touch of decadence, drizzle melted chocolate over the top of the bars before serving. Dark chocolate or milk chocolate both work beautifully with the peanut butter flavor.
- Nutty Crunch: Add a crunchy texture to the bars by sprinkling chopped peanuts over the peanut butter frosting before chilling.
- Gluten-Free Option: To make these bars gluten-free, simply substitute gluten-free flour for the all-purpose flour in the recipe. Ensure that all other ingredients are also gluten-free.
- Chunky Peanut Butter: For added texture and nuttiness, use chunky peanut butter instead of creamy peanut butter in both the dough and the frosting.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions):
Q: Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter? A: While unsalted butter is preferred in baking for better control of the saltiness, you can use salted butter and reduce the added salt in the recipe to balance the flavor.
Q: How should I store the Peanut Butter Lunch Lady Cookie Bars? A: Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Q: Can I make these bars ahead of time? A: Yes, you can make the bars ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to serve. They actually taste even better after chilling for a few hours, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Q: Is there a keto-friendly version of this recipe? A: Yes, you can make a keto-friendly version by using almond flour instead of all-purpose flour, a low-carb sweetener such as erythritol or stevia instead of sugar, and a sugar-free peanut butter for the filling.
In conclusion, Peanut Butter Lunch Lady Cookie Bars are a delightful indulgence that captures the essence of childhood nostalgia in every bite. With their buttery peanut butter flavor and creamy frosting, these bars are sure to bring joy to your taste buds and warmth to your heart. Whether enjoyed as an afternoon snack or a sweet ending to a meal, these bars are guaranteed to please. So, gather your ingredients and embark on a journey of sweet satisfaction with Peanut Butter Lunch Lady Cookie Bars. Happy baking and indulging
