Description
Nostalgic peanut butter lunch lady cookie bars blend school cafeteria memories with homemade comfort. Rich, chewy bars promise sweet satisfaction that connects generations of dessert enthusiasts.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 1/2 cups (340 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups (375 ml) peanut butter (divided)
- 2 cups (400 g) sugar
- 4 cups (480 g) powdered sugar
- 2 cups (240 g) flour
- 2 large eggs (beaten)
- 1/2 cup + 2 tbsps (150 ml) milk (divided)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
Instructions
- Warm the oven to 400°F and prepare a large baking sheet by applying cooking spray or lining with parchment paper.
- Combine all dry ingredients in a mixing bowl, ensuring thorough blending of flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt. Set the mixture aside.
- Create a separate liquid mixture by whisking milk, vanilla extract, and eggs until smooth and well incorporated.
- In a saucepan, gently melt butter and peanut butter together, allowing the mixture to reach a rolling boil. Remove from heat immediately.
- Gradually incorporate the flour mixture into the melted butter and peanut butter, stirring continuously to prevent lumps.
- Slowly add the milk and egg mixture to the batter, stirring until all ingredients are completely integrated and the texture is uniform.
- Transfer the batter to the prepared baking sheet, using a spatula to distribute evenly and reach all edges of the pan.
- Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for approximately 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center emerges clean.
- Allow the baked bars to cool completely before preparing the frosting.
- For the frosting, combine butter and peanut butter in a saucepan, bringing the mixture to a boil.
- Remove from heat and blend in milk, then gradually mix in powdered sugar until the frosting reaches a smooth, spreadable consistency.
- Pour the frosting over the cooled bars, using a spatula to create an even layer that covers the entire surface.
- Let the frosting set and cool completely before slicing and serving the peanut butter bars.
Notes
- Swap out regular flour with gluten-free flour blend for those with wheat sensitivities.
- Use alternative milk like almond or oat milk to make the recipe dairy-free and accommodate different dietary needs.
- Reduce sugar content by using monk fruit sweetener or stevia for a lower-calorie version that still maintains delicious flavor.
- Consider adding chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the batter for extra texture and a gourmet twist on the classic lunch lady bar.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 16
- Calories: 363
- Sugar: 28 g
- Sodium: 170 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg