Description
These Peanut Butter Lunch Lady Cookie Bars are a nostalgic treat reminiscent of school cafeteria favorites. Soft and chewy oat cookie bars layered with a creamy, fluffy peanut butter frosting, they combine classic flavors in an easy-to-make dessert perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Bars
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups old-fashioned oats
Frosting
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1/3 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan by greasing it or lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Make the cookie dough: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until the mixture is creamy and well combined. Next, add the eggs and vanilla extract and beat until smooth and fully incorporated.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring as you go to avoid lumps.
- Add oats and mix: Fold in the old-fashioned oats until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Spread and bake: Transfer the dough into the prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes or until the cookie bars are lightly golden brown on top and set in the center.
- Cool the bars: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. This step is important for the bars to firm up and for the frosting to adhere properly.
- Prepare the frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat together the creamy peanut butter and softened butter until the mixture is smooth. Add the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract, then beat again until the frosting is fluffy and spreadable.
- Frost the bars: Once the cookie bars have cooled completely, spread the peanut butter frosting evenly over the top.
- Serve and store: Slice the frosted bars into squares and serve. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 1 week to maintain freshness.
Notes
- Bars will be very soft immediately after baking but will firm up as they cool.
- For an extra indulgence, drizzle melted chocolate or sprinkle mini chocolate chips over the frosting before it sets.
- To store, keep bars in an airtight container at room temperature up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 1 week.
