Peanut Butter Lunch Lady Cookie Bars

Step into nostalgia with these Peanut Butter Lunch Lady Cookie Bars that bring back the cherished flavors of school days. A symphony of peanut butter goodness, these bars are not just a treat but a journey down memory lane. With a soft, chewy texture and a luscious peanut butter frosting, these cookie bars are sure to become a new favorite in your repertoire.

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

Preparation:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Grease a large cookie sheet or line it with parchment paper.
2. Mix together the dry ingredients: flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. Whisk together ½ cup milk, vanilla extract, and beaten eggs. Set aside.
4. In a saucepan, melt 1 cup (2 sticks) of butter and 1 cup of peanut butter. Bring to a boil. Remove from heat and slowly add the flour mixture, followed by the milk and egg mixture. Mix until well combined.
5. Pour the batter onto the cookie sheet, spreading it evenly to the edges. Bake for 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool completely before frosting.

For frosting:

1. In a saucepan, bring 1 stick of butter and ½ cup of peanut butter to a boil.
2. Add 2 tablespoons of milk and slowly mix in powdered sugar until well combined.
3. Pour the frosting over the cooled cake, spreading it evenly to the edges.
4. Allow the frosting to cool and set before serving.

Tips:

• Customize the recipe by adding chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the batter for extra texture.
• For a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free flour blend.
• Ensure the bars are completely cooled before cutting to achieve clean, neat slices.

Conclusion:
Indulge in the simplicity and richness of these Peanut Butter Lunch Lady Cookie Bars—a timeless treat that captures the essence of childhood. Share these delectable bars with friends and family, and watch as they become a cherished favorite. With every bite, you’ll be transported to the sweet memories of school days and delightful moments shared with those you love.