Peanut Butter Lunch Lady Cookie Bars

Peanut Butter Lunch Lady Cookie Bars are a delightful treat that combines the richness of peanut butter with the comfort of a cookie bar. With a soft, chewy texture and a creamy peanut butter frosting, these bars are perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, they are sure to become a favorite in your household.

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

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F. Grease a large cookie sheet or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients: flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In another bowl, 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 over medium heat, bringing it to a boil. Remove from heat.
5. Slowly add the flour mixture to the saucepan, followed by the milk and egg mixture. Stir until well combined.
6. Pour the batter onto the prepared cookie sheet, spreading it evenly to the edges. Bake for about 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Allow the cookie bars to cool completely before frosting.

Tips:

• Be cautious when melting the butter and peanut butter mixture to avoid burning.
• Ensure the cookie bars are completely cooled before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting and becoming too runny.
• For a neat presentation, cut the bars into squares or rectangles after frosting has set.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, these Peanut Butter Lunch Lady Cookie Bars are a decadent treat that will delight your taste buds with every bite. With a simple preparation process and a rich peanut butter flavor, they are perfect for any occasion, from a casual snack to a special dessert. Whether enjoyed alone or shared with loved ones, these cookie bars are sure to become a cherished favorite in your recipe collection.

1. Can I use natural peanut butter instead of regular peanut butter for this recipe?
   Yes, you can use natural peanut butter instead of regular peanut butter in this recipe. However, keep in mind that natural peanut butter tends to be thicker and may have a different texture compared to regular peanut butter. You may need to adjust the consistency of the batter and frosting by adding a bit more milk if the mixture is too thick. Additionally, natural peanut butter often has less sugar and salt compared to regular peanut butter, so you might need to adjust the sweetness and saltiness of the recipe to suit your taste preferences.
2. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter for the cookie bars and frosting?
   While you can use salted butter instead of unsalted butter for this recipe, it’s generally recommended to use unsalted butter to have better control over the saltiness of the final product. If you decide to use salted butter, you may want to reduce the amount of salt added to the dry ingredients to avoid the bars becoming too salty. Alternatively, you can omit the additional salt altogether and rely on the saltiness from the salted butter. Keep in mind that using salted butter may slightly alter the overall flavor of the cookie bars and frosting.
3. Can I make these cookie bars ahead of time and store them?
   Yes, you can make these peanut butter cookie bars ahead of time and store them for later consumption. Once baked and cooled, you can store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. If you want to extend their freshness, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to a week. Before serving, allow the bars to come to room temperature if stored in the refrigerator. Additionally, you can freeze the cookie bars (without frosting) for up to 2-3 months. Make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing them in a freezer-safe container.
4. Can I substitute the powdered sugar with other sweeteners for the frosting?
   While powdered sugar is commonly used for frosting due to its fine texture and ability to dissolve easily, you can experiment with alternative sweeteners if desired. One option is to use a powdered sugar substitute that is specifically designed for frosting and baking purposes. These substitutes are often made with erythritol or stevia and can be found in most grocery stores. Keep in mind that using alternative sweeteners may alter the taste and texture of the frosting compared to using powdered sugar. You may need to adjust the amount of milk or other liquid ingredients to achieve the desired consistency.