Peanut Butter Lunch Lady Cookie Bars Recipe

Ingredients

For the Cookie Bars:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, lightly whisked
• 1 cup peanut butter (reserve ½ cup for frosting)
• 1 ½ cups unsalted butter (2 sticks for the batter, 1 stick for frosting), room temperature
• ½ cup plus 2 tablespoons milk (reserve 2 tablespoons for frosting)
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon salt

For the Frosting:

• 4 cups powdered sugar
• Remaining ½ cup peanut butter
• Remaining 1 stick unsalted butter
• Remaining 2 tablespoons milk

Instructions

Cookie Bars:

1. Oven Preparation: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare a large cookie sheet by greasing it or lining it with parchment paper.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking soda, and salt. Set this mixture aside.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, combine ½ cup milk, vanilla extract, and the lightly beaten eggs. Set aside.
4. Melt Peanut Butter and Butter: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt 1 cup peanut butter with 1 cup (2 sticks) of butter, stirring until smooth. Bring the mixture just to a boil, then remove from heat.
5. Combine Mixtures: Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the peanut butter mixture, followed by the wet ingredients, stirring until the batter is smooth and well incorporated.
6. Bake: Spread the batter evenly onto the prepared cookie sheet, extending it to the edges. Bake for about 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow to cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.

Frosting:

1. Prepare Frosting: In the same saucepan, combine the remaining ½ cup peanut butter and 1 stick of butter. Heat until the mixture begins to boil. Stir in the 2 tablespoons of milk, then gradually whisk in the powdered sugar until the frosting is smooth and well combined.
2. Frost the Bars: Pour the frosting over the cooled cookie bars, spreading it evenly to cover the entire surface. Allow the frosting to cool and set.
3. Serve: Once the frosting has set, cut the cookie bars into squares and serve. Enjoy your delicious Peanut Butter Lunch Lady Cookie Bars!