Peanut Butter Lunch Lady Bars

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Why These Bars Belong in Your Recipe Box

  • One pan = less mess – Perfect for potlucks, parties, and bake sales.
  • Full peanut butter flavor – In both the base and the frosting.
  • Salty-sweet perfection – A balance that’s hard to beat.
  • Feeds a crowd – Makes 16–24 bars.
  • Make ahead – The texture only improves the next day!

Helpful Tips

  • Don’t skip the parchment paper if you want easy removal and clean edges.
  • Let the bars cool completely before pouring the warm frosting—this gives the top a glossy finish without melting into the cake.
  • Want to change it up? Swap in chocolate frosting or sprinkle with chopped peanuts.

Peanut Butter Lunch Lady Cookie Bars

Yield: 16–24 bars
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour (includes cooling & frosting)

Ingredients

For the Bars:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup whole milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
  • 1 cup creamy peanut butter

For the Frosting:

  • ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
  • ½ cup creamy peanut butter
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • 4 cups powdered sugar

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Grease a large sheet pan (roughly 13×18 inches) or line with parchment paper.
  2. Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
  3. Whisk wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine ½ cup milk, vanilla, and beaten eggs.
  4. Create the base: In a medium saucepan, melt 1 cup butter with 1 cup peanut butter over medium heat. Once it reaches a gentle boil, remove from heat.
  5. Combine: Slowly stir the dry ingredients into the melted peanut butter mixture. Then add the milk/egg mixture and stir until smooth and well mixed.
  6. Bake: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool completely in the pan.
  7. Make the frosting: In a small saucepan, melt ½ cup butter with ½ cup peanut butter. Bring just to a boil, then remove from heat. Stir in 2 tablespoons milk, then gradually mix in the powdered sugar until smooth.
  8. Frost the bars: Pour warm frosting over cooled bars and spread evenly. Allow to cool at room temperature until the frosting sets.

How to Store

  • Room temperature: Keep covered for up to 3 days.
  • Fridge: Lasts up to a week (let them come to room temp before serving).
  • Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight.

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