Description
Peanut Butter Lunch Lady Cookie Bars are a nostalgic, indulgent treat combining the rich flavors of peanut butter and chocolate in an easy-to-make dessert, perfect for family gatherings or snack time.
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups peanut butter
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup chocolate chips
1/4 cup peanut butter (for the topping)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
 - In a large mixing bowl, cream together the peanut butter, softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and fluffy.
 - Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract and mix until well combined.
 - In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
 - Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
 - Spread the dough evenly into the prepared baking dish and press it down gently with a spatula.
 - Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
 - While the bars are cooling, melt the chocolate chips and peanut butter together in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every 20 seconds until smooth.
 - Once the bars are completely cooled, spread the chocolate-peanut butter mixture evenly over the top.
 - Allow the topping to set at room temperature or refrigerate for faster results.
 - Once the chocolate is firm, cut into squares and enjoy!
 
Notes
- For added crunch, stir in chopped peanuts, almonds, or walnuts into the dough before baking.
 - Feel free to substitute the chocolate chips with white chocolate chips or milk chocolate chips.
 - For a gluten-free version, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
 - Add 1 cup of rolled oats for a heartier texture and extra flavor.
 - Swirl mini marshmallows into the cookie dough for a fun twist.
 
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
 - Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
 - Category: Dessert
 - Method: Baking
 - Cuisine: American
 
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
 - Calories: 220
 - Sugar: 18g
 - Sodium: 150mg
 - Fat: 12g
 - Saturated Fat: 4g
 - Unsaturated Fat: 6g
 - Trans Fat: 0g
 - Carbohydrates: 26g
 - Fiber: 1g
 - Protein: 4g
 - Cholesterol: 30mg