Peanut Butter Lunch Lady Cookie Bars

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is simple with common pantry ingredients, making it perfect for quick baking sessions. The cookie bars have a perfect balance of sweetness and peanut butter richness, with a soft yet chewy consistency that makes them great for lunchboxes, snacks, or dessert. Plus, the bars are easy to slice and share!

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 2 cups flour
• 2 cups sugar
• 1 ½ cups peanut butter

Note: The ingredient list you provided is incomplete. Typical recipes for Lunch Lady Cookie Bars also include eggs, baking soda, vanilla extract, and sometimes butter or oil. Let me know if you’d like the full recipe.

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and peanut butter.
3. Add eggs, vanilla extract, and baking soda (if available) and mix until a smooth dough forms.
4. Spread the dough evenly into a greased 9×13-inch baking pan.
5. Bake for 20–25 minutes or until the edges are golden and the center is set.
6. Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.
7. Serve as a delicious snack or dessert.

Servings and timing

Makes about 24 bars.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Baking time: 20–25 minutes

Variations

• Add chocolate chips or peanut butter chips for extra indulgence.
• Sprinkle sea salt on top before baking to enhance flavor.
• Mix in chopped peanuts for added crunch.
• Substitute creamy peanut butter with chunky for texture variation.
• Drizzle melted chocolate over cooled bars for a decorative touch.

Storage/reheating

Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or refrigerate for up to a week. They can be warmed slightly in the microwave before serving, but they’re delicious at room temperature.

FAQs

Can I use natural peanut butter?

Yes, but the texture may be slightly different; you might need to add a bit more flour.

Are these bars gluten-free?

Not with regular flour, but you can substitute with a gluten-free flour blend.

Can I freeze the cookie bars?

Yes, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Can I use honey or maple syrup instead of sugar?

This will change the texture and sweetness; it’s best to stick to granulated sugar for the classic result.

How do I make the bars more moist?

Adding a bit of butter or oil can increase moisture.

Can I add mix-ins like nuts or chocolate chips?

Yes, fold them into the dough before baking.

Is this recipe vegan?

No, but you can substitute eggs with flax eggs and use vegan peanut butter.

Can I make smaller or larger bars?

Yes, adjust the cutting size as preferred.

What if the bars crumble too much?

Make sure not to overbake and press the dough firmly into the pan before baking.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, bake in two pans or a larger pan, adjusting baking time as needed.

Conclusion

Peanut Butter Lunch Lady Cookie Bars are a delicious, nostalgic treat that’s easy to make and perfect for sharing. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these bars bring classic peanut butter goodness to your kitchen. Whether for a snack, lunchbox surprise, or casual dessert, this recipe is one you won’t want to lose.

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