Peanut Butter Lunch Lady Cookie Bars
Introduction
Peanut Butter Lunch Lady Cookie Bars are a tasty treat that brings back memories of school lunches and bake sales. These bars are chewy, sweet, and packed with peanut butter goodness, making them a hit for kids and adults alike. You can whip them up quickly and enjoy them as a snack or dessert!
Why Make This Recipe
You’ll want to make these bars because they are easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a weekend get-together, these cookie bars are sure to please everyone. Plus, you probably have most of the ingredients at home already!
How to Make Peanut Butter Lunch Lady Cookie Bars
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups quick-cooking oats
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup chopped peanuts (optional for topping)
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time. Next, stir in the vanilla extract and creamy peanut butter until well combined.
- In another bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually stir this dry mixture into the peanut butter mixture until everything is blended.
- Mix in the oats and semi-sweet chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
- Spread the dough evenly in the prepared baking pan. You can sprinkle chopped peanuts on top if you want.
- Bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
- Allow the bars to cool in the pan before cutting them into squares.
How to Serve Peanut Butter Lunch Lady Cookie Bars
You can enjoy these bars warm or at room temperature. They are great as a tasty dessert or a sweet snack during the day. Serve them alongside a glass of milk or share them with friends and family!
How to Store Peanut Butter Lunch Lady Cookie Bars
Store any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag.
Tips to Make Peanut Butter Lunch Lady Cookie Bars
- Make sure your butter is softened to make it easier to cream with the sugars.
- If you like extra crunch, add more chopped peanuts or use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy.
- Don’t over-bake! Keep an eye on the edges and remove them from the oven when they turn golden for the best texture.
Variation
You can switch things up by adding different mix-ins. Try using white chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, or even dried fruits like raisins or cranberries for a different flavor!
FAQs
1. Can I use natural peanut butter?
Yes, natural peanut butter will work, but it may make the bars a bit denser.
2. How do I know when they are done baking?
The edges should be golden brown, and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean.
3. Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake them a day or two in advance and store them in an airtight container before serving.
