Peanut Butter Lunch Lady Cookie Bars

Indulge in the nostalgic goodness of Peanut Butter Lunch Lady Cookie Bars! These bars are soft, chewy, and packed with rich peanut butter flavor. Perfect for lunchboxes, family gatherings, or just a sweet treat, these bars will quickly become a favorite.

Ingredients

• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup chocolate chips (optional, for topping)

Directions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan.
2. Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, cream together the peanut butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and butter until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
4. Bake: Spread the cookie dough evenly in the prepared baking pan. If desired, sprinkle chocolate chips on top. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
5. Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Cut into squares and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Baking Time: 25-30 minutes
• Total Time: 40-45 minutes
• Serving Size: 1 bar
• Calorie Count: 280 kcal per bar

Variations

• Add-ins: Mix in chopped peanuts or a handful of M&Ms for extra crunch and color.
• Chocolate: For a double chocolate treat, fold chocolate chips into the dough and sprinkle additional chips on top.
• Nut-Free: Use sunbutter as a substitute for peanut butter for a nut-free version.

Storage and Reheating

• Room Temperature: Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
• Refrigeration: For longer storage, keep the bars in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
• Freezing: Freeze the bars in a single layer in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

10 Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
   Yes, crunchy peanut butter can be used for added texture.
2. Can I make these bars without eggs?
   Yes, you can substitute the eggs with flax eggs or a commercial egg replacer.
3. Can I use margarine instead of butter?
   Yes, margarine can be used as a substitute for butter, though it may slightly affect the texture.
4. What if I don’t have a 9×13-inch pan?
   You can use an 8×8-inch pan for thicker bars; just adjust the baking time accordingly.
5. Can I make these bars ahead of time?
   Yes, these bars can be made ahead and stored as described above.
6. How do I know when the bars are done baking?
   The bars are done when the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Can I freeze the cookie dough?
   Yes, you can freeze the dough in portions and bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
8. What should I do if my bars are too dry?
   Ensure you measure the flour accurately and do not overmix the dough, which can result in dry bars.
9. Can I add other types of chocolate to the bars?
   Yes, you can use white chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, or any type of chocolate you prefer.
10. How can I make these bars more festive?
    Add sprinkles or festive M&Ms for a seasonal touch.

Conclusion

Peanut Butter Lunch Lady Cookie Bars are the perfect blend of soft, chewy, and rich peanut butter flavor. Whether you’re packing them for lunch, serving them at a family gathering, or just enjoying a sweet treat, these bars are sure to delight!

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