If you grew up loving school cafeteria treats, you’re in for a nostalgic delight! These Classic Peanut Butter Lunch Lady Cookie Bars are soft, chewy, and loaded with peanut butter flavor. A perfect balance of sweetness and heartiness, these bars make for an easy and satisfying dessert that will have your family and friends asking for more.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is for anyone who loves peanut butter desserts but wants something easy to make. Whether you’re baking for a potluck, school event, or just a cozy weekend treat, these cookie bars are a foolproof crowd-pleaser. They have the soft, chewy texture of a classic peanut butter cookie but are much easier to make in bar form—no scooping or rolling required!
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups quick oats
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- Mixing bowls (large and medium)
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula
- Cooling rack
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat & Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish and set aside.
Step 2: Cream Butter & Sugars
In a large bowl, use a hand or stand mixer to cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
Add the peanut butter, eggs, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and beat until well combined.
Step 4: Prepare Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Stir in the quick oats until evenly distributed.
Step 6: Bake
Spread the dough evenly into the prepared baking dish. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 7: Cool & Serve
Allow the cookie bars to cool completely in the baking dish before cutting into squares.
Tips for the Best Peanut Butter Cookie Bars
- Use Room Temperature Butter – This ensures a smooth and even mixture.
- Don’t Overmix the Dough – Overmixing can result in tough bars instead of soft, chewy ones.
- Line Your Pan with Parchment Paper – Makes for easier removal and cleaner cuts.
- Cool Completely Before Slicing – This helps the bars set up and prevents crumbling.
Recipe Variations & Swaps
- Chunky Peanut Butter – For extra crunch, swap out creamy peanut butter for chunky.
- Add Chocolate Chips – A handful of semi-sweet chocolate chips will take these to the next level!
- Drizzle with Chocolate – Melt some chocolate and drizzle over the cooled bars for an elegant touch.
- Make It Gluten-Free – Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
Storage & Freezing Instructions
Storing
Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Freezing
For longer storage, wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Let them thaw at room temperature before serving.
Best Food & Drink Pairings
- A Glass of Cold Milk – The ultimate classic pairing!
- Hot Coffee or Tea – Perfect for a cozy afternoon snack.
- Vanilla Ice Cream – Warm up a bar and serve it with a scoop for a delicious dessert.
FAQ
Can I use old-fashioned oats instead of quick oats?
Yes, but you may need to pulse them in a food processor first to achieve a similar texture.
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.
Can I reduce the sugar?
Yes, but it may slightly affect the texture. You can reduce each sugar type by 1/4 cup without drastic changes.
How do I make these dairy-free?
Use dairy-free butter and check that your peanut butter doesn’t contain added milk ingredients.
Final Thoughts & Call to Action
These Classic Peanut Butter Lunch Lady Cookie Bars are an easy, nostalgic, and incredibly delicious treat for any occasion. Whether you’re making them for a party, school event, or just for yourself, they’re sure to be a hit.
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