Classic Peanut Butter Lunch Lady Cookie Bars are a nostalgic dessert that bring back memories of school lunchrooms, bake sales, and family gatherings. These bars are a delightful combination of soft, chewy peanut butter cookies topped with a smooth, rich chocolate glaze. The beauty of these bars lies in their simplicity and the comforting peanut butter flavor that everyone loves.
What sets these cookie bars apart from the classic peanut butter cookie is their bar form, which makes them easy to cut and serve, perfect for parties, picnics, or any occasion where you want a treat that’s both nostalgic and delicious. The peanut butter flavor is complemented by a creamy chocolate glaze, giving them the perfect balance of sweet and savory in every bite.
Ingredients (Measured in Grams)
For the Cookie Bars:
- 250g all-purpose flour
- 200g granulated sugar
- 200g packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda (5g)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (3g)
- 170g unsalted butter, softened
- 250g peanut butter
- 2 large eggs (100g total)
- 60ml milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (5ml)
For the Chocolate Glaze:
- 150g semisweet chocolate chips
- 60g unsalted butter
- 30ml milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (3ml)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven & Prepare the Pan
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a bit of overhang to help lift the bars out once they’re baked. Alternatively, you can lightly grease the pan.
Step 2: Make the Cookie Bar Dough
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In another large bowl, beat together the butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Add the eggs, milk, and vanilla extract to the wet mixture and beat until fully combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients (flour mixture) to the wet ingredients and mix just until incorporated. Be careful not to overmix the dough.
Step 3: Bake the Cookie Bars
- Spread the dough evenly into the prepared 9×13-inch baking pan. Use a spatula to smooth the top and ensure it’s evenly distributed.
- Bake the bars for about 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Once done, remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
Step 4: Prepare the Chocolate Glaze
- While the bars are cooling, make the chocolate glaze. In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the chocolate chips, butter, and milk, stirring constantly until the mixture is smooth and glossy.
- Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Let the glaze cool for a few minutes to thicken slightly.
Step 5: Glaze the Bars
- Once the bars have cooled, pour the chocolate glaze over the top. Use a spatula to spread the glaze evenly across the bars.
- Allow the glaze to set for about 15-20 minutes at room temperature before slicing the bars into squares or rectangles.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving, Approximate)
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Protein: 5g
- Fat: 15g
- Sugar: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
Note: Values may vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes.
Tips & Tricks for Perfect Peanut Butter Lunch Lady Cookie Bars
✅ Use Room Temperature Butter – Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature to ensure it mixes well with the peanut butter and sugars, creating a smooth dough.
✅ Don’t Overbake – Keep an eye on the cookie bars as they bake. They should be golden brown on top, but you want them to remain soft and chewy. Overbaking can make them dry.
✅ Add More Peanut Butter – If you’re a fan of peanut butter, you can increase the amount of peanut butter in the dough to make it even more flavorful. Try adding an extra 50g to the dough for a stronger peanut butter taste.
✅ Let the Bars Cool Completely – Allow the bars to cool completely before glazing and cutting. This ensures the glaze sets properly and doesn’t melt into the bars.
✅ Chill the Bars – For a firmer chocolate glaze, you can chill the bars in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before slicing them into squares. This also helps the bars hold their shape better.
Variations to Try
- Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Bars – Add chocolate chips to the dough for an extra chocolatey twist.
- Swirl the Glaze – For a fun effect, swirl white chocolate or peanut butter into the chocolate glaze before pouring it over the bars.
- Add Nuts – Mix in some chopped peanuts or pecans into the dough for an extra crunch and nutty flavor.
What to Serve with Classic Peanut Butter Lunch Lady Cookie Bars?
🍶 Milk – There’s nothing better than enjoying these cookie bars with a cold glass of milk, whether it’s regular or dairy-free.
☕ Coffee – Pair these cookie bars with a cup of your favorite coffee for a sweet afternoon snack.
🍦 Vanilla Ice Cream – Top these bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use crunchy peanut butter in this recipe?
Yes! You can substitute crunchy peanut butter for creamy peanut butter if you prefer some texture in your bars. Just be sure to stir the mixture well to incorporate the chunks.
2. Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes, these bars are great for making in advance. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or refrigerate them for up to 1 week.
3. Can I freeze these bars?
Absolutely! You can freeze the bars for up to 3 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil, or store them in an airtight container, and they’ll stay fresh until you’re ready to enjoy them.
4. How do I make the glaze thinner?
If you prefer a thinner glaze, you can add a little more milk to the mixture while melting the chocolate. Start with 1 tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
Final Thoughts
Classic Peanut Butter Lunch Lady Cookie Bars are a delicious and nostalgic treat that are sure to be a hit with everyone who tries them. They’re simple to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for sharing. The combination of a soft peanut butter cookie base topped with a rich chocolate glaze creates a dessert that’s comforting and satisfying in every bite.
Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just craving a sweet snack, these bars are a perfect choice. Give them a try and share them with friends and family—you won’t regret it!
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