Peanut Butter Lunch Lady Cookie Bars Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 cups flour
• 2 cups sugar
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 ½ cup peanut butter, divided
• 1 ½ cups (3 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup milk + 2 tablespoons, divided
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 4 cups powdered sugar

Preparation:

1. Preheat and Prepare:
   Preheat the oven to 400°F. Grease a large cookie sheet or line it with parchment paper.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients:
   In a bowl, mix together the dry ingredients—flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. Whisk Wet Ingredients:
   In another bowl, whisk together ½ cup milk, vanilla extract, and beaten eggs. Set aside.
4. Prepare Dough:
   In a saucepan, melt 1 cup (2 sticks) of butter and 1 cup of peanut butter. Bring to a boil, then remove from heat. Slowly add the flour mixture, followed by the milk and egg mixture. Mix until well combined.
5. Bake:
   Pour the batter onto the prepared cookie sheet, spreading it evenly to the edges. Bake for approximately 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow it to cool completely before frosting.
6. Prepare Frosting:
   In a saucepan, bring 1 stick of butter and ½ cup of peanut butter to a boil. Add 2 tablespoons of milk and slowly mix in powdered sugar until well combined.
7. Frost the Bars:
   Pour the frosting over the cooled cake, spreading it evenly to the edges. Allow the frosting to cool and set before serving.

Tips:

• For added texture, sprinkle chopped peanuts on top of the frosting.
• Experiment with crunchy or creamy peanut butter for a variation in texture.

Conclusion:
Indulge in the nostalgic goodness of Peanut Butter Lunch Lady Cookie Bars, reminiscent of the classic school cafeteria treats. These bars boast a perfect balance of peanut butter and sweetness, crowned with a luscious frosting. Share these irresistible bars with friends and family for a taste of timeless comfort.