Peanut Butter Lunch Lady Cookie Bars
Sheet pan cookies are a game-changer – they’re easy to whip up and perfect for serving a crowd with minimal effort. Inspired by the savvy lunch lady who knew just how to satisfy hungry appetites, we bring you our irresistible Peanut Butter Cookie Bars. (Trust us, these are a far cry from your average cafeteria fare!)
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Say Goodbye to Store-Bought Treats
If your go-to dessert involves a last-minute dash to the grocery store, it’s time to shake things up with homemade cookie bars. While pre-packaged goodies might offer convenience, once you experience the simplicity of this recipe, you’ll be hooked. Whether your taste buds crave chocolate or something a bit nuttier, a pan of cookie bars is always a winner. Our recent favorite? Peanut butter, and let us tell you, it’s a winner in every bite!
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The Perfect Peanut Butter Frosting
What’s better than peanut butter? More peanut butter, of course! We’ve topped these delectable bars with a luscious peanut butter frosting that takes them to the next level. But if you’re feeling adventurous, don’t hesitate to swap it out for a decadent chocolate frosting. After all, peanut butter desserts are all about that delightful balance of sweetness with a hint of saltiness. It’s a match made in dessert heaven, and our peanut butter cookie bars deliver that perfect harmony in every slice.
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| INGREDIENTS | AMOUNT |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 2 cups |
| Granulated sugar | 2 cups |
| Large eggs, beaten | 2 |
| Creamy peanut butter | 1 ½ cups (divided) |
| Unsalted butter, softened | 1 ½ cups (3 sticks) |
| Milk | ½ cup + 2 tablespoons (divided) |
| Baking soda | 1 teaspoon |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Powdered sugar | 4 cups |
Preparation:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F and grease a large cookie sheet or line it with parchment paper.
- Combine the dry ingredients – flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt – in a mixing bowl and set aside.
- Whisk together ½ cup milk, vanilla extract, and beaten eggs in a separate bowl and set aside.
- In a saucepan, melt 1 cup of butter and 1 cup of peanut butter until smooth and creamy. Remove from heat and gradually add the flour mixture, followed by the milk and egg mixture. Stir until well combined.
- Pour the batter onto the prepared cookie sheet, spreading it evenly to the edges. Bake for about 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow it to cool completely before frosting.
- For the frosting: In a saucepan, bring 1 stick of butter and ½ cup of peanut butter to a boil. Stir in 2 tablespoons of milk and gradually mix in the powdered sugar until smooth. Pour the frosting over the cooled cake, spreading it evenly, and let it cool and set before serving.
Indulge in the irresistible goodness of these Peanut Butter Cookie Bars – they’re sure to be a hit at any gathering!
