Description
Nostalgic school cafeteria peanut butter lunch lady cookie bars bring comfort and sweet memories to dessert lovers. Buttery, chewy squares with classic peanut butter flavor promise delightful indulgence you’ll crave from first bite to last.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 cup (240 ml) creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup (240 ml) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 3 cups (375 g) all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- 1 cup (220 g) brown sugar, packed
Flavor Enhancers:
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Leavening Agents:
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 cup (170 g) chocolate chips (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Prepare the oven at 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan by greasing and lightly dusting with flour to prevent sticking.
- In a spacious mixing bowl, whip the peanut butter, granulated and brown sugars, and butter until the mixture becomes airy and smooth, creating a light, creamy consistency.
- Incorporate eggs individually into the creamed mixture, ensuring each is fully integrated before adding the next, then blend in the vanilla extract for enhanced flavor depth.
- In a separate bowl, thoroughly combine the dry ingredients – flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt – using a whisk to eliminate any potential lumps.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined to maintain the cookies’ tender texture.
- Transfer the dough into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly to ensure uniform baking, and optionally scatter chocolate chips across the surface for added richness.
- Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, watching for a golden-brown top and checking doneness with a toothpick that should emerge clean when inserted into the center.
- Remove from the oven and let the bars rest in the pan for 10 minutes to set, then carefully transfer to a wire cooling rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, slice into square servings and indulge in the soft, decadent peanut butter bars.
Notes
- Swap peanut butter with sunflower seed butter for a nut-free version that’s perfect for school lunches or allergy-sensitive diets.
- Reduce sugar by 25% without compromising taste by using monk fruit sweetener or adding mashed ripe bananas for natural sweetness.
- Check doneness early by inserting a toothpick at 22 minutes to prevent over-baking, which can make bars dry and crumbly.
- Enhance texture by chilling the dough for 30 minutes before spreading in the pan, creating a denser, chewier cookie bar.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 24
- Calories: 258
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 115 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 26 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg