Peanut Butter Lunch Lady Cookie Bars

Peanut Butter Lunch Lady Cookie Bars are the ultimate nostalgic treat — soft, chewy, sweet, and packed with peanut butter flavor. These are inspired by the classic school cafeteria peanut butter bars that everyone actually looked forward to!

They’re easy to make, feed a crowd, and can be topped with a fudgy chocolate frosting or kept simple. Let’s bake!

🍪 Peanut Butter Lunch Lady Cookie Bars

🧾 Ingredients

For the Bars:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 1 cup light brown sugar, packed

• 1 cup creamy peanut butter

• 2 large eggs

• 2 tsp vanilla extract

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp baking soda

• 1/2 tsp salt

Optional Chocolate Frosting:

• 1/2 cup butter

• 1/4 cup milk

• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

• 2 cups powdered sugar

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Preheat & Prepare Pan

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

• Grease or line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper.

2. Make the Dough

1. In a large bowl, cream together butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.

2. Add peanut butter and mix until smooth.

3. Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract.

4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.

5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, mixing just until combined.

3. Bake

• Spread the thick dough evenly into your prepared pan.

• Bake for 22–26 minutes or until the edges are golden and the center is just set.

• Don’t overbake — they’ll continue to set as they cool.

4. Optional: Make Frosting

1. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt butter, then stir in milk and cocoa powder.

2. Bring to a low simmer, then remove from heat.

3. Whisk in powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth.

4. Pour over warm (not hot) bars and spread evenly.

5. Cool & Cut

• Let bars cool completely before cutting — frosting will firm up as it sets.

• Slice into squares or rectangles.

🔁 Variations

• Use chunky peanut butter for a bit of texture.

• Add mini chocolate chips or crushed peanuts to the batter.

• Drizzle with melted white chocolate for flair.

🥄 Storage

• Store in an airtight container at room temp for up to 4–5 days.

• Freeze unfrosted bars for up to 2 months.