If you’re looking for a rich, chewy, and utterly delicious treat, these Peanut Butter Lunch Lady Cookie Bars are sure to hit the spot. With layers of buttery graham cracker crust, smooth peanut butter, and a topping of semi-sweet chocolate chips, these bars are the perfect indulgence for any peanut butter lover. They’re easy to make and even easier to enjoy, making them an ideal choice for dessert, snack time, or any occasion where you want to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Ingredients
To make these irresistible Peanut Butter Lunch Lady Cookie Bars, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Unsalted butter, melted: 1 cup
- Graham cracker crumbs: 2 cups
- Powdered sugar: 2 cups
- Creamy peanut butter: 1 1/2 cups (plus 1/4 cup for drizzling, optional)
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: 1 1/2 cups
Directions
Follow these simple steps to create your own batch of Peanut Butter Lunch Lady Cookie Bars:
- Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan to ensure the bars don’t stick.
- Prepare Crust: In a medium bowl, combine the melted unsalted butter and graham cracker crumbs. Mix until the crumbs are fully coated and resemble wet sand. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan, creating a firm and even crust.
- Mix Peanut Butter Layer: In a separate bowl, mix together the powdered sugar and 1 1/2 cups of creamy peanut butter until smooth. Spread this peanut butter mixture evenly over the graham cracker crust, ensuring it covers the entire surface.
- Add Chocolate Chips: Sprinkle the semi-sweet chocolate chips evenly over the peanut butter layer. The chocolate will melt slightly during baking, creating a gooey and delicious topping.
- Bake: Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges of the bars are golden brown. The baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven, so keep an eye on them.
- Cool: Once the bars are baked, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This will help the layers set and make the bars easier to cut.
- Optional Drizzle: For an extra touch of decadence, melt the remaining 1/4 cup of creamy peanut butter and drizzle it over the cooled bars. This step is optional but highly recommended for peanut butter lovers.
- Serve: Once the bars are completely cooled and the peanut butter drizzle has set, cut them into squares. Serve and enjoy these rich and chewy Peanut Butter Lunch Lady Cookie Bars with friends and family.
Essential Information
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Baking Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 35-40 minutes
- Calories: Not specified
- Servings: Varies based on cutting size
Tips for Perfect Cookie Bars
- Add a Pinch of Sea Salt: For an extra touch of flavor, try adding a pinch of sea salt on top of the bars before serving. The salt will enhance the sweetness of the peanut butter and chocolate, creating a perfect balance of flavors.
- Make Ahead: These bars are perfect for making ahead of time. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze them for longer storage. They’re a great option for potlucks, parties, or just keeping on hand for a quick treat.
Conclusion
Peanut Butter Lunch Lady Cookie Bars are a delightful combination of creamy peanut butter and rich chocolate, all nestled on a buttery graham cracker crust. These bars are easy to make and even easier to enjoy, making them a must-try recipe for anyone who loves sweet treats. Whether you’re sharing them with friends or keeping them all to yourself, these bars are sure to become a favorite.