Peanut Butter Lunch Lady Cookie Bars are a delightful throwback to the classic cafeteria treats many of us remember fondly from our school days. These bars combine the richness of peanut butter with the sweet comfort of a cookie, all topped with a smooth, creamy frosting. In this article, we will explore the process of making these delicious bars, a recipe that’s sure to evoke memories of childhood and satisfy any sweet tooth.
The Charm of School Cafeteria Classics
There’s something undeniably nostalgic about school cafeteria desserts. They remind us of simpler times when a sweet treat awaited at the end of the lunch line. Peanut Butter Lunch Lady Cookie Bars are a homage to those times – simple in ingredients yet rich in flavor and texture. They embody the perfect balance of nostalgia and deliciousness.
Ingredients
- 2 cups flour
- 2 cups sugar
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 ½ cups peanut butter, divided
- 1 ½ cups (3 sticks) unsalted butter, softened, divided
- ½ cup milk + 2 tablespoons, divided
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 cups powdered sugar
Directions
- Preparation: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (204°C). Grease a large cookie sheet or line it with parchment paper for easy removal and cleanup.
- Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, mix together flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt. This blend forms the base of your cookie bars.
- Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together ½ cup milk, vanilla extract, and eggs. The addition of vanilla adds a layer of flavor that complements the peanut butter.
- Making the Batter: In a saucepan, melt 1 cup of butter and 1 cup of peanut butter. Bring this mixture to a boil, then remove it from heat. Gradually incorporate the flour mixture, followed by the milk and egg mixture. Stir until well combined to ensure a smooth batter.
- Baking: Pour the batter onto the prepared cookie sheet, spreading it evenly to the edges. Bake for 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cookie base to cool completely, which is crucial for the frosting to set properly.
- Preparing the Frosting: In a saucepan, boil the remaining 1 stick of butter and ½ cup of peanut butter. Add 2 tablespoons of milk, then gradually mix in the powdered sugar until smooth. Pour this frosting over the cooled cookie base, spreading it evenly.
- Setting the Frosting: Allow the frosting to cool and set. This step is vital for achieving that classic, sliceable texture.
Serving and Storage
Once set, cut the bars into squares and serve. Each bite offers the perfect combination of peanut butter flavor and cookie texture, topped with a lusciously creamy frosting. Store the bars in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
Conclusion
Peanut Butter Lunch Lady Cookie Bars are a wonderful way to bring a piece of nostalgia into your kitchen. They are perfect for school functions, family gatherings, or simply as a treat to enjoy at home. This recipe proves that sometimes the most straightforward dishes leave the most lasting impressions. So, whether you’re reliving childhood memories or creating new ones, these cookie bars are sure to delight.