Ingredients:
- 2 cups flour
- 2 cups sugar
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 ½ cup peanut butter, divided
- 1 ½ cups (3 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup milk + 2 tablespoons, divided
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 cups powdered sugar
Preparation:
- Preheat and Prepare:
Preheat the oven to 400°F. Grease a large cookie sheet or line it with parchment paper. - Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a bowl, mix together the dry ingredients—flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt. Set aside. - Whisk Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together ½ cup milk, vanilla extract, and beaten eggs. Set aside. - Prepare Dough:
In a saucepan, melt 1 cup (2 sticks) of butter and 1 cup of peanut butter. Bring to a boil, then remove from heat. Slowly add the flour mixture, followed by the milk and egg mixture. Mix until well combined. - Bake:
Pour the batter onto the prepared cookie sheet, spreading it evenly to the edges. Bake for approximately 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow it to cool completely before frosting. - Prepare Frosting:
In a saucepan, bring 1 stick of butter and ½ cup of peanut butter to a boil. Add 2 tablespoons of milk and slowly mix in powdered sugar until well combined. - Frost the Bars:
Pour the frosting over the cooled cake, spreading it evenly to the edges. Allow the frosting to cool and set before serving.
Tips:
- For added texture, sprinkle chopped peanuts on top of the frosting.
- Experiment with crunchy or creamy peanut butter for a variation in texture.
Conclusion:
Indulge in the nostalgic goodness of Peanut Butter Lunch Lady Cookie Bars, reminiscent of the classic school cafeteria treats. These bars boast a perfect balance of peanut butter and sweetness, crowned with a luscious frosting. Share these irresistible bars with friends and family for a taste of timeless comfort.