Old-School Peanut Butter Cookie Bars (Lunch Lady Style)

 Old-School Peanut Butter Cookie Bars (Lunch Lady Style)

There’s something timeless about classic cafeteria desserts—simple to make, big on flavor, and crafted to feed a crowd. These Peanut Butter Cookie Bars are a modern spin on those nostalgic lunch lady treats, and they’re every bit as crave-worthy.

Unlike cookies that require scooping and chilling, these bars are baked in a single sheet pan. No fuss, no waiting—just spread the batter and bake. The end result? Buttery, peanut-butter-packed bars with a soft, almost brownie-like texture that melts in your mouth.

And then comes the glaze. A warm, creamy peanut butter frosting is poured over the cooled bars, soaking in just enough to create a rich, sweet top layer that sets beautifully. These bars disappear fast—especially if friends or family catch wind of them.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One pan, zero hassle – Quick to make and easy to clean up.

• Double peanut butter punch – It’s in the base and the glaze.

• Sweet meets salty – A flavor duo that never fails.

• Great for gatherings – Yields up to two dozen servings.

• Even better the next day – The texture softens, the flavors deepen.

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Baking Tips

• Use parchment paper for easy lifting and clean edges.

• Cool completely before frosting—this ensures a smooth, glossy glaze.

• Switch it up by adding chocolate chips, using a chocolate glaze, or topping with chopped peanuts.

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Recipe: Peanut Butter Cookie Bars

Yield: 16–24 bars
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Bake Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour (cooling & frosting included)

Ingredients

For the Bars:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 2 cups granulated sugar

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ½ cup whole milk

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 2 large eggs, beaten

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter

• 1 cup creamy peanut butter

For the Frosting:

• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter

• ½ cup creamy peanut butter

• 2 tablespoons milk

• 4 cups powdered sugar

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease or line a 13×18-inch sheet pan with parchment paper.

2. Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt.

3. Blend the wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, stir together the milk, vanilla, and beaten eggs.

4. Heat the base: In a saucepan, melt butter and peanut butter over medium heat until bubbling gently. Remove from heat.

5. Combine: Stir the dry ingredients into the warm peanut butter mixture. Add the egg mixture and mix until smooth.

6. Bake: Spread the batter evenly in the pan. Bake for 20 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely.

7. Prepare the glaze: Melt butter and peanut butter in a saucepan. Remove from heat, stir in milk, then gradually whisk in powdered sugar until smooth.

8. Frost the bars: Pour warm glaze over the cooled bars. Spread evenly and let set.

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Storage Tips

• Counter: Store covered for up to 3 days.

• Refrigerator: Keeps well for up to 7 days (let warm to room temp before serving).

• Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight.