With a touch of nostalgia and a whole lot of peanut butter goodness, these Peanut Butter Lunch Lady Cookie Bars are the perfect holiday treat! Thick, soft, and loaded with flavor, they bring back memories of old-fashioned cafeteria-style desserts, but with an indulgent twist that’s just right for the Christmas season. Imagine biting into a rich, peanut buttery bar topped with creamy, smooth frosting—a sweet treat guaranteed to delight both kids and adults alike.
These cookie bars are a breeze to prepare, making them ideal for holiday baking sessions with family or for a cookie exchange. The recipe includes two layers of peanut butter: one in the soft, cake-like base and another in the rich frosting. The combination creates a melt-in-your-mouth experience that’s comforting and oh-so-satisfying. Plus, the hint of vanilla and buttery richness makes every bite a little taste of holiday magic.
Bring these to your holiday gatherings, serve them with hot cocoa or coffee, or wrap them up for a homemade gift. They’re simple, delicious, and sure to be a hit at any holiday table. 🎅🎁🍪
🎄 Peanut Butter Lunch Lady Cookie Bars 🎄🍪
Servings: 24 | Preparation Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes | Calories: ~250 per serving
Gather Your Ingredients 🎅
For the Bars:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- ½ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups creamy peanut butter, divided
- 1 ½ cups (3 sticks) unsalted butter, softened and divided
For the Frosting:
- 1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 4 cups powdered sugar
Baking Your Festive Peanut Butter Bars 🍪🎄
- Preheat & Prepare: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a large cookie sheet or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together ½ cup milk, vanilla extract, and beaten eggs. Set aside.
- Cook Peanut Butter Mixture: In a medium saucepan, melt 1 cup (2 sticks) of unsalted butter with 1 cup of peanut butter. Bring to a gentle boil, then remove from heat.
- Prepare the Batter: Gradually add the flour mixture to the melted peanut butter mixture, followed by the milk and egg mixture. Mix until smooth and well combined.
- Bake: Spread the batter evenly onto the prepared cookie sheet. Bake for 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the bars cool completely before frosting.
Making the Frosting 🍪
- Heat Butter & Peanut Butter: In a saucepan, melt 1 stick of butter with ½ cup of peanut butter. Bring to a gentle boil.
- Add Milk & Sugar: Remove from heat and add 2 tablespoons of milk. Gradually whisk in the powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Frost the Bars: Pour the frosting over the cooled cookie bars, spreading evenly to the edges. Allow the frosting to cool and set before cutting into squares.
Serving & Storage 🎄
- Serving Suggestion: Pair these bars with a cup of hot cocoa or coffee for a festive treat!
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
Enjoy these creamy, dreamy Peanut Butter Lunch Lady Cookie Bars—a sweet holiday classic that’s sure to please! 🍪🎅