Peanut Butter Lunch Lady Cookie Bars 🍪😋

Suggested Meal Time: These are perfect for an afternoon snack, dessert after lunch, or a school lunch treat.

Ingredients:

For the Cookie Bars:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1 cup peanut butter (smooth or chunky)

• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar

• 2 large eggs

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• ½ teaspoon salt

For the Peanut Butter Frosting:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened

• ½ cup peanut butter (smooth or chunky)

• 2 cups powdered sugar

• 2-3 tablespoons milk (or more for desired consistency)

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Pan

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

• Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Make the Cookie Bars

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and peanut butter together until smooth and creamy.

2. Add the granulated sugar to the butter and peanut butter mixture and continue to beat until well combined and fluffy.

3. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.

5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.

6. Spread the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.

Step 3: Bake the Cookie Bars

• Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

• Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before frosting.

Step 4: Make the Peanut Butter Frosting

1. While the cookie bars are cooling, prepare the frosting. In a medium bowl, beat together the softened butter and peanut butter until creamy and smooth.

2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating after each addition.

3. Add milk, one tablespoon at a time, until the frosting reaches your desired consistency. It should be spreadable but not too runny.

Step 5: Frost the Cookie Bars

• Once the cookie bars have cooled, spread the peanut butter frosting evenly over the top using a spatula.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

• Slice the cookie bars into squares or rectangles and enjoy the rich, peanut buttery goodness.

Tips on Using Energy-Efficient Devices:

• Use an energy-efficient oven, or try baking multiple batches of cookies at once if you're making other treats, to save on electricity. If you have a convection oven, it can help bake the cookies faster and more evenly, using less energy.

Who Would Benefit From This Dish:

• These bars are perfect for families, kids, or anyone who loves peanut butter desserts. They're also a great addition to bake sales or parties. Due to the hearty ingredients, they can serve as a filling snack or treat.

Enjoy your Peanut Butter Lunch Lady Cookie Bars! 🍪😋