Oh, let me tell you about classic peanut butter lunch lady cookie bars! These treats bring back so many fond memories of school lunches and bake sales, don’t they? I remember the excitement of biting into those soft, chewy bars, bursting with peanut butter goodness and chocolate chips. They’re perfect for any occasion—whether you’re having a casual family get-together or packing a sweet surprise for a lunchbox. The best part? They’re super easy to whip up, so you can satisfy those cravings in no time. Trust me, once you try these classic peanut butter lunch lady cookie bars, you’ll find yourself making them over and over again. They’re just that good!

Ingredients List

Gathering your ingredients is a breeze with this recipe! You’ll need the following:

1 cup peanut butter (creamy or crunchy, your choice!)
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
2 large eggs
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup chocolate chips (I like semi-sweet, but you can use milk chocolate too!)

(Tip: Make sure your butter is really softened; it’ll help everything mix together smoothly. If you forget to take it out ahead of time, you can pop it in the microwave for about 10 seconds, just until it’s soft but not melted!)

How to Prepare Classic Peanut Butter Lunch Lady Cookie Bars

Ready to dive into the deliciousness? Here’s how you can whip up these classic peanut butter lunch lady cookie bars with ease. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll be savoring these treats in no time!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial because a hot oven means perfectly baked bars!
In a large mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and softened butter. Mix until it’s smooth and creamy—about 2-3 minutes should do the trick.
Add in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. You want to make sure everything is well blended.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This helps ensure that the baking soda gets evenly distributed.
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Don’t overdo it; a few lumps are okay!
Gently fold in the chocolate chips. I like to reserve a few to sprinkle on top before baking for that extra chocolatey goodness!
Spread the batter evenly into a greased 9×13-inch baking pan. Use a spatula to smooth the top. Don’t worry if it looks a bit thick; that’s just how it should be.
Bake in your preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let the bars cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Patience is key here—cutting them too soon can lead to a gooey mess!

And there you have it! Enjoy the sweet aroma filling your kitchen and get ready to indulge in these nostalgic treats. Trust me, they’ll disappear fast!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick to prepare—perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings!
Deliciously rich flavor that combines peanut butter and chocolate in every bite.
Family-friendly dessert that kids and adults alike can’t resist.
Soft and chewy texture that brings back nostalgic memories.
Great for sharing—easily cut into bars for parties or lunchboxes!

Nutritional Information

The nutritional values for these classic peanut butter lunch lady cookie bars are based on standard ingredients and can vary slightly depending on the brands you use. Here’s a general breakdown per bar:

Calories: 200
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 20mg
Sodium: 150mg
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 10g
Protein: 4g

(Note: These values are estimates and can change based on your specific ingredients. It’s always a good idea to check the labels on your products for the most accurate information!)

Tips for Success

Want to make sure your classic peanut butter lunch lady cookie bars turn out perfectly every time? Here are my trusty tips to help you achieve the best results!

Measure your ingredients accurately: Use dry measuring cups for flour and sugar, and liquid measuring cups for peanut butter and melted ingredients. Precision makes all the difference!
Room temperature ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature. This helps them blend together more smoothly and results in a better texture.
Don’t overmix: Once you combine the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until you see no dry flour. Overmixing can lead to dense bars, and we want them to be soft and chewy!
Check for doneness: Since ovens can vary, check your bars a couple of minutes before the recommended baking time. They’re done when they’re golden brown around the edges and the center looks set!
Let them cool: Be patient and let the bars cool completely before cutting. This will help them hold their shape and avoid that gooey mess!
Customize your mix-ins: Feel free to get creative! Adding nuts, dried fruits, or even swapping out chocolate chips for butterscotch can take these bars to a whole new level!

With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be well on your way to baking up the most delicious classic peanut butter lunch lady cookie bars! Enjoy the process and happy baking!

Variations

Feeling adventurous? There are so many fun ways to put your own spin on these classic peanut butter lunch lady cookie bars! Here are some ideas to get your creativity flowing:

Nutty Delight: Add 1 cup of chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch. It gives a lovely texture and a nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the peanut butter.
Oatmeal Boost: Swap out 1 cup of flour for 1 cup of rolled oats. This adds a chewy texture and makes the bars even heartier. Yum!
Sweet Swaps: If you’re looking to cut sugar, try using natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup. Just adjust the flour a bit to maintain the right consistency!
Chocolate Lovers: Mix in some white chocolate chips or even peanut butter chips for a double dose of deliciousness. You could also drizzle melted chocolate over the top for an eye-catching finish!
Fun with Flavors: Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a sprinkle of cinnamon to the batter for a flavor twist. It’s subtle but makes a delightful difference!
Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure to check that your other ingredients, like the baking soda, are gluten-free as well!
Fruit Fusion: Toss in some dried fruits like cranberries or raisins for a sweet and tangy addition that complements the peanut butter beautifully.

With these variations, you can easily customize your classic peanut butter lunch lady cookie bars to fit your taste or dietary needs. So, go ahead and experiment—every batch can be a little different and just as delicious!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Once you’ve baked up a batch of these delightful classic peanut butter lunch lady cookie bars, you’ll want to make sure they stay fresh and tasty! Here’s how to store them properly:

Room Temperature: If you plan to eat the bars within a few days, simply store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and chewy for about 3-4 days—if they last that long!
Refrigeration: For longer storage, you can keep them in the fridge. Just make sure they’re in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out. They’ll be good for up to a week.
Freezing: Want to save some for later? These bars freeze beautifully! Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, just take out the desired number of bars and let them thaw in the refrigerator or at room temperature.

Reheating: If you prefer your bars warm, just pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. You’ll get that melty chocolate goodness back in no time! Just be careful not to overdo it, or they might get a bit too gooey.

With these storage tips, you’ll always have a delicious treat on hand whenever those peanut butter cravings hit!

FAQ Section

Can I use natural peanut butter instead of regular peanut butter?
Yes, you can! Just keep in mind that natural peanut butter can be a bit runnier, so you might need to adjust the flour slightly to keep the bars from becoming too moist.

What can I substitute for eggs in this recipe?
If you’re looking for an egg substitute, you can use 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flax egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water, let it sit for a few minutes until it thickens). Both work well in these classic peanut butter lunch lady cookie bars!

How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The edges should be golden brown and the center should look set. A toothpick inserted in the middle should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. If it comes out wet, give them a few more minutes!

Can I make these cookie bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! These bars are great for making ahead. Just store them in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days, or in the fridge for up to a week. They’re perfect for meal prep or when you have a busy week ahead!

What’s the best way to cut the bars for serving?
To get nice, clean cuts, I recommend using a sharp knife and cutting the bars while they’re slightly warm. If you let them cool completely, they can be a bit more crumbly. Just a little warmth helps them hold together better!

Classic Peanut Butter Lunch Lady Cookie Bars to Love Forever

Author: CakesLouna
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 24 bars 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Delicious classic peanut butter lunch lady cookie bars, perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup peanut butter
1 cup sugar
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup butter, softened
2 eggs
2 cups flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup chocolate chips

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large bowl, mix peanut butter, sugar, brown sugar, and butter.
Add eggs and mix until smooth.
In another bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
Fold in chocolate chips.
Spread the batter in a greased baking pan.
Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Let cool before cutting into bars.

Notes

Store in an airtight container.
These bars can be frozen for later use.
Try adding nuts for extra texture.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bar
Calories: 200
Sugar: 10g
Sodium: 150mg
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 20mg

Keywords: peanut butter, cookie bars, dessert, classic

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