Peanut Butter Lunch Lady Cookie Bars

These Peanut Butter Lunch Lady Cookie Bars are inspired by the classic cafeteria treats we all loved growing up—thick, soft, and topped with a creamy peanut butter frosting that melts right into the warm bars. They’re rich, chewy, and full of peanut butter flavor in every bite. Perfect for bake sales, potlucks, or simply reliving those sweet school lunch memories.

The first time I made Peanut Butter Lunch Lady Cookie Bars, I was chasing that nostalgic flavor from the cafeteria line. I remember being a kid and hoping it was “cookie bar day” at school—the soft peanut butter bar with just the right amount of frosting on top. When I made them at home, my husband had a bite and said, “That’s exactly what they tasted like!” And my daughter? She asked to pack one in her lunch every day that week. Now, they’re our go-to bar cookie whenever we want something comforting and classic.

Why You’ll Love Peanut Butter Lunch Lady Cookie Bars

• Soft & Chewy Texture that melts in your mouth

• Simple Pantry Ingredients – nothing fancy required

• Loaded with Peanut Butter Flavor in both the bars and frosting

• Perfect for Sharing – makes a big batch, easy to cut and serve

Ingredients Notes For Peanut Butter Lunch Lady Cookie Bars

Bars:

• Creamy Peanut Butter: The base of the flavor—don’t use natural PB

• Butter: For rich flavor and softness

• Brown Sugar & White Sugar: Creates that classic chewy texture

• Eggs: To bind and keep the bars moist

• Vanilla Extract: Balances the peanut butter richness

• All-Purpose Flour: Just enough to give structure without making them cakey

• Baking Soda & Salt: For lift and balance

  Frosting:

• Butter: Softened for easy spreading

• Peanut Butter: Creamy is best for a smooth finish

• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and thickens

• Milk: Adjusts the consistency to spreadable perfection

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Recipe Steps

1. Preheat Oven: Set to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan.

2. Make the Batter: Cream together butter, peanut butter, and both sugars until fluffy. Beat in eggs and vanilla. Stir in flour, baking soda, and salt until just combined.

3. Bake the Bars: Spread batter evenly in the pan and bake for 20–25 minutes or until edges are lightly golden and center is just set. Don’t overbake!

4. Make the Frosting: While the bars bake, beat together softened butter, peanut butter, and powdered sugar. Add milk a tablespoon at a time until smooth and spreadable.

5. Frost While Warm: As soon as bars come out of the oven, gently spread frosting over the warm surface so it melts slightly into the top.

6. Cool & Slice: Let cool completely, then cut into squares or bars.

Storage Options

• Room Temp: Store covered for up to 4 days

• Refrigerator: Keeps longer—up to 7 days

• Freezer: Freeze individual bars for up to 2 months (wrap well)

Variations & Substitutions

• Add Mini Chocolate Chips to the batter or on top of the frosting

• Use Crunchy Peanut Butter for a nutty texture

• Drizzle with Chocolate for a peanut butter cup vibe

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use natural peanut butter? It’s not recommended—stick with regular creamy PB for the best texture and flavor.

Do I have to frost them warm? Yes! That’s the lunch lady secret—it helps the frosting melt into the top layer for extra richness.

Can I double the recipe? Definitely—use a sheet pan and increase the baking time slightly.

These Peanut Butter Lunch Lady Cookie Bars are rich, chewy, and packed with old-school flavor—just like you remember from the lunch line, only better and made with love. 🥜🍪💛

Peanut Butter Lunch Lady Cookie Bars

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Course: Dessert, Snack

Kitchen: American

Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes minutes

Servings: 24 bars

Ingredients

 

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• ▢ For the Bars:
• ▢ 1 cup 0.5 lbs unsalted butter, softened
• ▢ 1 cup 0.5 lbs creamy peanut butter
• ▢ 1 cup 0.5 lbs granulated sugar
• ▢ 1 cup 0.5 lbs brown sugar, packed
• ▢ 2 large eggs
• ▢ 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• ▢ 2 cups 1 lb all-purpose flour
• ▢ **1 teaspoon baking powder
• ▢ ½ teaspoon salt
• ▢ For the Frosting:
• ▢ ½ cup 0.25 lbs unsalted butter
• ▢ ½ cup 0.25 lbs creamy peanut butter
• ▢ ¼ cup 0.13 lbs milk
• ▢ **1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ▢ 3 cups 1.5 lbs powdered sugar

Instructions

• Make the Bars:
• Preheat Oven:
• Preheat to 350°F (175°C).
• Grease or line a 9x13-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
• Cream Butter & Sugars:
• In a large bowl, beat together butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
• Add Eggs & Vanilla:
• Beat in the eggs and vanilla until well combined.
• Add Dry Ingredients:
• In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
• Gradually add to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
• Bake:
• Spread the dough evenly into the prepared pan.
• Bake for 22–25 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
• Do not overbake—the bars should stay soft.
• Make the Frosting:
• Heat & Mix:
• In a saucepan over low heat, melt together the butter and peanut butter.
• Stir in milk and vanilla, then whisk in powdered sugar until smooth.
• Frost While Warm:
• Spread the frosting over the bars while they’re still warm so it melts slightly into the top.
• Let cool completely before slicing into bars.