Description
Classic soft and chewy peanut butter cookie bars with a sweet frosting, reminiscent of school cafeteria treats.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Stir in the peanut butter until evenly distributed.
- Spread about two-thirds of the dough into the prepared baking pan.
- Dollop the remaining dough over the top and spread gently.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown around the edges.
- Let cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
- While the bars are cooling, prepare the frosting: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk until smooth and pourable. Add more milk if needed to reach desired consistency.
- Pour the frosting over the cooled bars and spread evenly.
- Cut into squares and serve.
Notes
- For a richer peanut butter flavor, use creamy or chunky peanut butter.
- You can add chocolate chips to the dough for extra flavor.
- Ensure the bars are completely cooled before frosting for best results.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: peanut butter, cookie bars, lunch lady cookies, chewy cookies, frosted cookies, dessert bars, cafeteria cookies