Peanut Butter Lunch Lady Cookie Bars – Chewy, Sweet, and Nostalgic

Peanut Butter Lunch Lady Cookie Bars are a nostalgic treat that brings back memories of classic school lunch desserts. These bars combine rich, nutty peanut butter with chewy, soft cookie layers and a sweet, creamy topping. Perfect for snacks, dessert, or lunchbox treats, they’re simple to make yet packed with flavor. With their chewy texture and indulgent sweetness, these bars are irresistible to both kids and adults alike.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Nutty & Flavorful – Peanut butter adds rich, creamy taste to every bite.
Chewy & Soft – Perfect cookie bars that aren’t too hard or too soft.
Easy & Quick – Minimal ingredients with a straightforward process.
Perfect for Any Occasion – Great for lunchboxes, snacks, or dessert tables.

Ingredients

• 1 cup peanut butter, smooth or crunchy
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt
• ½ cup chocolate chips or chunks (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven
   Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking pan or line with parchment paper.
2. Make the Cookie Dough
   In a large bowl, cream together peanut butter, butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth. Beat in eggs and vanilla extract.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients
   In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually mix into the wet ingredients until just combined. Stir in chocolate chips if using.
4. Bake
   Spread the dough evenly in the prepared pan. Bake for 20–25 minutes or until lightly golden around the edges and set in the center.
5. Cool and Slice
   Allow to cool completely in the pan before slicing into bars. Serve and enjoy!

Nutritional Information

Calories: ~250
Protein: 6g
Fat: 14g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Sugar: 15g
Fiber: 2g

Tips for Success

• Use Room-Temperature Butter – Makes it easier to cream and combine with peanut butter.
• Add Mix-Ins – Chocolate chips or nuts can add extra texture and flavor.
• Don’t Overbake – The bars should be soft and chewy; they firm up as they cool.

Why This Recipe Works

The combination of creamy peanut butter, chewy cookie texture, and subtle sweetness creates the perfect nostalgic treat. Baking in a single pan ensures easy preparation, while the bars maintain a soft, tender bite that everyone will love.

Peanut Butter Lunch Lady Cookie Bars are a quick, easy, and nostalgic dessert that’s perfect for sharing or enjoying as a snack. With chewy texture, rich peanut butter flavor, and optional chocolatey accents, these bars bring comfort and indulgence in every bite.