Description
These Lunch Lady Peanut Butter Bars combine a rich, chewy peanut butter oatmeal cookie base with a luscious peanut butter drizzle and a smooth chocolate frosting, creating an irresistible treat perfect for dessert or an indulgent snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Base
- 1 cup salted butter, softened (227g)
- 1 cup granulated sugar (200g)
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar (200g)
- 2 1/2 cups creamy peanut butter, divided
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour, scooped & leveled (282g)
- 2 cups old-fashioned oats
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
Chocolate Frosting
- 1/2 cup salted butter, softened (114g)
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 4 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray a half-sheet baking sheet, approximately 13″x18″, with baking spray to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Cookie Dough: In a mixer, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, and 1 cup of peanut butter until creamy and light in color. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, then continue beating while scraping down the sides and bottom of the bowl to ensure even mixing.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Add the flour, old-fashioned oats, baking soda, and salt to the wet mixture. Mix just until combined to avoid overworking the dough. Spread the peanut butter oatmeal cookie dough evenly into the prepared baking pan using a spatula.
- Bake the Base: Bake the cookie base in the preheated oven for 15-17 minutes until the edges are golden brown and the center is just barely set. Be careful not to overbake to keep the bars chewy.
- Apply Peanut Butter Drizzle: While the cookie base is still warm, melt the remaining 1 1/2 cups of peanut butter in a microwave-safe bowl for about 1 minute. Drizzle the melted peanut butter over the top of the baked bars and spread it evenly with a spatula or knife. Let it cool completely until the peanut butter firms up; this process can be accelerated by placing the bars in the refrigerator.
- Make the Chocolate Frosting: In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, powdered sugar, cocoa powder, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Frost and Serve: Spread the chocolate frosting evenly over the cooled peanut butter layer. Once frosted, cut the bars into squares and serve.
Notes
- Be careful not to overbake the cookie base to keep the bars chewy and moist.
- Using old-fashioned oats gives the bars a better texture than quick oats.
- If peanut allergies are a concern, substitute peanut butter with almond or sunflower seed butter.
- Chilling the bars after adding the peanut butter drizzle helps speed up the setting process for easier frosting.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 17 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: peanut butter bars, lunch lady bars, peanut butter dessert, chocolate frosting bars, oatmeal cookie bars
