Description
These Lunch Lady Peanut Butter Bars are a deliciously chewy and rich treat featuring a peanut butter oatmeal cookie base, topped with melted peanut butter, and finished with a smooth chocolate frosting. Perfect for satisfying peanut butter lovers and making ahead for snacks or dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
Peanut Butter Cookie Dough
- 1 cup salted butter, softened (227g)
- 1 cup granulated sugar (200g)
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar (200g)
- 2 ½ 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
- ½ cup salted butter, softened (114g)
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 4 tablespoons cocoa powder
- ¼ cup milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a half-sheet baking sheet (13″x18″) with baking spray to prevent sticking.
- Make the peanut butter cookie dough: In a mixer, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, and 1 cup of the peanut butter until creamy and light. Add the eggs and vanilla extract and beat again, scraping down the sides and bottom of the bowl to fully incorporate.
- Add dry ingredients: Add the all-purpose flour, old-fashioned oats, baking soda, and salt to the wet mixture. Mix just until combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Spread and bake: Spread the peanut butter oatmeal cookie dough evenly into the prepared baking sheet using a spatula. Bake for 15-17 minutes, until the edges are golden brown and the center is just barely set. Avoid overbaking to keep bars chewy.
- Drizzle melted peanut butter: While the cookie base is still hot, melt the remaining 1 ½ cups of peanut butter in the microwave in a microwave-safe bowl for 1 minute. Drizzle the melted peanut butter over the warm bars and spread with a spatula or knife into an even layer. Allow to cool completely so the peanut butter firms up; chilling in the fridge speeds this process.
- Prepare chocolate frosting: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, powdered sugar, cocoa powder, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Frost and slice: Spread the chocolate frosting evenly over the cooled bars. Once set, cut into squares and serve.
Notes
- Make sure not to overbake the bars to keep them chewy and moist.
- Use creamy peanut butter for a smooth texture and easy drizzling.
- Chilling the bars after drizzling with peanut butter helps the topping firm up and makes slicing easier.
- For a richer chocolate flavor, use Dutch-processed cocoa powder.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
