Peanut butter lunch lady cookie bars are a delicious and easy dessert recipe perfect for any occasion. Made with peanut butter, oats, chocolate chips, and a few other simple ingredients, these bars are sure to be a hit with everyone who tries them.
Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy dessert recipe to make for a potluck or a treat to enjoy with your family at home, peanut butter lunch lady cookie bars are the perfect choice. With just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can have a delicious, satisfying dessert that everyone will love. To make these bars, you’ll need peanut butter, oats, butter, sugar, eggs, vanilla, flour, baking soda, salt, and chocolate chips. Simply mix the ingredients together in a bowl, spread the mixture into a baking dish, and bake in the oven until the bars are golden brown and set. Serve the bars warm with a glass of milk, or enjoy them cold for a snack or dessert any time of the day. With their delicious peanut butter flavor, chewy texture, and melty chocolate chips, peanut butter lunch lady cookie bars are sure to be a hit with everyone who tries them.
Credit: www.sixsistersstuff.com
Ingredients
Peanut butter lunch lady cookie bars are a scrumptious and addictive treat perfect for peanut butter lovers. These bars are a delectable combination of chewy oats, creamy peanut butter, and sweet brown sugar. Plus, they can also be personalized with extra add-ins!
Peanut Butter
The primary component of this recipe is, of course, peanut butter. Choose plain, smooth, and unsweetened natural peanut butter for the best taste. Avoid using peanut butter that has additional sugar, as it may disturb the taste and consistency of the bars.
Oats
Old-fashioned rolled oats work best. Avoid using instant or flavored oats as they contain additional sugar and might alter the recipe’s flavor. You may also use gluten-free or steel-cut oats as an alternative.
Brown Sugar
Brown sugar provides a sweet, caramel flavor that is a crucial part of this recipe. Use fresh brown sugar and check for lumps before adding it to the batter.
Other Common Pantry Staples You’Ll Need
- Unsalted butter
- Large eggs
- All-purpose flour
- Salt
- Baking powder
- Milk
Optional Add-Ins To Customize The Bars To Your Liking
It’s always fun to jazz up a recipe by adding extras that pique your taste buds.
- Chocolate chips
- Chopped peanuts
- Raisins
- Shredded coconut
- Dried cranberries
Tips For Selecting The Perfect Ingredients
To make sure your peanut butter lunch lady cookie bars are delicious, keep these tips in mind when selecting your ingredients:
- Choose fresh ingredients to ensure that the cookies have the best taste and texture.
- Check ingredient labels, and avoid items with artificial flavors or additional sugar.
- Measure the ingredients accurately and follow the recipe instructions precisely.
Peanut butter lunch lady cookie bars are a quintessential dessert for peanut butter enthusiasts. With their simple ingredients and customization alternatives, they’re also ideal for satisfying all tastes. Enjoy the recipe, and remember to select your ingredients with care!
Instructions
Peanut butter lunch lady cookie bars are a classic treat that can be enjoyed as a snack, dessert, or even as a lunchtime treat. These bars are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without the hassle of preparing multiple cookies.
You simply make one batch, cut it into bars, and you’re good to go. The instructions for making these delicious bars are simple and easy to follow.
Step-By-Step Instructions To Make The Perfect Peanut Butter Lunch Lady Cookie Bars
- Preheat your oven to 350°f. Prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then, add the peanut butter and vanilla extract, and mix until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the peanut butter mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the chocolate chips, and spread the dough evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until lightly golden brown and set in the center.
- Let the bars cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Cut into bars and serve.
Additional Tips For Baking Beginners
- For best results, use room temperature ingredients.
- Make sure to measure your ingredients accurately. Too much or too little can affect the texture and flavor of your bars.
- Don’t overmix your dough. Once the flour mixture is added, mix just until everything is combined to avoid tough, dry bars.
- If you don’t have chocolate chips on hand, you can substitute with other types of baking chips such as butterscotch or peanut butter chips.
- These bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or in the freezer for up to two weeks.
With these simple instructions and additional tips, you can make the perfect peanut butter lunch lady cookie bars to enjoy anytime. Whether you’re a baking beginner or a seasoned pro, these bars are sure to be a hit!
Lunch Lady Peanut Butter Bars
Troubleshooting
Peanut butter cookie bars are a tasty treat perfect for a quick snack or after-dinner dessert. However, as with any baking, things can sometimes go wrong.
Common Issues That May Arise While Baking These Bars
- The bars are burning on the edges and are still gooey in the middle. To avoid this, make sure that the oven is preheated to the correct temperature before putting the bars in to bake. Also, it’s recommended to use an oven thermometer to ensure the temperature is accurate. If you notice the edges are browning too quickly, cover them with foil.
- The bars are too hard and dry. Overbaking could be the culprit. To prevent this, keep an eye on the bars while they are baking and remove them from the oven as soon as they are firm but not yet browned. Additionally, be sure to measure ingredients precisely and avoid overmixing the batter.
- The bars are crumbly and falling apart. This could be due to using too little butter or peanut butter, or the wrong type of flour. Double-check the recipe to ensure the correct proportions are used, and use all-purpose flour as directed.
Tips For Fixing Each Problem
- If the bars are burning and gooey, lower the oven temperature or decrease the baking time. If necessary, cover the edges with foil and bake for a few more minutes until the center is set.
- If the bars are too hard and dry, try adding a tablespoon or two of softened butter to the batter and bake them for a shorter time.
- To fix crumbly bars, try adding another tablespoon of butter or a little bit of milk to the batter and mix thoroughly. Alternatively, press the crumbs together to form a cohesive whole.
What To Do If The Bars Don’T Turn Out As Expected
If you find that your peanut butter lunch lady cookie bars don’t turn out as expected, don’t despair.
- Double-check all of the ingredients, including measurements and substitutions. Sometimes a small mistake can have a big impact on the final product.
- Make sure your oven is calibrated correctly, and if necessary, use an oven thermometer to ensure the correct temperature.
- Check the weather. Humidity or temperature changes can affect baking times and outcomes.
By following these tips, you should be able to whip up a batch of perfect peanut butter lunch lady cookie bars every time.
Variations
Creative And Delicious Ways To Customize Peanut Butter Lunch Lady Cookie Bars
If you’re looking for a unique way to enjoy peanut butter lunch lady cookie bars, try these creative and delicious variations:
- Add chocolate chips for a classic combination of chocolate and peanut butter.
- Mix in some chopped nuts, like almonds or pecans, for added crunch and flavor.
- Drizzle melted chocolate over the top of the bars for an even more decadent treat.
- Sprinkle sea salt over the top of the bars for a sweet and salty flavor profile.
Recipes For Vegan, Gluten-Free, And Other Specialized Diets
Peanut butter lunch lady cookie bars can easily be modified to fit into a variety of specialized diets.
- For a vegan version, use vegan butter and substitute a flax or chia egg for the regular egg. Use a plant-based milk and vegan chocolate chips, if desired.
- To make gluten-free versions, use a gluten-free flour blend in place of regular flour. Be sure to check that all other ingredients, like oats, are also certified gluten-free.
- For a lower-carb version, try using almond or coconut flour in place of regular flour. Use a natural sweetener like honey or stevia in place of sugar.
- To make nut-free versions, use sunflower seed butter in place of peanut butter, and omit any nuts or nut-based products in the recipe.
Fun Ideas For Incorporating Seasonal Flavors
Get creative and incorporate seasonal flavors into your peanut butter lunch lady cookie bars.
- Add pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice for a delicious fall treat.
- Swap in some cranberries and orange zest for a festive holiday twist.
- Top your bars with fresh strawberries and whipped cream for a refreshing summer dessert.
- Mix in some shredded zucchini and cinnamon for a unique way to enjoy your summer produce.
Incorporating variations and seasonal flavors into your peanut butter lunch lady cookie bars is a fun and easy way to add some excitement to a classic recipe. Give these ideas a try and enjoy the delicious results!
Frequently Asked Questions For Peanut Butter Lunch Lady Cookie Bars
What Are Peanut Butter Lunch Lady Cookie Bars?
Peanut butter lunch lady cookie bars are delicious bars with an oatmeal cookie base and a creamy peanut butter filling.
What Ingredients Do I Need To Make Peanut Butter Lunch Lady Cookie Bars?
You will need flour, oats, brown sugar, peanut butter, butter, vanilla, eggs, baking soda, and salt.
How Do I Make Peanut Butter Lunch Lady Cookie Bars?
Preheat the oven, make the cookie dough, press it into a pan, and spread the peanut butter filling on top. Bake and enjoy!
Can I Make Peanut Butter Lunch Lady Cookie Bars Ahead Of Time?
Yes, you can make and store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Place them in an airtight container.
How Many Servings Does This Recipe Make?
This recipe makes approximately 16 servings, depending on how large you cut the bars.
Conclusion
The peanut butter lunch lady cookie bars are a scrumptious treat that will leave your taste buds satisfied. With a perfect blend of sweetness and nutty flavor, these bars will be a hit with kids and adults alike. And the great news is, they are super easy to make! With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip up a batch of these delicious bars in no time.
Plus, they are perfect for packing in school lunches or taking to work for a midday snack. Whether you are a peanut butter lover or just looking for a new dessert recipe to try out, these bars are a must-try.
So, grab your apron and get ready to bake up some peanut butter lunch lady cookie bars today!
