Name: Peanut Butter Lunch Lady Cookie Bars
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: For the bars:; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup creamy peanut butter; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1 cup brown sugar; 2 large eggs; 2 tsp vanilla extract; 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp salt; For the glaze:; 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter; 1/4 cup butter; 1/4 cup milk; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar

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Peanut Butter Lunch Lady Cookie Bars are thick, chewy, and packed with nostalgic peanut butter flavor. Inspired by the beloved cafeteria treats of the past, these soft and gooey bars are topped with a luscious peanut butter glaze that melts into every bite. They’re easy to make and even easier to devour.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how these cookie bars give me that old-school lunchroom dessert vibe in a simple, no-fuss way. They’re rich, peanut buttery, and perfectly soft in the center with just the right amount of sweetness on top. Whether I’m baking for a crowd, packing school lunches, or just indulging in a bit of nostalgia, these bars always hit the spot.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the bars:

Unsalted butter (softened)
Creamy peanut butter
Granulated sugar
Brown sugar
Eggs
Vanilla extract
All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Salt

For the glaze:

Creamy peanut butter
Butter
Milk
Powdered sugar
Vanilla extract

Directions

I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, I cream together the butter, peanut butter, and both sugars until light and fluffy.
I beat in the eggs and vanilla until smooth.
In a separate bowl, I whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt, then gradually add it to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
I spread the dough evenly into the prepared pan and bake for 22–26 minutes, until the edges are set and the center looks soft but not jiggly.
While the bars bake, I make the glaze by melting peanut butter and butter together, then stirring in milk, vanilla, and powdered sugar until smooth.
As soon as the bars come out of the oven, I pour the warm glaze over the top and spread it gently.
I let the bars cool completely before slicing so the glaze can set.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 20 cookie bars. It takes 15 minutes to prep, 25 minutes to bake, and about 30 minutes to cool and set—so they’re ready in just over an hour.

Variations

Sometimes I add mini chocolate chips to the dough for a chocolate-peanut butter combo. I’ve also used crunchy peanut butter for extra texture. If I want to make them festive, I top the glaze with sprinkles or crushed peanuts while it’s still warm.

storage/reheating

I store these bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, I refrigerate or freeze them—just bring them to room temperature before serving. They don’t need reheating, but a few seconds in the microwave gives them that fresh-baked feel.

FAQs

Can I use natural peanut butter?

I prefer using regular creamy peanut butter for better texture and consistency. Natural peanut butter tends to separate and can affect the structure of the bars.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, I double it and bake it in a larger sheet pan. I adjust the baking time slightly, checking for doneness after about 28–30 minutes.

How do I get clean cuts?

I let the bars cool completely and use a sharp knife wiped clean between cuts. Chilling them slightly first also helps.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes, I’ve used a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and they still bake up beautifully.

Is the glaze necessary?

It’s optional, but I think it makes the bars irresistible. The soft glaze melts into the top and gives them that signature lunch lady finish.

Conclusion

Peanut Butter Lunch Lady Cookie Bars are a nostalgic, comforting treat that brings back all the best memories of school-day desserts. They’re easy to make, rich in flavor, and the peanut butter glaze takes them over the top. Whether I’m baking for a party or just treating myself, these bars never last long once they’re on the table.