Name: Classic Peanut Butter Lunch Lady Cookie Bars
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: This is the base of the cookie bars, providing a rich and buttery flavor that keeps the bars moist and tender.; 1 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a delightful texture.; 1 cup packed brown sugar: Contributes a slight molasses flavor and enhances moisture for soft cookie bars.; 1 cup creamy peanut butter: The star ingredient that provides a distinct flavor and creaminess, making these bars irresistible.; 2 large eggs: These are vital for binding the ingredients together and giving structure to the cookie bars.; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Adds an aromatic sweetness that complements the peanut butter perfectly.; 2 cups all-purpose flour: This provides the bulk of the dough, ensuring a sturdy base for your cookie bars.; 1 teaspoon baking soda: Acts as a leavening agent, helping the bars rise slightly for a fluffy texture.; 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor of the cookie bars.; 2 cups quick oats: These add texture and chewiness to the cookie bars, making them satisfying and hearty.

Description

Soft and chewy Classic Peanut Butter Lunch Lady Cookie Bars, filled with rich peanut butter flavor—an ideal treat for dessert or a snack.

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup unsalted butter, softened: This is the base of the cookie bars, providing a rich and buttery flavor that keeps the bars moist and tender.
1 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a delightful texture.
1 cup packed brown sugar: Contributes a slight molasses flavor and enhances moisture for soft cookie bars.
1 cup creamy peanut butter: The star ingredient that provides a distinct flavor and creaminess, making these bars irresistible.
2 large eggs: These are vital for binding the ingredients together and giving structure to the cookie bars.
2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Adds an aromatic sweetness that complements the peanut butter perfectly.
2 cups all-purpose flour: This provides the bulk of the dough, ensuring a sturdy base for your cookie bars.
1 teaspoon baking soda: Acts as a leavening agent, helping the bars rise slightly for a fluffy texture.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor of the cookie bars.
2 cups quick oats: These add texture and chewiness to the cookie bars, making them satisfying and hearty.

Instructions

Preheat your oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish and set it aside to prepare for the cookie bars.
Cream the butter and sugars: In a large bowl, cream together 1 cup of softened unsalted butter, 1 cup of granulated sugar, and 1 cup of packed brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer.
Add peanut butter and eggs: Next, add 1 cup of creamy peanut butter, 2 large eggs, and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract to the creamed butter and sugar mixture. Beat everything together until it is well combined and smooth.
Mix dry ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Ensure there are no lumps in the flour for even mixing.
Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing gently until just combined. Avoid over-mixing to maintain the tender texture of the bars.
Stir in oats: Fold in 2 cups of quick oats until they are evenly distributed throughout the cookie dough.
Spread the mixture: Transfer the cookie dough into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula to ensure uniform baking.
Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. The edges should turn golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean. Keep an eye on them towards the end to avoid over-baking.
Cool completely: Once baked, allow the cookie bars to cool completely in the baking dish before cutting them into squares. This helps set the texture and makes them easier to slice.