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Peanut Butter Cookie Bars Easy Family Comfort Food Recipe

Classic Peanut Butter Lunch Lady Cookie Bars

These classic peanut butter lunch lady cookie bars are soft, chewy, and packed with nostalgic peanut butter flavor. Made in a single pan, they’re perfect for sharing at school events, potlucks, or as an easy make-ahead dessert.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 16 bars
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup brown sugar packed
  • 1 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 2 cups quick oats

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
  3. Mix in the peanut butter until smooth, then add the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
  4. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture until just combined.
  5. Fold in the quick oats using a spatula. Spread the dough evenly into the prepared baking dish.
  6. Bake for 22–25 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the center is set.
  7. Allow the cookie bars to cool completely in the pan on a cooling rack before slicing into bars and serving.

Notes

For extra indulgence, drizzle with a simple peanut butter glaze or top with chocolate chips before baking. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.