I still remember those childhood days when the smell of freshly baked cookies filled the school cafeteria. It was a scent that made our mouths water and our eyes light up with excitement. Among the many delightful treats offered at school, there was one that stood out above the rest—the Peanut Butter Lunch Lady Cookie Bars. These delightful bars, crafted with love by our beloved lunch ladies, were the perfect combination of peanut butter goodness and a chewy, cookie-like texture. Their nutty, sweet flavor brought comfort and joy to my young heart, and they became a cherished memory of my school days.

Years later, as I ventured into the world of baking, I was determined to recreate those scrumptious bars that had brought so much happiness to my childhood. I tried various recipes, adjusting and experimenting until I found the perfect balance of ingredients that captured the essence of those nostalgic treats. And now, I'm thrilled to share this recipe with you. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a beginner in the kitchen, I encourage you to save and make this recipe—it's a delightful treat that will evoke memories of simpler times and bring a smile to your face.

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup creamy peanut butter
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional)

Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and set aside.

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.

Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.

Spread the cookie dough evenly into the prepared baking dish. If desired, sprinkle the top with chocolate chips.

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool in the baking dish for about 10 minutes before cutting into squares.

Serve and enjoy!

Whether you're baking for a school event, a family gathering, or simply treating yourself, these Peanut Butter Lunch Lady Cookie Bars are sure to become a cherished favorite. Enjoy the nostalgia and the delicious taste of these delightful bars!

Copyright 2016 Cooktop Cove