Lunch Lady Peanut Butter Bars

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a jelly roll pan (12”x17”) and set aside.

Step 2

In the bowl of a standing mixer, beat together the butter and 1 cup of the peanut butter until fluffy and well blended. Scrape down the sides of the bowl.

Step 3

Add granulated sugar and brown sugar to the butter mixture and beat well (1-2 minutes).

Step 4

Add in the eggs and vanilla extract and beat on medium-high for another 2-3 minutes, scraping down the sides and bottom of the bowl intermittently to ensure even mixing.

Step 5

In a separate bowl, stir together the salt, baking soda, flour, and oats.

Step 6

Add the flour mixture to the creamed ingredients and beat just until combined (do not overmix).

Step 7

Use a spatula or greased hands to pat the cookie dough into the prepared sheet pan.

Step 8

Bake for 16 minutes, until the center is set and the edges of the cookie are golden brown. Remove from the oven.

Step 9

In a microwave-safe bowl, heat the remaining 1 cup of peanut butter for 30 seconds-1 minutes, until it is mostly melted and easily spreadable. Pour the melted peanut butter over the baked cookies and spread to the edges. Allow the cookies to cool completely - once room temperature, you can place the pan into the refrigerator to help the peanut butter set again and make it easier to frost.

Step 10

To make the frosting, beat the butter with an electric mixer.

Step 11

Add in the cocoa powder, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. The mixture will be very dry.

Step 12

Drizzle the heavy cream into the bowl with the mixer running and beat until light and fluffy.

Step 13

Spread frosting over the cooled peanut butter cookie base.

Step 14

Cut into bars and serve.