Peanut Butter Bars

My friend Bethany recently posted this recipe on her blog.  We went to school together growing up, and this was one of our favorite things that was served in the school cafeteria.  Everyone loved peanut butter bar day!  She found the actual recipe that the school used, and I have brought it here for your enjoyment!  As a warning, you should not be left alone with these unless you'd like to gain 15 pounds in one weekend!  Luckily I was able to send most of them to work with my husband, to spread the joy around a bit.  Enjoy!

School Lunch Peanut Butter Bars
This recipe is for a large 18x13" jellyroll pan.
For the cookie and peanut butter layer:
1 cup sugar
1 cup brown sugar, packed
1 cup butter, softened but not melted
1 tsp vanilla
2 large eggs
1 cup peanut butter
2 cups flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
2 cups oats
1 1/2 cups peanut butter

Cream together the sugar, brown sugar, and butter until light and fluffy, 2-3 minutes.  Add the vanilla, eggs, and 1 cup peanut butter and mix well.  Add the flour, baking soda, and salt and mix until combined.  Finally, stir in the oats until evenly distributed.  Spread the cookie dough on a greased 18x13" jelly roll pan.  Bake at 350F for 20-23 minutes, or until golden brown.

In a small microwave-safe bowl, microwave the 1 1/2 cups peanut butter on high for 15-20 seconds, until softened but not melted.  When the cookie layer comes out of the oven, spread the peanut butter layer over the cookie layer.  Cool completely.  Once cooled, spread the chocolate frosting (see below) on top.  Cut into 2" squares.

Chocolate Frosting

Ingredients:
1/2 cup butter
4 T cocoa powder
1 tsp vanilla
4 T milk
4 cups powdered sugar

Melt butter over low heat in medium saucepan.  Gradually add all other ingredients and mix well.  Immediately spread frosting over cooled peanut butter bars, as the frosting will set very quickly.