Looking for a twist on the classic Girl Scout cookie favorite, Tagalongs aka Peanut Butter Patties? Try my irresistible copycat recipe for Homemade Tagalongs Cookie Bars, a perfect combination of peanut butter, chocolate, and shortbread!
Do you love Tagalong cookies but hate waiting alllll year to buy some more? Well, fear not because this homemade version will curb your cravings all year long! Each bite of these bars is a perfect combination of sweet and salty, with a satisfying crunch and a smooth, creamy finish.
These delicious tagalongs cookie bars start with a buttery shortbread crust that is topped with a layer of creamy peanut butter filling and then drizzled with a rich chocolate ganache layer. The result is a mouth-watering treat that will have you coming back for seconds (and maybe even thirds!).
Try my Samoa Rice Krispie Treats for another Girl Scout cookie inspired recipe!
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Why you'll love this recipe
- The buttery shortbread crust just melts in your mouth!
- Enjoy the flavors of Tagalongs aka Peanut butter patties all year long with this easy recipe.
Ingredient Notes
Shortbread Crust
- Unsalted butter
- Powdered sugar
- Cornstarch
- Salt
- Vanilla extract
- All-purpose flour
Peanut Butter Filling
- Peanut butter: I don't recommend using natural peanut butter in this recipe as it may be too oily. I have not tested this recipe using it.
- Powdered sugar
Chocolate Layer
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Vegetable oil
See recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions.
How to make Tagalong Cookie Bars
- Make shortbread crust: In a large bowl, mix all of the crust ingredients together until combined and press into prepared pan. Bake.
- Make Peanut butter filling: Combine all ingredients and press on top of warm shortbread layer.
- Make Chocolate layer: Place chocolate chips and shortening in a small, microwave-safe bowl. Heat carefully in microwave at 30 second intervals, stirring in between each one. Pour chocolate on top of peanut butter layer and smooth into an even layer quickly.
Jessica's Recipe Tips
- Don't over-bake the shortbread! Your bars will be crumbly.
- Chill them before cutting so the peanut butter filling and chocolate set nicely.
- To cut these bars, use one big swift motion with a large very sharp knife (not serrated!) for the best cuts. Try not to use a sawing motion because this will make the chocolate crack.
Recipe FAQs
To answer this simply, no. Basically, they are both made by two different companies - ABC Bakers and Little Brownie Bakers. Depending on what state you live in, this will determine whether your troops will supply Tagalongs or Peanut Butter Patties.
While they both taste and look pretty similar, the only real difference looks-wise is that the Tagalongs clearly have more peanut butter inside of their chocolate coating. Peanut Butter Patties do not contain milk or other ingredients derived from animals while Tagalongs do.
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📋 Recipe
Homemade Tagalongs Cookie Bars (Copycat)
Ingredients
Shortbread Crust
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoon cornstarch
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
Peanut Butter Filling
- 1 cup peanut butter*
- ½ cup powdered sugar
Chocolate Layer
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 tbs vegetable shortening
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9x9 pan with parchment paper and set aside.
Shortbread Crust
- In the bowl of your stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream butter until smooth. Mix in powdered sugar, corn starch and salt until combined. Stir in vanilla extract. Add flour and mix until just combined. Do not over-mix the dough.
- Spread dough into prepared pan (expect a thin layer) and bake for 20-23 minutes or until the edges begin to brown very lightly and the top of the shortbread crust doesn't have a "wet look" anymore. If crust is over-baked it will have a crumbly texture.
Peanut Butter Filling
- Mix peanut butter and powdered sugar together until smooth. Spread on top of warm shortbread into an even layer.
Chocolate Layer
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine chocolate chips and shortening. Heat in microwave at 30 second intervals, stirring in between each one until the chocolate is smooth and pourable.
- Pour chocolate on top of peanut butter layer and smooth into an even layer quickly and carefully. Chill bars for 30 minutes in the refrigerator or until chocolate on top is set. Cut into bars and serve.
Notes
Nutrition
The provided nutritional information is an estimate per serving. Accuracy is not guaranteed.
Janelle says
If I would like to make the bars in a 9x13 pan, should I just double the recipe?
Jessica says
Yep!