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Tagalong cookie bars stacked on a piece of brown parchment paper.
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5 from 1 vote

Homemade Tagalongs Cookie Bars (Copycat)

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!
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time23 minutes
Chill time30 minutes
Total Time1 hour 3 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Servings: 16 Bars
Author: Jessica

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

*I do not recommend using natural peanut butter in this recipe.
Storage instructions: Homemade Tagalong Bars will stay fresh for up to 3 days stored in an airtight container at room temperature. If you are making these a few hours in advance, you may alternatively want to store them in the refrigerator - peanut butter will start to get very soft - and take them out 30 minutes before serving to allow them to come to room temperature.