Name: Homemade Tagalong Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 13 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, at room temperature; 2/3 cup (126g) granulated sugar; 2 large egg yolks; 2 teaspoons (10ml) pure vanilla extract; 2 ½ cups (350g) all-purpose flour; ½ teaspoon salt; 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature; 1 ¼ cups creamy peanut butter; 1 ¼ cups powdered sugar, sifted; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 3 bags (10oz each) Ghirardelli dark chocolate melting wafers

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 74 reviews

If you have a soft spot for the classic blend of peanut butter and chocolate, you are in for a treat with this Homemade Tagalong Cookies Recipe. These cookies bring together a perfectly tender shortbread base topped with a luscious peanut butter filling and enveloped in a rich dark chocolate coating. Every bite is a nostalgic journey, reminiscent of one of the most beloved girl scout cookie varieties, yet made from scratch right in your kitchen. This recipe is not just about the end result; it’s about enjoying the fun and love that goes into creating these delightful cookies yourself.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This image shows several round sugar cookies with a thick layer of light brown peanut butter frosting spread smoothly on top. Each cookie has two layers: the bottom layer is a pale yellow cookie, soft and smooth, and the top layer is a creamy, slightly textured peanut butter frosting, evenly covering the cookie surface but not going to the edges. The cookies are arranged close together on a white marbled surface. The lighting is bright and natural, showing the soft texture of both the cookie and frosting clearly. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients for this recipe is refreshingly simple, and each component plays a crucial role in bringing authentic flavor, timeless texture, and irresistible appearance to your Homemade Tagalong Cookies Recipe.

Unsalted butter: Using room temperature butter ensures your cookie dough mixes evenly, giving a tender, flaky cookie texture.
Granulated sugar: Adds just the right touch of sweetness and helps create a light, airy dough.
Large egg yolks: They enhance richness without making the dough too wet, perfect for that melt-in-your-mouth bite.
Pure vanilla extract: A little vanilla deepens the flavor profile, adding warmth and complexity.
All-purpose flour: The backbone of any solid cookie, it provides the structure that holds everything together.
Salt: Balances sweetness and brightens all the flavors.
Creamy peanut butter: The star of the filling, smooth and creamy for that classic, nostalgic taste.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens the filling without grit, ensuring a soft, creamy texture.
Ghirardelli dark chocolate melting wafers: This high-quality chocolate guarantees a shiny finish and snap-worthy coating.

How to Make Homemade Tagalong Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough

Begin by creaming together butter and granulated sugar in a stand mixer until well blended and fluffy—this creates the tender crumb of your cookies. Add the egg yolks and vanilla extract next, mixing until smooth and combined. Gradually incorporate the flour and salt, mixing until the dough clumps together and pulls away from the bowl’s sides. This step is crucial to achieve the right consistency for slicing later on.

Step 2: Chill and Slice the Dough

After forming the dough into two equal logs wrapped tightly in plastic, chill them for at least 45 minutes. Chilling firms up the dough, making it easier to slice into even ¼-inch rounds, ensuring all your cookies bake evenly and look perfect. Use a ruler if you want flawless uniformity—presentation counts when these beauties hit the snack table.

Step 3: Bake the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F and line your baking sheet with a silicone mat or parchment paper for easy release. Carefully slice the dough and lay those circles flat, shaping them gently if needed. Bake for 11 to 13 minutes until the edges just begin to brown—the sweet smell here will truly have your mouth watering. After baking, cool the cookies on the sheet for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to fully cool. This prevents breakage when handling later.

Step 4: Prepare the Peanut Butter Filling

While the cookies cool, whip up the filling by beating the butter with creamy peanut butter until smooth and lump-free. Add the sifted powdered sugar and vanilla extract next, beating until you achieve a thick, spreadable consistency. The filling is what sets this Homemade Tagalong Cookies Recipe apart, offering that rich, creamy heart reminiscent of everyone’s favorite peanut butter treat.

Step 5: Assemble the Cookies

Use a piping bag fitted with a large round tip to apply a thin, even layer of the peanut butter filling onto each cookie. Start from the outside edge and work toward the center for full coverage. Flatten the top gently with a knife to create a smooth surface. Refrigerate for 15 to 30 minutes so the filling firms up nicely, making it easier to coat with chocolate in the next step.

Step 6: Coat with Chocolate

Melt the Ghirardelli dark chocolate wafers gently in the microwave at half power, stirring often to prevent burning. For that signature look, dip the bottom of each cookie completely into the melted chocolate, then spoon melted chocolate over the top until fully covered. Tap off excess chocolate and place each cookie on a baking sheet lined with parchment or silicone for the chocolate to set. Leftover chocolate can be drizzled over the cookies for a decorative touch that also intensifies the chocolate flavor.

How to Serve Homemade Tagalong Cookies Recipe

The image shows a stack of three chocolate peanut butter cups, each cut in half to reveal three clear layers: a glossy dark brown chocolate outer shell, a thick light brown peanut butter filling in the middle, and a light beige cookie-like base at the bottom. The cups are resting on a piece of brown parchment paper placed on a white marbled surface. In the background, there is a blurred white jar with milk and a white bowl filled with more whole peanut butter cups. The overall look is clean and bright, with the focus on the texture contrasts between the creamy filling, the smooth chocolate, and the crumbly base. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Though these cookies are stunning on their own, you can add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt or finely chopped roasted peanuts before the chocolate sets for a delightful contrast in texture and a burst of extra flavor. A dusting of cocoa powder over the cooled tops can also amplify the chocolate allure.

Side Dishes

Tagalongs are perfect alongside a tall glass of cold milk, a rich cup of coffee, or even a creamy hot chocolate. Their sweet and salty notes harmonize beautifully with these beverages, making any snack or dessert time feel indulgent and cozy.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your Homemade Tagalong Cookies Recipe on a decorative platter alongside fresh fruit slices or nuts to balance the richness. For festive occasions, wrap each cookie in clear cellophane tied with a ribbon for adorable gift-giving or party favors that will wow everyone.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your finished cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep the peanut butter filling firm and the chocolate coating crisp yet tender. Layer cookies with parchment paper to prevent sticking, and they should stay fresh for up to one week.

Freezing

To freeze, place cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Then transfer to a freezer-safe container with parchment layers. When stored properly, they can last up to two months, perfect for baking ahead or saving for a special occasion.

Reheating

For best texture, let frozen cookies thaw in the refrigerator overnight. If you want them slightly warm, briefly microwave one for 10 to 15 seconds but be careful not to melt the chocolate too much. Enjoy the classic flavors just as if freshly made.

FAQs

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Yes, you can substitute crunchy peanut butter if you like a little texture in your filling, but keep in mind it might make spreading or piping the filling a bit trickier. The classic taste remains just as delightful.

Is it necessary to chill the dough logs before slicing?

Chilling the dough is important as it firms it up, making it much easier to cut evenly without the dough sticking or deforming. This step also helps your cookies keep their shape during baking.

Why do we use powdered sugar in the filling instead of granulated sugar?

Powdered sugar dissolves quickly and creates a smooth, creamy filling without any grittiness that granulated sugar might leave behind. It’s key to achieving that velvety peanut butter texture everyone loves.

What chocolate works best for coating these cookies?

Using Ghirardelli dark chocolate melting wafers or almond bark is recommended because they melt smoothly and set quickly to a shiny finish. Regular chocolate chips can be too thick and harder to work with for dipping.

Can these cookies be made vegan or dairy-free?

While this recipe uses butter and egg yolks, you could experiment with vegan butter and egg substitutes, and dairy-free chocolate wafers. However, the texture and taste might vary from the traditional Homemade Tagalong Cookies Recipe experience.

Final Thoughts

Making these Homemade Tagalong Cookies Recipe is a true joy because it combines a nostalgic flavor with the pride of baking from scratch. Whether you’re treating yourself or sharing with loved ones, this recipe brings warmth and happiness to the table. I wholeheartedly encourage you to dive in and create these delicious cookies—you’ll wonder why you didn’t make them sooner!