I’m about to share something that might just ruin your wallet’s relationship with those annual cookie sales – a copycat Tagalong recipe that nails every single layer. You know that moment when you bite through rich chocolate, hit creamy peanut butter, then sink into buttery shortbread? That’s exactly what we’re creating here, and honestly, these might be better than the originals. Ready to become the hero of every gathering this year?
Why You’ll Love these Copycat Tagalong Cookies
While Girl Scout cookie season only comes around once a year, these copycat Tagalong cookies let you satisfy that craving whenever it strikes.
I’m talking about those perfect little shortbread rounds topped with creamy peanut butter and smothered in chocolate. The best part? You control the peanut butter layer thickness. Want it extra thick? Go wild.
The shortbread base stays tender and buttery, never tough or dry. Plus, making them at home means no waiting for cookie season or paying premium prices.
You’ll get that same addictive sweet-salty combo that makes store-bought Tagalongs disappear so quickly.
What Ingredients are in Copycat Tagalong Cookies?
These copycat Tagalong cookies require three sets of ingredients that work together to create cookie magic.
For the shortbread cookies:
- 1 cup butter
- ⅔ cup sugar
- 2 egg yolks
- 2 teaspoons vanilla
- 2½ cups flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the peanut butter filling:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- ½ cup butter
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
For the chocolate coating:
– 16 ounces chocolate wafers
When it comes to peanut butter, stick with the classics like Jif or Skippy since they give you that smooth, familiar flavor that makes these taste just like the real deal.
How to Make these Copycat Tagalong Cookies
Start by beating 1 cup of butter with ⅔ cup sugar until it’s light and fluffy, like a sweet little cloud of deliciousness.
Mix in 2 egg yolks and 2 teaspoons vanilla, then gradually fold in 2½ cups flour and ½ teaspoon salt until you’ve got a proper cookie dough that doesn’t stick to everything in sight.
Step 2: Shape and Chill the Dough
Roll your dough into logs, because apparently cookies need their beauty sleep too.
Pop those logs in the fridge for 45 minutes, which gives you just enough time to clean up the flour explosion you probably created.
Step 3: Slice and Bake the Cookies
Slice your chilled logs into rounds and arrange them on a baking sheet like little golden soldiers.
Bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes until the edges are just barely golden, because nobody wants a burnt shortbread situation.
Step 4: Whip Up the Peanut Butter Filling
While your cookies cool down from their hot oven adventure, mix together 1 cup creamy peanut butter, ½ cup butter, 1 cup powdered sugar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla.
Beat it until it’s smooth and spreadable, which shouldn’t take long since peanut butter is basically already perfect.
Step 5: Assemble the Cookie Sandwiches
Spread that gorgeous peanut butter mixture on your completely cooled cookies, because patience is a virtue even when you’re dying to eat them.
Once they’re all topped, send them back to the fridge for another chill session.
Step 6: Prepare the Chocolate Coating
Melt 16 ounces of chocolate wafers in whatever method makes you happy, whether that’s double boiler, microwave, or just staring at them really intensely.
You want it smooth and dippable, not chunky and rebellious.
Step 7: Dip and Set the Final Cookies
Dip each peanut butter-topped cookie into the melted chocolate, letting any excess drip off like a chocolate waterfall.
Place them on parchment paper and let them set until the chocolate hardens, which requires the kind of patience that separates cookie champions from cookie amateurs. For even better results, consider using a premium baking dish when making multiple batches to elevate your entire cookie-making experience.
What to Serve with Copycat Tagalong Cookies
These rich, chocolatey treats are basically dessert royalty, so they deserve companions that either complement their decadence or balance it out. A tall glass of cold milk is the obvious choice because, honestly, what peanut butter chocolate combo doesn’t beg for milk?
Coffee or hot chocolate work beautifully too, especially if you’re serving them as an after-dinner treat or afternoon snack.
For something lighter, try pairing them with fresh strawberries or vanilla ice cream, which cuts through all that sweet richness.
If you’re feeling fancy, a cheese plate with mild options like brie can surprisingly complement the peanut butter flavors.
These cookies shine at casual gatherings, movie nights, or whenever you need something that screams “I definitely have my life together” even when you absolutely don’t.
Copycat Tagalong Cookies Substitutions and Variations
Want to make these cookies your own? I’m all about customizing recipes to fit your pantry, dietary needs, or wild flavor dreams.
For the cookies, swap vanilla extract with almond extract for a nutty twist. Can’t find chocolate wafers? Use chocolate chips or candy melts instead.
The peanut butter filling begs for creativity. Try almond butter, sunflower seed butter, or even Nutella.
Add mini chocolate chips, crushed pretzels, or a pinch of sea salt.
Going gluten-free? Substitute the flour with your favorite gluten-free blend.
Trust me, these variations taste just as amazing as the original.
Leftovers and Storage for these Copycat Tagalong Cookies
After you’ve managed to resist demolishing the entire batch in one sitting, you’ll want to store these copycat Tagalongs properly so they stay fresh and delicious.
I keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. The chocolate coating protects everything underneath beautifully.
For longer storage, I’ll freeze them in freezer bags for up to three months. Just let them thaw at room temperature before serving. The peanut butter filling might firm up when cold, but it softens quickly.
Trust me, proper storage means you can enjoy these treats for weeks instead of hours.
Final Thoughts for Copycat Tagalong Cookies
There’s something deeply satisfying about recreating a beloved cookie from scratch, especially when you nail that perfect combination of crispy shortbread, creamy peanut butter, and rich chocolate.
These copycat Tagalongs deliver all the nostalgic flavors without the seasonal wait or the guilt of buying ten boxes. They’re perfect for bake sales, holiday cookie exchanges, or those random Tuesday afternoons when you need something sweet to brighten the day.
Plus, you can make them exactly how you like them – extra peanut butter filling, anyone? Nothing beats the pride of serving homemade treats that taste just like the store-bought favorites everyone craves.