There’s something undeniably nostalgic about biting into a Tagalong cookie – that perfect harmony of creamy peanut butter, smooth chocolate, and crisp shortbread. As a beloved classic from the Girl Scout cookie lineup, Tagalongs hold a special place in many hearts. But what if I told you that you could recreate this iconic treat right in your own kitchen, with even more love and flavor? In this blog post, I’ll guide you through the steps to make homemade Tagalong cookies that are sure to rival the original. Get ready to embark on a baking adventure that will indulge your taste buds and warm your soul!
Ingredients:
For the Cookie Base:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Peanut Butter Filling:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Chocolate Coating:
- 12 ounces semisweet or milk chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil or vegetable shortening
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Add the vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture and mix until well combined.
Gradually add the flour and salt to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms. It should be smooth and slightly tacky.
Roll the dough out on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use a round cookie cutter or the rim of a glass to cut out circles of dough, about 2 inches in diameter.
Place the cut-out cookies on the prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
While the cookies are cooling, prepare the peanut butter filling. In a medium bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter, powdered sugar, and salt. Mix until smooth and well combined.
Once the cookies have cooled completely, spoon a dollop of peanut butter filling onto the center of each cookie.
Gently spread the peanut butter filling out to the edges of the cookies, leaving a small border around the edge.
Place the cookies in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to allow the peanut butter filling to firm up.
In the meantime, prepare the chocolate coating. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and coconut oil or vegetable shortening. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until the chocolate is melted and smooth.
Remove the cookies from the refrigerator. Using a fork or dipping tool, carefully dip each cookie into the melted chocolate, coating it completely.
Place the chocolate-coated cookies back onto the parchment-lined baking sheet and return them to the refrigerator for another 30 minutes to allow the chocolate to set.
Once the chocolate has hardened, your homemade Tagalong cookies are ready to enjoy!
With their buttery shortbread base, creamy peanut butter filling, and rich chocolate coating, these homemade Tagalong cookies are a true labor of love. Whether enjoyed as a nostalgic treat from your childhood or as a delightful indulgence for any occasion, these cookies are sure to bring joy to your taste buds and warmth to your heart. So, gather your ingredients, channel your inner baker, and let’s recreate the magic of Tagalongs right in your own kitchen. Happy baking!