Tagalong Cookie Bars feature a buttery shortbread crust, a smooth peanut butter filling, and a glossy chocolate topping. Easy to assemble, these bars capture the classic flavor of chocolate-covered peanut butter cookies in an uncomplicated pan-baked treat.
If you love the peanut butter and chocolate combination, these Tagalong Cookie Bars are a fantastic, crowd-pleasing shortcut. Instead of shaping individual cookies, you make three simple layers in a 9×13 pan: a shortbread-style cookie base, a creamy peanut butter layer sweetened with powdered sugar, and a melted chocolate topping. The recipe uses common pantry ingredients and yields bars with the same nostalgic flavor as the popular cookie.
Ingredients in Tagalong Cookie Bars
Cookie Layer:
1 cup butter, softened to room temperature
1/2 cup sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
2 Tbsp milk
Peanut Butter Layer:
1 1/2 cups creamy peanut butter
3/4 cup powdered sugar
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Chocolate Layer:
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 Tbsp shortening (or a neutral oil)
How to make Tagalong Cookie Bars
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch pan with non-stick spray or line it with parchment for easier removal.
Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl and set aside. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar with an electric mixer for 2–3 minutes until light and creamy. Add the flour mixture, vanilla, and milk and mix just until combined into a soft dough.
Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan. A small rolling pin or the bottom of a measuring cup helps smooth the surface. Bake 15–18 minutes, or until the edges begin to show a light golden color. Remove from oven and allow the crust to cool completely before adding the next layer.
For the peanut butter filling, stir together the peanut butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Spread this mixture evenly over the cooled cookie crust.
Make the chocolate layer by combining the chocolate chips and shortening in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for 45 seconds, stir, then microwave another 30 seconds. Stir until smooth. If needed, microwave in 15-second intervals—avoid overheating the chocolate.
Pour the melted chocolate over the peanut butter layer and spread evenly with a spatula or butter knife. Let the chocolate set at room temperature for a few hours, or chill in the refrigerator for 30–60 minutes to speed the process. Slice into bars and store or serve at room temperature.
Recipe Details
Yield: about 24 bars
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Ingredients (organized)
- Cookie Layer: 1 cup butter (softened), 1/2 cup sugar, 2 cups flour, 1/4 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp vanilla, 2 Tbsp milk
- Peanut Butter Layer: 1 1/2 cups peanut butter, 3/4 cup powdered sugar, 1/2 tsp vanilla
- Chocolate Layer: 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, 1 Tbsp shortening
Instructions (concise)
- Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13 pan.
- Combine flour, baking powder, and salt; set aside.
- Cream butter and sugar 2–3 minutes. Add flour mixture, vanilla, and milk; mix until combined.
- Press dough into pan and bake 15–18 minutes. Cool completely.
- Mix peanut butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth; spread over cooled crust.
- Melt chocolate chips and shortening, stir until smooth, and pour over peanut butter layer.
- Let chocolate set (room temperature or refrigerated 30–60 minutes). Slice and serve.
Tips for the best chocolate peanut butter cookie bars
- Use softened, not melted, butter for the cookie layer to get the right texture.
- Cream the butter and sugar for a couple of minutes to improve tenderness.
- Always preheat the oven so the crust bakes evenly.
- Remove the bars as soon as the edges begin to turn light golden—slightly underbaked bars stay softer and more tender.
More bar cookie ideas
- Strawberry Cheesecake Cookie Bars
- Sugar Cookie Bars
- Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
- No-Bake Cookie Bars
- Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
- Lemon Sugar Cookie Bars
- Swirled Patriotic Cookie Bars
- Fudgy Oatmeal Cookie Bars
- Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars
Tagalong Cookie Bars are a simple, delicious way to enjoy the classic chocolate-and-peanut-butter pairing without shaping individual cookies. They’re ideal for potlucks, school treats, or any time you want a nostalgic dessert that’s easy to make.
The weather has warmed up here in southern Utah, and warmer days mean more time outside. Simple, make-ahead treats like these cookie bars are perfect for busy days when you want something sweet on hand without spending too much time in the kitchen.
