Ultimate Homemade Tagalongs

Step 1

Place butter, confectioners' sugar, and vanilla in a large bowl. Beat together on medium speed until the mixture is very smooth, about 1 minute. Do not beat until light and fluffy. (See Tip 3)

Step 2

Add the flour and mix on low speed only until the flour disappears into the dough, about 1 minute. Don't work the dough much once the flour is incorporated. (See Tip 4)

Step 3

Using the spoon or spatula, transfer the dough to a gallon-size Ziploc bag. Put the bag on a flat surface. Leaving the top open, roll the dough into a 1/4-inch thick rectangle that completely fills the bag. As you roll, turn the bag occasionally and lift the plastic from the dough so that it doesn't cause creases. Seal the bag, and place in refrigerator or freezer for at least 2 hours, or for up to 2 days.

Step 4

Preheat the oven to 325° F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.

Step 5

Put the Ziploc bag on a cutting board and slit it open. Turn the firm dough onto a parchment lined board or counter; discard the bag. Cut into round cookies using 2-inch cutter. Transfer the cookies to the baking sheets leaving 1-inch between cookies. Refrigerate for 20 minutes. (See Tip 5)

Step 6

Bake at 325° F for 20 to 25 minutes. Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool. Yield: 33 cookies. (See Tip 6)

Step 7

Beat together the peanut butter and butter in a bowl on high speed until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes.

Step 8

Add confectioners' sugar; beat on medium speed until well combined. If mixture is crumbly, knead with hands until the consistency of Play-Doh. Form into 1/2-ounce balls (about the size of a quarter) and place on cooked cookies. Flatten with hand. Refrigerate for 20 minutes. (See Tip 7)

Step 9

Melt chocolate wafers in a double boiler over simmering water. Dip cookie into melted chocolate; turn to coat on all sides. Remove with a fork allowing excess chocolate to drip off; place on parchment paper to harden.

Step 10

Drizzle excess chocolate over cookies. Yield: 33 Ultimate Tagalongs.