For those who adhere to gluten-free, grain-free, refined sugar-free, or keto diets, the craving for classic treats like Girl Scout cookies can be challenging. But fear not! This article provides a comprehensive guide to creating your own Keto Tagalong Bars, a delightful and healthy alternative to the traditional Peanut Butter Patties.
Introduction
Tagalongs, or Peanut Butter Patties, are a beloved Girl Scout cookie, combining the irresistible flavors of chocolate and peanut butter. This recipe recreates that iconic taste while adhering to ketogenic principles, allowing you to enjoy a favorite treat without compromising your dietary goals.
Why Choose Keto Tagalong Bars?
- Dietary Compliance: Perfect for those following keto, gluten-free, and sugar-free diets.
- Healthier Ingredients: Replaces refined sugars and gluten with healthier alternatives.
- Homemade Goodness: Offers a satisfying baking experience with control over ingredients.
- Nostalgic Flavors: Captures the essence of the classic Tagalong cookie.
Part 1: Keto Tagalong Cookie Bars
This recipe simplifies the process of making Tagalong Cookies by turning them into easy-to-make bars.
Ingredients
- Shortbread Layer:
- 1/2 cup coconut flour
- 3/4 cup + 2 Tbsp lupin flour (Lupina or Lodi brand recommended)
- 1 cup palm shortening
- 1/2 cup keto granulated sugar (such as Swerve or Lakanto)
- 1 tsp xanthan gum or guar gum
- 1 Tbsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp double-acting baking powder
- 1/2 tsp Himalayan salt
- 1 large egg
- Peanut Butter Layer:
- As indicated in the recipe.
- Chocolate Coating:
- As indicated in the recipe.
Instructions
- Prepare the Shortbread Crust:
- Preheat the oven to 350ºF (175°C). Lightly grease an 8x8 inch metal baking pan.
- In a food processor, combine almond flour, sweetener, and salt. Pulse a few times to combine.
- Sprinkle butter pieces over the mixture and continue to pulse until it resembles fine crumbs.
- Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until light golden brown. Remove from the oven and let cool completely.
- Make the Peanut Butter Filling:
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine peanut butter and butter. Heat until melted and smooth, stirring to combine. Alternatively, melt in a pan on the stove over very low heat.
- Stir in powdered sweetener until well combined, then whisk in cream and extract.
- Pour the peanut butter mixture over the cooled crust and spread evenly with an offset spatula.
- Refrigerate until set, about 20 minutes.
- Create the Chocolate Coating:
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine chopped chocolate and butter (the same bowl used for the peanut butter mixture can be used).
- Heat in 30-second increments, stirring in between, until smooth. Be careful not to overheat and cause the chocolate to seize.
- Spread the melted chocolate over the chilled peanut butter filling.
- Refrigerate until the chocolate has hardened.
- Cut and Serve:
- Once the chocolate is firm, cut the bars into 16 equal squares (2x2 inches each).
- Store in a sealed container in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Part 2: Keto Tagalong Cookies
This recipe provides instructions for making individual keto Tagalong cookies.
Ingredients
- Cookies:
- 1/2 Cup Coconut Flour
- 3/4 Cup + 2 Tbsp Lupin Flour (I like Lupina Brand Lupin Flour and Lodi Brand Lupin Flour)
- 1 Cup Palm Shortening
- 1/2 Cup Keto Granulated Sugar (like Swerve or Lakanto)
- 1 Tsp Xanthan Gum or Guar Gum
- 1 Tbsp Vanilla Extract
- 1 Tsp Double Acting Baking Powder
- 1/2 Tsp Himalayan Salt
- 1 Large Egg
- Peanut Butter Filling:
- As indicated in the recipe.
- Chocolate Coating:
- As indicated in the recipe.
Instructions
- Prepare the Cookie Dough:
- Preheat the oven to 325 degrees and line two sheet pans with parchment paper.
- Using a spoon or mixer, begin combining the coconut flour, lupin flour, shortening, granulated sugar, xanthan or guar gum, vanilla, baking powder, salt, and egg. You should end up with a thick dough once everything is combined.
- Cut and Bake the Cookies:
- Roll the dough out between 2 sheets of parchment paper until it is about 1/4 inch thick.
- Using a small round cookie cutter or biscuit cutter cut the dough into about 30-40 cookies, depending on the thickness of the rolled out dough. I usually end up with about 25 cookies.
- Place the cookies on the sheet pans.
- Bake the cookies 1 pan at a time (to avoid burning) for 8 to 10 minutes or until they become golden around the edges. Remove from the oven and let cool completely.
- Add the Peanut Butter Filling:
- While the cookies are cooling, mix together the peanut butter filling ingredients until everything is fully incorporated.
- Fill a piping bag with the peanut butter filling and pipe 2 tsp onto each cookie.
- Tap each cookie after piping the filling to evenly spread the peanut butter to the edge of the cookie.
- Place into the freezer for 20 to 30 minutes or until the peanut butter has set and harden.
- Coat with Chocolate:
- In a microwave safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips and coconut oil together in 30 second intervals until smooth.
- Dunk the cookies into the melted chocolate, coating the entire cookie and then place on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper.
- Place into the freezer until the chocolate has hardened and enjoy! Keep in a sealed container and refrigerated until ready to eat.
Tips and Considerations
- Cookie Thickness: Monitor the cookies closely during baking, as their thickness affects cooking time.
- Peanut Butter Consistency: If peanut butter is cold, microwave it for 30 seconds to soften before mixing.
- Spreading Peanut Butter: Gently spread the peanut butter layer to avoid crumbling the shortbread base. Dropping small dollops and waiting a few minutes can help.
- Melting Chocolate: Be careful not to overheat the chocolate, as it can seize. Heat in short intervals, stirring frequently.
- Cooling Time: Allowing sufficient cooling time ensures that the layers set properly, resulting in a cleaner cut and a more enjoyable eating experience.
- Chocolate Percentage: When selecting chocolate, consider the percentage of dark chocolate, as it may offer health benefits.
Health Benefits of Dark Chocolate
While it's essential to consume treats in moderation, dark chocolate offers potential health benefits due to its antioxidant properties. Choosing dark chocolate with a higher cocoa percentage can add a nutritional boost to your Keto Tagalong Bars.
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