If you love Girl Scout cookies as much as many other people do, then you may enjoy a Peanut Butter Patty, or sometimes you'll even see them called Tagalongs. Let's dive into why there are two different types of girl scout cookies and how they compare to other peanut butter cookies.
Peanut Butter Patties vs. Tagalongs: What is the Difference?
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The primary difference between Peanut Butter Patties and Tagalongs is where they're sold. Girl Scouts uses two different bakeries that sell in different regions. ABC Bakers call their cookie “Peanut Butter Patty” while Little Brownie Bakers call them “Tagalongs.”
The cities these bakeries supply to change over time, but a 2015 analysis showed that the fudge-covered brownies with peanut butter inside were called.
- Tagalongs in New York City, Seattle, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Dallas, Austin, Miami, Washington D.C., Chicago, and Denver.
- Peanut Butter Patties in Sacramento, Orange County, Fort Worth, Houston, Greenville, Raleigh, Orlando, Kansas City, Omaha, Philadelphia, and Boston.
There may be slight variations in taste and appearance due to the different recipes and baking processes used by each bakery, but they are largely similar. One note is that Girl Scout cookie aficionados will often test test cookies from ABC and Little Brownie Bakers, and most tests have confirmed that the peanut butter in Tagalongs is creamier. Another difference that frequently is cited between Peanut Butter Patties and Tagalongs is that Peanut Butter Patties have less peanut butter inside and a larger crisp cookie.
The bottom line: If you're a peanut butter fan you'll likely enjoy Tagalongs more than Peanut Butter Patties.
Tagalong vs Peanut Butter Patties Nutrition
Another small difference between Tagalongs and Peanut Butter Patties is the nutrition. Likely owing to their higher amounts of peanut butter, Tagalongs have 140 calories per two cookies while Peanut Butter Patties have 130 calories.
Other Girl Scout Cookies that are Similar
Tagalongs and Peanut Butter Patties aren't the only Girl Scout cookie that is named differently depending on where its sold.
- Samoas vs Caramel deLites: Both these caramel cookies are favorites. Caramel deLites are made by ABC Bakers while Somoas are baked by Little Brownie Bakers. Which is to say, the same company that makes Tagalongs makes Samoas as well.
- Thin Mints: Both ABC Bakers and Little Brownies Bakers call their mint cookie “Thin Mints,” but the flavors are different.
- Peanut Butter Sandwiches vs Do-si-dos: Another peanut butter Girl Scouts cookie with two names is the Peanut Butter Sandwich/Do-si-do. The Do-si-do has a stronger peanut butter taste and is sold by Little Brownie Bakers.
Now that we've reviewed Peanut Butter Patties vs. Tagalongs, let's see how these cookies compare to other types of peanut butter cookies.
Baking Peanut Butter Cookies
While every recipe will be a bit different, standard peanut butter cookies are made with sugar, eggs, and peanut butter. The proteins in the eggs blend with the oil in the peanut butter to create the soft texture. Add the ingredients and a bit of vanilla extract into a bowl and stir. Then shape the dough into balls and flatten with a fork. Bake at 325 degrees for 15 minutes or until golden brown (baking time may differ based on the batch, equipment, etc).
Baking Tagalongs
Tagalong cookies are a bit more complex. They combine chocolate and peanut butter into one delicious package. In addition to those two ingredients, they often include eggs, flour, sugar, and vanilla extract. Just like with peanut butter cookies, there are different ways to make tagalongs. However, the basic recipe goes as follows:
1. In a bowl, cream together sugar and butter until it is light and fluffy.
2. Then add egg, salt, and vanilla, and beat until smooth.
3. Put the dough in plastic wrap and chill until firm.
4. Slice the cookies into thin rounds.
5. When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350 degrees and bake for 9-12 minutes or until golden.
6. Make the peanut butter filling by adding peanut butter with confectioner’s sugar and mix it.
7. Make the sugar by melting down chocolate wafers into an even and smooth consistency.
8. Cover your peanut butter rounds with the chocolate.
9. Let the cookies harden and then enjoy!
Peanut Butter vs. Tagalongs: Nutrition
The debate of peanut butter vs Tagalongs also comes with some nutritional differences.
Tagalongs
Two tagalong cookies bring 140 calories and a lot of that is fat. However, the cookies also have 6% protein, which is good for building and repairing muscles and producing healthy enzymes. Tagalongs do contain some other healthy nutrients, including:
- Iron
- Phosphorous
- Zinc
- Magnesium
- Potassium
Peanut Butter Cookies
Peanut butter on its own is very healthy. Research shows that folks who regularly eat peanut butter are less likely to develop heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Also, the combination of fiber and protein is good for weight management, which is essential if you want to stay in good shape.
However, when you add in oil and other ingredients, it becomes a bit less healthy. Altogether, each cookie will be around 72 calories. There will be some fat and calories involved. Like Tagalongs, peanut butter cookies do contain some healthier nutrients, including:
- Vitamin D
- Iron
- Potassium
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin C
- Protein
Both cookies also include polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats, which sound bad at first, but they’re actually healthy. Both fats can decrease inflammation and improve cholesterol. Consuming them has also been found to decrease the chances of cardiovascular disease. Basically, eating foods with those properties can help your heart.
Tagalong Type Recipes
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If you’re on the Tagalong side of the peanut butter vs Tagalongs argument and you want to try something similar, then there are some recipes that also perfectly combine chocolate and peanut butter:
- Old School Peanut Butter Bars – Peanut butter plus chocolate frosting!
- Peanut Butter Chocolate Kiss Cookies – Delicious peanut butter cookies with a tasty chocolate kiss.
- Peanut Butter Cake – A savory cake with delicate chocolate frosting.
- Waffle Cone S’Mores – A creative treat with chocolate and peanut butter.
Waffle Cone S'more
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Ingredients
- Waffle cones or cake cones
- Chocolate chips, chunks of your favorite candy bars, or anything else you prefer.
- Peanut butter chips
- Mini marshmallows
- Additional options: caramel bits or bananas or berries
- Optional: ice cream
Instructions
- Fill your cone of choice with your desired ingredients.
- Cover your filled waffle cone s’more in tin foil and place on the fire, in the oven, or on the grill. For the oven, try 350 degrees for about 8-12 minutes. (It will vary depending on the size of cone you are using.)
- If you really want to put your body into sugar overload, drop a scoop of ice cream on top of the melted heavenly mess.
- Cuisine: American
Peanut Butter Recipes
If you’re on the peanut butter side of the peanut butter vs Tagalongs argument, then you’re in luck, because there are many chocolate dessert recipes that you’ll love:
- Peanut Butter Ghost Cookies – A spooky treat with peanut butter goodness.
- Peanut Butter Cheesecake – A tasty cheesecake treat.
- Fudge with Peanut Butter – Fudge with peanut butter, chocolate, and marshmallows.
- Peanut Butter Pie – This pie is loaded with peanut butter, vanilla, and whipping cream.
- Classic Peanut Butter Cookie Recipe – Another tasty peanut butter cookie recipe that your family will love.
Conclusion
In the end, there are a few differences to consider when choosing between peanut butter vs Tagalongs cookies. Both are very delicious treats that do have their health benefits, but should be eaten in moderation. Whatever you choose, we hope you enjoy them!