Samoas Girl Scout Cookies

If you’ve ever had the pleasure of biting into a Samoas Girl Scout Cookie, you know what a little bite of heaven tastes like. These cookies are an irresistible combination of crisp cookies, rich caramel, and a coating of toasted coconut, all drizzled with a decadent layer of chocolate. Honestly, who can resist that perfect mix of textures and flavors? It’s everything you love about cookies wrapped up in one delicious package. Whether you’re a Girl Scout cookie fan or just someone with a sweet tooth, these Samoas will steal your heart (and your taste buds). Trust me, you’re going to want to make these again and again.

Why You’ll Love Samoas Girl Scout Cookies

Here’s why Samoas will quickly become your go-to cookie recipe:

Homemade Goodness

Nothing beats the feeling of making cookies from scratch, and these homemade Samoas are no exception. You’ll love the process of making them—and even more so, eating them!

A Flavor Explosion

The perfect balance of crispy, chewy, caramel, chocolate, and coconut—every bite is an explosion of flavor. It’s a treat that satisfies all your sweet cravings in one go.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether it’s cookie season or just a day when you need a sweet pick-me-up, these cookies are ideal for any occasion. They also make a great gift—because who doesn’t love a homemade cookie?

Versatile

While Samoas are already incredible on their own, you can experiment with variations. Try adding a pinch of sea salt to the caramel for a salty-sweet twist or swapping in dark chocolate for a richer flavor.

Fun to Make

These cookies are a little more involved than your typical drop cookies, but the process is so fun! Plus, they make your kitchen smell like a bakery—what’s not to love about that?

Ingredients in Samoas Girl Scout Cookies

These cookies are made with a few simple ingredients, but together, they create something magical. Here’s what you’ll need:

Shortbread Cookies

A buttery, crisp shortbread cookie serves as the perfect base for all the sweet toppings. It’s light but sturdy enough to hold up the caramel and coconut layers.

Caramel

Rich, gooey caramel is what truly makes Samoas stand out. It’s sweet, sticky, and perfectly complements the crunch of the cookie and the chewy coconut.

Toasted Coconut

The toasted coconut gives these cookies their signature flavor and texture. It adds a bit of chew and crunch, along with a warm, nutty taste that’s impossible to resist.

Chocolate

Melted chocolate is drizzled over the top of these cookies to give them that signature Samoas look and a rich, chocolatey finish.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card above!)

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Servings: 16
• Calories per serving: 180
• Total Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 25mg
• Sodium: 50mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 24g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 15g
• Protein: 2g

Instructions

Ready to make your own batch of these delicious cookies? Let’s get started:

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure the cookies bake evenly and come out perfectly crisp.

2. Make the Cookie Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, butter, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Mix until the dough comes together and is smooth. Be careful not to overmix—just blend until everything is well incorporated.

3. Roll Out the Dough

Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness. Use a round cookie cutter to cut out circles, then use a smaller round cutter to cut out the centers, making a donut shape.

4. Bake the Cookies

Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden. Let them cool completely on a wire rack.

5. Toast the Coconut

While the cookies are cooling, toast the coconut in a dry skillet over medium heat. Stir constantly for 3-5 minutes until the coconut is golden brown and fragrant. Keep an eye on it—coconut can burn quickly!

6. Make the Caramel

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the caramel and heavy cream together, stirring constantly until the caramel is smooth and melted. Once combined, pour the caramel over the toasted coconut and mix until the coconut is evenly coated.

7. Coat the Cookies

Once the cookies are cool, spoon the caramel coconut mixture on top of each cookie, spreading it evenly. Let the caramel set for a few minutes.

8. Drizzle with Chocolate

Melt the chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl or over a double boiler. Once melted, drizzle the chocolate over the caramel coconut mixture in a zig-zag pattern.

9. Let Cool and Enjoy

Allow the chocolate to set completely before enjoying your homemade Samoas cookies!

How to Serve Samoas Girl Scout Cookies

While these cookies are amazing on their own, here are a few ideas to make them even more special:

With a Glass of Milk

The classic pairing of cookies and milk never goes out of style. Dunk these Samoas in a cold glass of milk for the ultimate treat!

At a Cookie Swap

These cookies are perfect for cookie exchanges! Pack them up in a cute box or tin to share with friends and family during the holiday season.

As a Dessert Platter

Serve these cookies on a dessert platter alongside other cookies or treats for a sweet spread that everyone will love.

With a Cup of Tea or Coffee

Samoas are great with a hot cup of tea or coffee. The caramel and chocolate balance beautifully with the richness of your beverage.

Additional Tips

Toasting the Coconut

Toasting the coconut is essential to bring out its natural sweetness and enhance its flavor. Be sure to watch it closely to avoid burning.

Drizzling the Chocolate

For the perfect drizzle, place the melted chocolate in a zip-top bag, snip off a tiny corner, and drizzle over the cookies. It gives a beautiful finish!

Make it Ahead

These cookies can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for up to a week. They also freeze well if you want to enjoy them later!

Try Different Chocolate Types

While dark chocolate is traditionally used in Samoas, feel free to experiment with milk or white chocolate for a twist on the classic flavor.

Make Smaller Batches

If you’re just craving a few cookies, you can easily halve the recipe and make a smaller batch.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use store-bought caramel instead of making my own?

A1: Yes, you can use pre-made caramel for convenience. Just be sure it’s smooth and creamy so it spreads easily over the coconut.

Q2: Can I skip toasting the coconut?

A2: It’s highly recommended to toast the coconut—it brings out the coconut’s flavor and adds a nice texture. But if you’re in a rush, you can skip it.

Q3: How do I store these cookies?

A3: Store Samoas in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze them for up to 3 months.

Q4: Can I use coconut flakes instead of shredded coconut?

A4: Yes, you can use coconut flakes, but shredded coconut works best for this recipe since it sticks better to the caramel.

Q5: Can I make these without the chocolate drizzle?

A5: Sure! While the chocolate drizzle adds the finishing touch, the caramel and coconut layers are delicious enough to enjoy without it.

Q6: How do I melt the chocolate?

A6: You can melt the chocolate in the microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring in between, or use a double boiler for more control.

Q7: Can I use a different type of nut in place of coconut?

A7: While the traditional Samoas recipe uses coconut, you can experiment with other nuts, like chopped pecans, for a different flavor.

Q8: Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

A8: Yes! Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make these cookies gluten-free, and they will still be just as delicious.

Q9: Can I freeze these cookies?

A9: Yes! Let the cookies cool completely before freezing them. Store in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.

Q10: How can I make these cookies more caramel-y?

A10: To make them even more caramel-rich, you can drizzle extra caramel on top before adding the chocolate drizzle for an extra layer of sweetness!

Conclusion

These Samoas Girl Scout Cookies are a delicious, homemade version of the beloved classic. With their perfect mix of caramel, toasted coconut, and chocolate, they’re bound to become a favorite in your home. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion, a cookie exchange, or just to treat yourself, these cookies will impress every time. So go ahead, bake up a batch, and get ready to indulge in one of the most delightful cookies ever!

Print