Easy Homemade Samoa Girl Scout Cookies Recipe That’s Better Than

Homemade Samoa Girl Scout cookies dance with a symphony of rich, decadent flavors that capture childhood memories and sweet nostalgia.

Caramel-coated goodness enhances ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary culinary experience that feels both familiar and magical.

Crafting these beloved treats requires patience and precision, allowing each ingredient to shine in perfect harmony.

Coconut adds delightful texture while chocolate drizzles create an elegant finishing touch to these irresistible morsels.

Baking becomes an art form when enhanceing classic recipes into homemade masterpieces that spark joy and conversation.

Cookie enthusiasts will appreciate the careful balance of sweetness and complexity in every single bite.

Everything Inside These Caramel-Coconut Cookies

• Flour: Foundational dry ingredient for cookie structure, all-purpose works best.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.
• Butter: Creates rich, tender cookie texture, use softened unsalted butter.
• Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps with cookie browning.
• Egg: Binds ingredients and adds moisture to the dough.

• Caramels: Primary sweet coating with chewy texture, use soft store-bought caramels.
• Milk: Helps melt caramels smoothly and adjust consistency.
• Coconut: Adds tropical flavor and signature samoa texture, use unsweetened shredded coconut.

• White Chocolate: Creates decorative and delicious coating, use high-quality chocolate for best results.

Why Homemade Samoa Cookies Are Totally Worth It

• Craving Nostalgic Comfort: Recreate the beloved Girl Scout Samoa cookies right in your kitchen, capturing the perfect blend of childhood memories and homemade deliciousness.
• Texture Sensation Overload: Experience the magical combination of crisp buttery cookies, chewy caramel-coconut topping, and smooth chocolate coating that delivers an irresistible multi-layered mouthfeel.
• Impressive Baking Adventure: Transform simple ingredients into gourmet-style cookies with professional-looking results, making you feel like a true pastry chef without requiring advanced culinary skills.

How to Bake Samoa Cookies with the Right Chew and Crunch

Step 1: Prepare Cookie Dough

Sift flour and salt in a bowl. In another bowl, cream butter until fluffy. Add sugar and egg, mixing thoroughly. Gradually incorporate flour mixture. Shape dough into a 2.5-inch cylinder, wrap in plastic wrap, and freeze for 2 hours or overnight.

Step 2: Bake Cookie Base

Preheat oven to 350°F. Slice dough into 1/4-inch rounds. Place on parchment-lined baking sheets. Bake for 12 minutes until edges turn golden brown. Transfer to wire racks and cool completely.

Step 3: Toast Coconut

Spread shredded coconut on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Toast in oven at 300°F for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally until golden and fragrant. Allow to cool.

Step 4: Create Caramel Coconut Topping

• Caramels
• Milk
• Salt

Microwave for 3-4 minutes, stirring every minute until smooth. Fold in toasted coconut.

Step 5: Assemble Cookies

Spread caramel-coconut mixture over cooled cookie bases. If mixture hardens, briefly reheat in microwave.

Step 6: Chocolate Finishing

Melt white chocolate in microwave, stirring every 30 seconds. Dip cookie bottoms in melted chocolate. Place on parchment paper. Drizzle remaining chocolate over tops. Let chocolate set completely.

Step 7: Store Cookies

Once fully set, store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature.

Tips for Layering Chocolate, Coconut, and Caramel Just Right

• Chill the Dough Perfectly: Wrap the cookie dough cylinder tightly in plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn and ensure a clean, even slice.
• Toast Coconut with Care: Stir coconut frequently while toasting to prevent burning and achieve an even golden-brown color.
• Smooth Caramel Technique: Use soft caramels and stir continuously when melting to create a silky, lump-free caramel mixture.
• Chocolate Dipping Trick: Let melted chocolate cool slightly before dipping to create a smoother, more even chocolate coating on cookie bottoms.
• Storage Secret: Layer cookies between parchment paper in an airtight container to maintain their crisp texture and prevent sticking.

Best Ways to Store These Cookies So They Don’t Get Dry

• Refrigeration: Carefully place cookies in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, keeping them away from strong-smelling foods to maintain their delicate flavor.
• Room Temperature: Allow cookies to reach room temperature before serving for the best taste and texture. Keep them in a sealed container on the counter for 2-3 days, ensuring they're protected from humidity and direct sunlight.
• Freezing: Wrap individual cookies in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature for 1-2 hours before enjoying. Avoid microwaving, as this can soften the chocolate and caramel coating.

Drinks and Desserts That Go with Samoas Perfectly

• Craft a Decadent Dessert Wine Pairing: Complement the rich, sweet Samoa cookies with a luscious late-harvest Riesling or a creamy port wine, which beautifully match the caramel and coconut flavors.
• Brew the Perfect Coffee Companion: Serve these cookies alongside a smooth, medium-roast cold brew or a velvety cappuccino to enhance the caramel and chocolate notes with a warm, comforting touch.
• Create a Creamy Milk Matcher: Enjoy these homemade treats with a chilled glass of whole milk or a creamy almond milk, which softens the cookie's sweetness and provides a refreshing contrast to the rich caramel coating.
• Prepare a Nutty Liqueur Complement: Pair the cookies with a hazelnut or amaretto liqueur, adding depth to the coconut and caramel flavors while creating a sophisticated dessert experience.

Samoa-Inspired Variations That Keep Things Fun

• Chocolate Chip Samoa: Mix ½ cup mini chocolate chips into the dough before freezing. Sprinkle extra chocolate chips over the caramel coconut topping for added richness.
• Nutty Samoa Crunch: Replace ½ cup coconut with chopped almonds or pecans. Toast nuts alongside coconut for enhanced flavor and extra crunch.
• Dark Chocolate Drizzle Samoa: Swap white chocolate for dark chocolate in the coating and drizzle. Add a pinch of sea salt to the caramel mixture for a sophisticated flavor profile.
• Almond Butter Samoa: Replace caramel with smooth almond butter mixed with honey. Fold toasted coconut into the almond butter before spreading on cookies for a nutty, healthier version.

Homemade Samoa Girl Scout Cookies Recipe

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4.7 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 30 1x

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Description

Samoa Girl Scout Cookies bring caramel, coconut, and chocolate together in a delightful homemade treat. Rich chocolate-drizzled shortbread cookies topped with toasted coconut and smooth caramel create an irresistible dessert you’ll savor with pure delight.

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Ingredients

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Dry Ingredients:

• 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
• 0.5 teaspoon coarse salt
• 0.75 cup unsifted confectioners’ sugar

Primary Base Ingredients:

• 0.75 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 large egg

Topping and Coating Ingredients:

• 3 cups shredded unsweetened coconut
• 12 ounces (340 grams) chewy caramels
• 0.25 teaspoon salt
• 3 tablespoons milk
• 8 ounces (227 grams) white chocolate bar

Optional Garnish:

• Additional shredded coconut
• Sliced almonds
• Fresh mint leaves

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Instructions

1. Carefully sift 1½ cups (188 grams) all-purpose flour and ½ teaspoon salt into a medium bowl, setting it aside for later use. In a separate large mixing bowl, whip ¾ cup (170 grams) unsalted butter until light and creamy.
2. Incorporate ¾ cup (150 grams) granulated sugar and 1 large egg into the butter mixture, blending until completely smooth and uniform in texture.
3. Gradually fold the prepared flour mixture into the wet ingredients, creating a consistent dough. Gently shape the dough into a cylindrical log approximately 2.5 inches (6.35 centimeters) in diameter.
4. Wrap the dough cylinder tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours or preferably overnight to enhance flavor and make slicing easier.
5. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. Unwrap the chilled dough and slice into ¼-inch (0.6 centimeters) thick rounds.
6. Arrange cookie rounds on prepared baking sheets, ensuring they are evenly spaced. Bake for 12-14 minutes until edges turn a delicate golden brown.
7. Transfer cookies to wire cooling racks and allow them to cool completely to room temperature.
8. Spread shredded coconut on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Toast in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally until achieving a uniform golden color.
9. Combine caramel candies, whole milk, and ¼ teaspoon salt in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until the mixture becomes smooth and fully melted.
10. Fold the toasted coconut into the caramel mixture, creating a rich, textured coating.
11. Generously spread the caramel-coconut mixture over each cooled cookie. If the mixture becomes too firm, briefly reheat in the microwave.
12. Melt white chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every 30 seconds to prevent scorching.
13. Carefully dip the bottom of each cookie into the melted white chocolate, placing them on fresh parchment paper to set.
14. Drizzle remaining white chocolate over the tops of the cookies in an artistic pattern. Allow cookies to completely cool and set at room temperature.
15. Store the finished Samoa cookies in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Notes

• Chilling the dough helps create perfectly shaped, crisp cookies with clean edges that bake evenly and beautifully.
• Toasting coconut brings out a rich, nutty flavor and golden color, transforming the texture from bland to deliciously crunchy.
• Microwaving caramels with milk creates a smooth, silky sauce that coats the cookies with a luxurious, sticky sweetness.
• Dipping cookie bottoms in white chocolate adds a professional bakery-style finish and provides a delightful contrast to the caramel coconut topping.
• Storing cookies in an airtight container maintains their crisp texture and preserves the delicate balance of flavors for several days.

• Prep Time: 45 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 30
• Calories: 196 kcal
• Sugar: 15g
• Sodium: 76mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: <1g
• Protein: <1g
• Cholesterol: 18mg