Irresistible Samoas Cookies Recipe – Better Than Girl Scouts!
There’s something unforgettable about Samoas cookies — the chewy, caramel-coated coconut layer, the crisp shortbread base, and the decadent drizzle of chocolate. These classic Girl Scout favorites have earned a permanent place in dessert history. But what if you could make them at home, any time of year, without waiting for cookie season?
This Homemade Samoas Cookies Recipe captures everything you love about the original while giving you flexibility to customize sweetness, chocolate type, and coconut toasting. The best part? They’re surprisingly easy to make with pantry-friendly ingredients.
Whether you’re preparing them for a bake sale, holiday tray, or just because your sweet tooth is calling, these cookies deliver the perfect combination of flavors and textures.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Copycat Classic – Tastes just like the real thing (if not better!).
- Chewy & Crunchy – Buttery shortbread, gooey caramel, and crispy coconut.
- Customizable – Choose your favorite chocolate or caramel.
- Crowd-Pleaser – Everyone loves Samoas at parties and potlucks.
Ingredients
For the Shortbread Base
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp milk
For the Topping
- 3 cups shredded sweetened coconut
- 12 oz chewy caramels (about 35 unwrapped pieces)
- 3 tbsp heavy cream
- ¼ tsp salt
- 10 oz semisweet or dark chocolate (for dipping & drizzle)
Instructions
- Make Shortbread Dough – In a bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir in vanilla and milk until dough comes together.
- Shape & Bake Cookies – Roll dough to ¼-inch thickness on a floured surface. Use a round cutter (with smaller cutter in center for hole) to make donut-shaped cookies. Place on baking sheet lined with parchment. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes until edges are golden. Cool completely.
- Toast Coconut – Spread shredded coconut on baking sheet and toast at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes, stirring halfway, until golden brown.
- Prepare Caramel Mixture – Melt caramels with heavy cream in microwave or double boiler, stirring until smooth. Mix in toasted coconut and salt.
- Assemble Cookies – Spread caramel-coconut mixture evenly over cooled shortbread bases. Let set.
- Dip & Drizzle Chocolate – Melt chocolate. Dip cookie bottoms into chocolate, then place on parchment to harden. Drizzle remaining chocolate over tops.
- Set & Serve – Allow cookies to fully cool before serving. Store in airtight container.
Serving Ideas
- Serve with cold milk or hot coffee.
- Package in clear treat bags for party favors.
- Add to holiday cookie trays for variety.
Variations
- Dark Chocolate Samoas – Use bittersweet chocolate for a richer bite.
- Salted Caramel Twist – Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top for balance.
- Gluten-Free Version – Use almond flour shortbread base.
- Mini Samoas Bites – Use a mini cookie cutter for bite-sized treats.
Pro Tips
- Work quickly with caramel — it sets fast.
- Grease your spoon or spatula before spreading caramel-coconut topping.
- Chill cookies briefly after dipping to help chocolate harden.
Irresistible Samoas Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cream butter and sugar, then mix in flour, baking powder, salt, vanilla, and milk until dough forms.
- Roll dough ¼-inch thick, cut donut shapes, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes. Cool.
- Toast coconut at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes, stirring halfway.
- Melt caramels with cream and stir in toasted coconut and salt.
- Spread caramel-coconut mixture over shortbread cookies.
- Dip bottoms in melted chocolate and drizzle chocolate on top.
- Cool until set before serving.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
- Room Temperature – Store in airtight container up to 5 days.
- Refrigerator – Extend freshness to 10 days.
- Freezer – Freeze cookies in layers separated by parchment up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before serving.
FAQs
Are Samoas and Caramel deLites the same?
Yes! Different bakeries supply Girl Scouts, so names vary, but flavor is nearly identical.
Can I make these without the hole in the middle?
Of course! The hole is traditional, but flavor remains the same if you keep them whole.
Do I need homemade caramel?
No — store-bought wrapped caramels work perfectly. If you prefer, make homemade caramel sauce for extra richness.
