Irresistible Homemade Samoas Girl Scout Cookies Recipe

Irresistible Homemade Samoas Girl Scout Cookies Recipe

Crumbly, buttery shortbread meets caramel and coconut in these irresistible homemade samoas girl scout cookies that will transport you straight to childhood memories.

Cookie enthusiasts know these treats spark instant nostalgia with every bite.

The crisp base and gooey caramel create a dance of textures that enchant dessert lovers.

Each cookie tells a story of sweet indulgence and careful crafting.

Toasted coconut adds a delightful crunch that elevates this classic favorite.

Chocolate drizzles complete the magic, turning simple ingredients into a decadent masterpiece.

Dive into this recipe and recreate the beloved girl scout cookie magic right in your own kitchen.

Flavor Swaps For Homemade Samoas Girl Scout Cookies

  • Baking Brilliance: Pro Tips for Perfect Samoas
  • Precision Matters: Use room temperature butter for smoother dough mixing and ensure even cookie texture. Cold butter can create lumpy, uneven cookie bases that won't blend smoothly.
  • Coconut Caution: Watch coconut closely while toasting to prevent burning. Stir frequently and remove from oven the moment it turns golden brown for optimal flavor and crunch.
  • Caramel Consistency: Add a tiny splash of milk if caramel seems too thick for spreading. Warm caramel helps create a more spreadable topping for easier cookie assembly.
  • Dairy-Free Option: Substitute dairy-free caramel and use coconut milk for a vegan-friendly version. Replace butter with coconut oil or vegan butter for dairy-free shortbread base.

Ways To Present Homemade Samoas Girl Scout Cookies At Home

  • Cookie Platter Party: Create a stunning display with various homemade and store-bought cookies alongside your samoas for a delightful dessert spread.
  • Afternoon Tea Companion: Pair these sweet treats with a hot cup of Earl Grey or chai tea, enhancing the rich caramel and coconut flavors.
  • Dessert Centerpiece: Arrange cookies on a elegant cake stand or rustic wooden board, showcasing their beautiful chocolate drizzle and golden coconut topping.
  • Ice Cream Topping Delight: Crumble the samoas over vanilla or chocolate ice cream for an indulgent dessert that combines crispy, creamy textures.

How To Store Homemade Samoas Girl Scout Cookies Right

  • Cookie Cooldown Strategy: Let homemade samoas reach room temperature completely before storing to prevent moisture buildup and maintain crisp texture.
  • Layering Technique: When storing, place wax paper between cookie layers to prevent sticking and preserve delicate chocolate drizzle design.
  • Refrigeration Recommendation: Keep cookies in sealed container inside refrigerator for maximum freshness, extending shelf life up to 10 days without compromising taste or texture.
  • Freezing Option: Wrap individual cookies or entire batch in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe container. Frozen samoas maintain quality for 2-3 months, perfect for make-ahead treats or unexpected cookie cravings.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 12 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 2 minutes

Calories: 200 kcal

Servings: 23

All The Ingredients For Homemade Samoas Girl Scout Cookies

For Shortbread Base:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Provides sturdy foundation for classic cookie texture, choose unbleached for best flavor and consistent results.
  • Unsalted Butter: Delivers rich, creamy base with smooth, tender consistency, select high-quality European-style butter for superior taste.
  • Granulated Sugar: Sweetens and helps create crisp cookie structure, opt for fine-grain sugar for even distribution.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, deep flavor complexity, use pure extract for most authentic taste.
  • Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor profile, select fine sea salt for precise seasoning.
For Caramel-Coconut Topping:
  • Shredded Coconut: Creates signature tropical crunch and texture, choose unsweetened for better control of overall sweetness.
  • Caramel Squares: Provides gooey, rich binding element, select soft, high-quality caramels for smooth melting.
  • Heavy Cream or Milk: Helps create silky caramel consistency, whole milk ensures maximum richness.
For Chocolate Finishing:
  • Chocolate Chips: Delivers final glossy chocolate coating, select semi-sweet or dark chocolate for balanced sweetness.

What Tools You’ll Need For Homemade Samoas Girl Scout Cookies

  • Baking Sheet: Essential for baking shortbread cookies and toasting coconut.
  • Parchment Paper: Prevents cookies from sticking and makes cleanup easy.
  • Large Mixing Bowl: Perfect for combining dough ingredients and mixing caramel.
  • Cookie Cutters: Round cutters help create classic cookie shapes with center holes.
  • Microwave-Safe Bowl: Ideal for melting caramels and chocolate smoothly.
  • Small Offset Spatula: Great for spreading caramel-coconut mixture evenly.
  • Spoon or Piping Bag: Helps drizzle chocolate over finished cookies.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient measurements.

How To Shape And Bake Homemade Samoas Girl Scout Cookies

  • Buttery Base

Create a tender, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread foundation by gently mixing soft butter with sweet sugar until creamy. Sprinkle in vanilla for a warm aroma. Carefully roll out the dough and cut into delicate circles with a charming center hole. Bake until edges transform into a soft golden hue, then let cool completely.

  • Coconut Transformation

Spread coconut across a baking sheet, transforming plain flakes into a rich, toasty golden landscape. Watch carefully to prevent burning, stirring occasionally for even browning.

  • Caramel Magic

Melt caramel into a silky smooth mixture, blending with a touch of cream. Fold the toasted coconut into this luscious coating, creating a rich tropical embrace for each cookie.

  • Chocolate Finale

Dip cookie bottoms into molten chocolate, creating a decadent base. Drizzle additional chocolate across the tops for an elegant finish. Allow the cookies to rest and set, letting the chocolate create a beautiful sheen.

  • Serving Temptation

Store these irresistible treats in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh and delicious, ready to surprise and delight friends and family with their complex layers of flavor and texture.

Print
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Irresistible Homemade Samoas Girl Scout Cookies Recipe

Irresistible Homemade Samoas Girl Scout Cookies Recipe


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4.9 from 37 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 2 minutes
  • Yield: 23 1x

Description

Irresistible homemade samoas Girl Scout cookies combine coconut, caramel, and chocolate in a delightful treat. Bakers can craft these classic cookies with simple ingredients and basic baking skills, creating a nostalgic dessert that connects you to childhood memories.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (227 grams) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups (240 grams) all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup (100 grams) granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • 2 cups (170 grams) shredded sweetened coconut
  • 15 oz (425 grams) soft caramels (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 cup (170 grams) semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 3 tbsps (45 milliliters) milk or heavy cream
  • ¼ tsp salt

Instructions

  1. Prepare Shortbread Base: Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in vanilla extract, then gradually incorporate flour and salt to create a uniform dough.
  2. Shape and Bake Cookies: Roll dough to quarter-inch thickness and cut into circular shapes with a center hole. Arrange on parchment-lined baking sheet and bake until edges turn golden. Cool completely on wire rack.
  3. Toast Coconut: Spread shredded coconut on baking sheet and roast, stirring occasionally to ensure even caramelization without burning.
  4. Create Caramel Coconut Topping: Combine caramel, cream, and salt, melting into a smooth mixture. Fold in toasted coconut until well integrated.
  5. Assemble Cookies: Spread coconut-caramel mixture evenly over cooled cookie bases, allowing topping to set slightly.
  6. Chocolate Finish: Dip cookie bottoms in melted chocolate, creating a smooth coating. Drizzle additional chocolate across cookie tops in delicate patterns.
  7. Final Setting: Let cookies rest at room temperature or briefly refrigerate to solidify chocolate completely. Store in airtight container to preserve freshness and texture.

Notes

  • Butter Temperature Matters: Use softened butter at room temperature for smoother creaming and better cookie texture, ensuring even incorporation with sugar.
  • Precise Rolling Technique: Roll dough evenly to quarter-inch thickness to guarantee consistent baking and crisp cookie edges without burning.
  • Coconut Roasting Vigilance: Watch coconut closely during toasting, stirring frequently to prevent burning and achieve perfect golden-brown caramelization.
  • Chocolate Dipping Pro Tip: Temper chocolate slightly above room temperature for smooth, glossy coating that sets quickly and creates professional-looking finish.
  • Prep Time: 12 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 23
  • Calories: 200
  • Sugar: 14 g
  • Sodium: 90 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 26 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
Liam O’Sullivan

Liam O’Sullivan

Founder & Culinary Content Creator

Expertise

Recipe Development​, Traditional Irish and European Cuisines, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education​

Education

Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT) – School of Culinary Arts and Food Technology

  • Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and menu development.​

Ballymaloe Cookery School

  • Program: 12-Week Certificate Course
  • Focus: Intensive, hands-on experience emphasizing farm-to-table cooking and sustainable practices.​

Isabella brings a global spark to the Craft Meats table. Born in Florence and trained at the Apicius International School of Hospitality, she blends classic Italian flavor with modern writing that’s easy to follow and hard to forget. 

Her additional training at the Italian Chef Academy fueled her love for well-crafted dishes, especially ones that spotlight beautiful cuts of meat.

She’s a food writer with heart, and a deep love for storytelling through single recipes. Her goal? To help you cook with more confidence and a little more joy, no matter where you start.

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