Homemade Samoas Cookies

Introduction

Samoas cookies are a delightful treat that combines a buttery cookie with rich caramel and toasted coconut, all wrapped in smooth chocolate. These cookies are reminiscent of the popular Girl Scout cookies, but the best part is you can make them at home! Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply wanting to enjoy something sweet, these cookies will surely satisfy your cravings.

Why Make This Recipe

Making homemade Samoas cookies is perfect for those who love to bake and enjoy delicious treats. By preparing these cookies yourself, you can control the ingredients, making them fresher and healthier. They are great for sharing with friends and family, or even for enjoying a quiet moment with a cup of tea or coffee. Plus, there’s something special about making cookies from scratch that always adds a touch of warmth to your day.

How to Make Homemade Samoas Cookies

Ingredients:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 cups shredded sweetened coconut
12 oz soft caramels
3 tablespoons milk
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips, melted

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add flour, baking powder, and salt; mix until combined. Gradually add 2 tablespoons milk and vanilla extract to form a soft dough.
Roll out the dough to 1/4-inch thickness and cut out cookies with a round cutter, then cut smaller holes in the centers.
Place cookies on the baking sheet and bake for 10–12 minutes until lightly golden. Let cool on a wire rack.
Toast shredded coconut on a baking sheet in the oven for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until golden.
Melt caramels with 3 tablespoons milk in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth.
Stir the toasted coconut into the melted caramel mixture.
Spread the caramel-coconut topping onto each cookie.
Dip the bottoms of the cookies into melted chocolate and drizzle chocolate over the tops.
Place the cookies on a wire rack and allow the chocolate to harden before serving.

How to Serve Homemade Samoas Cookies

Serve your homemade Samoas cookies on a charming plate for a sweet treat with coffee or tea. They also make fantastic gifts for friends or family, especially when wrapped in a decorative box.

How to Store Homemade Samoas Cookies

Keep your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want them to last longer, you can freeze them for up to three months. Just make sure they are well-wrapped to avoid freezer burn.

Tips to Make Homemade Samoas Cookies

Ensure your butter is softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
Don’t skip toasting the coconut; it adds wonderful flavor and texture to the cookies.
If you find the caramel too thick, add a little more milk when melting for easier spreading.

Variation

You can try using dark chocolate instead of semisweet chocolate for a richer taste. For a fun twist, consider adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the chocolate for a sweet and salty contrast.

FAQs

1. Can I use unsweetened coconut instead of sweetened?
Yes, you can use unsweetened coconut, but you may want to add a bit more sugar to the cookie to balance the flavors.

2. Can I make these cookies without the chocolate?
Absolutely! If you prefer a lighter treat, you can skip the chocolate and enjoy the cookie with just the caramel and coconut topping.

3. How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, making sure it is a 1:1 substitution for best results.