Homemade Samoas Girl Scout Cookies Recipe

Irresistible Homemade Samoas Girl Scout Cookies Recipe

Crafting these delectable samoas girl scout cookies at home feels like unlocking a sweet childhood memory.

Cookie enthusiasts understand the magic of recreating beloved treats in their own kitchen.

Nostalgic flavors dance across your palate with each carefully crafted bite.

Coconut caramel magic happens when simple ingredients combine with passion and precision.

Baking becomes an art form that connects generations through shared culinary experiences.

Small hands can help press and shape these delightful cookies, creating moments of joy.

Prepare to embark on a delicious journey that will make every cookie lover smile and celebrate homemade goodness.

FAQs

  • Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cookie dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap to prevent drying out.

  • How do I prevent the cookies from spreading during baking?

Chill the cut cookie shapes in the refrigerator for 15 minutes before baking. This helps them maintain their shape and prevents excessive spreading.

  • What type of chocolate works best for dipping?

Semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips work great. They melt smoothly and provide a rich flavor that complements the caramel and coconut topping.

  • Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?

Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Just ensure it contains xanthan gum for better texture.

Homemade Samoas That Beat the Boxed Ones

Whip Up Homemade Delights: Reasons to Love These Samoas

  • Nostalgic Treat Remake: Recreate the beloved Girl Scout cookie right in your kitchen, bringing childhood memories to life with every delicious bite.
  • Customize with Ease: Adjust ingredient quantities, experiment with chocolate drizzles, or swap coconut types to make these cookies uniquely yours.
  • Weekend Baking Adventure: Perfect for lazy weekend projects, this recipe transforms ordinary baking time into a fun, rewarding experience that everyone can enjoy.
  • Impressive Crowd-Pleaser: Wow family and friends with professional-looking cookies that taste even better than store-bought versions, making you the ultimate baking hero.

Homemade Samoas Girl Scout Cookies Ingredient List

Cookie Base:
  • All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of the cookie with a mild, neutral flavor and soft texture.
  • Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a golden color for the cookie.
  • Butter: Provides rich flavor and helps create a tender, crumbly texture.
  • Baking Powder: Helps the cookie rise and become light and fluffy.
  • Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cookie.
  • Milk: Helps bind the ingredients and create a smooth dough.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, classic flavor to the cookie base.
Topping Components:
  • Shredded Coconut: Adds tropical texture and nutty flavor to the cookie.
  • Soft Caramels: Creates a rich, gooey coating with sweet depth.
  • Milk (for Caramel): Helps soften and smooth the caramel mixture.
Chocolate Finishing:
  • Chocolate (Melting Chocolate): Provides a smooth, glossy coating and rich flavor for dipping and drizzling.

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for smooth cookie magic.

Step 2: Mix the Cookie Base

In a spacious mixing bowl, whip softened butter and sugar until they become a fluffy cloud-like mixture.

  • Flour
  • Baking powder
  • Salt

Blend these dry ingredients into the buttery mixture, then gently incorporate milk and vanilla to create a tender dough.

Step 3: Shape and Bake the Cookies

Roll out the dough on a flour-dusted surface to a slim 1/4-inch thickness.

Punch out round shapes and create a cute center hole for each cookie.

Slide the cookies onto the prepared baking sheet and bake until they turn a delicate golden color, about 10-12 minutes.

Let them cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 4: Toast the Coconut

Spread shredded coconut on a baking sheet and roast in the oven, stirring occasionally, until it reaches a gorgeous golden-brown hue.

Step 5: Whip Up the Caramel Coating

Melt caramel pieces with milk in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every 30 seconds until silky smooth.

Fold the toasted coconut into the caramel mixture.

Step 6: Assemble the Cookie Masterpiece

Generously spread the caramel-coconut mixture over each cookie.

Dunk the bottom of each cookie in melted chocolate and drizzle more chocolate on top for extra decadence.

Step 7: Let Them Set

Place the cookies on a wire rack and allow the chocolate to harden completely before devouring.

  • Use a rolling pin with thickness rings to ensure uniform 1/4-inch cookie thickness for consistent baking.
  • Watch coconut carefully while toasting, stirring frequently to prevent burning and achieve even golden color.
  • Microwave caramel in short intervals, stirring between each to prevent scorching and maintain smooth consistency.
  • Use a small spoon or piping bag for clean, controlled chocolate drizzles across cookie tops.
  • Store finished Samoas between parchment paper layers in an airtight container to maintain crispness and prevent sticking.

Keep Homemade Samoas Girl Scout Cookies Fresh

  • Seal homemade Samoas in an airtight container, placing parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Keep fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
  • Wrap individual cookies in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for maximum 3 months without losing quality or taste.
  • Store cookies in a sealed container at cool room temperature for 2-3 days, ensuring they remain crisp and delicious.
  • Warm cookies briefly in the oven at 300°F for 2-3 minutes to restore original texture and revive caramel's softness.

Favorites to Serve with Samoas Cookies

  • Pair these rich, sweet Samoas with a crisp, slightly tart white wine like Riesling to balance the caramel's intensity. The wine's acidity cuts through the cookie's sweetness, creating a delightful contrast.
  • Choose a medium-dark roast espresso or Colombian coffee to complement the chocolate and caramel notes. The robust coffee's deep flavor profile intensifies the cookie's richness, creating a luxurious tasting moment.
  • Serve alongside a chilled coconut water or light coconut smoothie to echo the toasted coconut's nutty undertones. This pairing amplifies the cookie's tropical essence and provides a refreshing counterpoint to the sweet treat.
  • Coconut-Free Version: Skip the shredded coconut and replace with crushed almonds or pecans for a nut-based alternative that maintains the cookie's crunch.
  • Gluten-Free Adaptation: Substitute regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and use certified gluten-free caramel to ensure safe consumption for those with gluten sensitivities.
  • Vegan Transformation: Replace butter with coconut oil, use plant-based milk, swap caramel with dairy-free caramel sauce, and use dark chocolate without milk solids to create a completely plant-based cookie experience.
  • Low-Sugar Option: Use sugar substitute like stevia in the cookie base, replace traditional caramel with a sugar-free caramel alternative, and use dark chocolate with minimal added sugar to reduce overall sweetness.
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Homemade Samoas Girl Scout Cookies Recipe


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4.8 from 30 reviews

  • Total Time: 42 minutes
  • Yield: 24 1x

Description

Irresistible homemade samoas girl scout cookies bring caramel, coconut, and chocolate together in a delightful dance of flavors. Crisp shortbread, toasted coconut, and rich chocolate create a nostalgic treat you’ll crave long after the first delectable bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Cookies Base:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Topping:

  • 3 cups shredded sweetened coconut
  • 12 ounces (340 grams) soft caramels
  • 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) milk

Chocolate Coating:

  • 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips, melted

Instructions

  1. Warm the oven to 350°F, creating a perfectly calibrated baking environment. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for seamless cookie preparation.
  2. Cream butter and sugar until the mixture transforms into a fluffy, aerated texture. Incorporate flour, baking powder, and salt, blending until a cohesive dough emerges. Gently introduce milk and vanilla, forming a tender, malleable consistency.
  3. Dust a work surface with flour and roll the dough to a precise 1/4-inch thickness. Craft circular cookie bases using a round cutter, then delicately remove center portions to create the signature Samoas silhouette.
  4. Transfer cookies to the prepared baking sheet and slide into the preheated oven. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges achieve a delicate golden hue. Transfer to a cooling rack, allowing cookies to reach room temperature.
  5. Spread coconut across a baking sheet and toast in the oven, stirring periodically. Watch carefully as the coconut transforms into a rich, golden-brown color with a nutty fragrance.
  6. Melt caramels with milk in short microwave intervals, stirring between each session until a smooth, glossy consistency develops. Fold toasted coconut into the caramel mixture, creating a luscious topping.
  7. Carefully spread the caramel-coconut mixture over each cookie base, ensuring even coverage. Immerse cookie bottoms in melted chocolate, then artfully drizzle additional chocolate across the surface.
  8. Position cookies on a wire rack, allowing chocolate to solidify and set completely. The result: a homemade version of the beloved Samoas, crafted with precision and care.

Notes

  • Choose high-quality unsalted butter for the most luxurious cookie texture and rich flavor profile.
  • Ensure caramels are fresh and soft to create a smooth, easy-to-spread topping without lumps.
  • Toast coconut carefully to prevent burning, watching it closely and stirring frequently for even golden color.
  • Experiment with dark or milk chocolate drizzles to customize the final chocolate coating according to personal preference.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 24
  • Calories: 150
  • Sugar: 10 g
  • Sodium: 50 mg
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 1 g
  • Cholesterol: 15 mg
James Walker

James Walker

Lead Recipe Developer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Southern Cuisine & Farm-to-Table Cooking, Recipe Development & Testing, Culinary Education & Instruction​

Education

School: Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts

Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts and Operations

Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern culinary techniques, kitchen operations, and farm-to-table practices. ​


James didn’t learn cooking from a TV show, he learned it from busy kitchens, family gatherings, and long afternoons spent testing recipes the hard way.
After training at the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, he brought his love for real, down-to-earth food to every dish he makes.
At Dining At Home, James loves building recipes that feel familiar but still have something special, like adding a twist to a classic or making a slow Sunday dinner feel brand new.
When he’s not in the kitchen, you’ll probably find him swapping garden tips at the farmers’ market or teaching his daughter how to flip pancakes without a mess (almost).

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