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Homemade Samoas Girl Scout Cookies

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  • Author: KimEasy
  • Prep Time: 1 hour (including chilling time)
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 12 minutes
  • Yield: Approximately 3 dozen cookies 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

These homemade Samoas cookies replicate the classic Girl Scout treat with a buttery shortbread base, a rich caramel and toasted coconut topping, and a decadent chocolate drizzle.


Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Cookies:

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

For the Coconut Topping:

  • 3 cups sweetened shredded coconut
  • 15 ounces soft caramels (store-bought or homemade)
  • 3 tablespoons heavy cream
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Chocolate Coating:

  • 8 ounces dark or semisweet chocolate, chopped

Instructions

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  1. Prepare the Cookies:
    • Preheat your oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
    • In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
    • In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
    • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter-sugar mixture, mixing until combined.
    • Add the milk and vanilla extract, and mix until the dough comes together.
    • Divide the dough into two portions, flatten into disks, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for about 1 hour.
  2. Shape and Bake:
    • On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disk of dough to about 1/4-inch thickness.
    • Use a 2-inch round cookie cutter to cut out circles, then use a smaller cutter to cut out the center to create a doughnut shape.
    • Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
    • Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack.
  3. Prepare the Coconut Topping:
    • Spread the shredded coconut evenly on a baking sheet and toast in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes, stirring every few minutes, until golden brown. Watch closely to prevent burning.
    • In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the unwrapped caramels and heavy cream. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until melted and smooth.
    • Stir in the salt and vanilla extract.
    • Add the toasted coconut to the caramel mixture and stir until well combined.
  4. Assemble the Cookies:
    • Carefully spoon the caramel-coconut mixture onto the top of each cooled cookie, spreading it to the edges and filling the center hole.
    • Allow the topping to set for about 30 minutes.
  5. Add the Chocolate Coating:
    • Melt the chopped chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth.
    • Dip the bottom of each cookie into the melted chocolate, allowing the excess to drip off, and place them chocolate-side down on parchment paper.
    • Use a fork or piping bag to drizzle the remaining melted chocolate over the top of each cookie.
    • Let the chocolate set completely at room temperature or in the refrigerator before serving.

Notes

  • Ensure the butter is softened to room temperature for easier mixing.
  • Keep a close eye on the coconut while toasting, as it can burn quickly.
  • If the caramel-coconut mixture becomes too firm to spread, gently reheat it in the microwave for a few seconds to soften.