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
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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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- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.