No Bake Samoa Cookies Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a sweet treat that’s a breeze to make and absolutely irresistible, these No Bake Samoa Cookies are your golden ticket! Imagine all the chewy caramel, toasted coconut, and rich chocolatey goodness of the classic Girl Scout favorite, but made right at home—and best of all, there’s no need to turn on the oven. Whether you’re prepping a quick dessert for a get-together, looking for a fun afternoon kitchen project, or simply craving a fuss-free indulgence, these delightful cookies will quickly become a staple in your repertoire.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in No Bake Samoa Cookies brings something magical to the table. From sweet caramel to crunchy cookies, each one is essential for crafting the perfect bite of nostalgia, texture, and flavor. Here’s what you’ll need and why:

• Shortbread cookies: These form the sturdy, perfectly crumbly base and capture the authentic Samoa taste.
• Sweetened shredded coconut: Provides the signature chew and nutty, toasty aroma that makes Samoas so special.
• Soft caramels: Melts into smooth, buttery sweetness, holding the coconut together in luscious harmony.
• Milk or semi-sweet chocolate chips: These are for generous dipping and those iconic chocolate stripes—creamy, rich, and totally crave-worthy.
• Coconut oil or butter: Prevents the chocolate from seizing and adds a glossy, finishing touch to the melted chocolate.
• A pinch of salt: A little salt goes a long way, cutting through the sweetness and heightening all the delicious flavors.

How to Make No Bake Samoa Cookies

Step 1: Toast the Coconut

Set a nonstick skillet over medium heat and add the shredded coconut. Toast the coconut, stirring constantly, until it’s golden brown and fragrant. The transformation only takes a few minutes, so don’t wander off! This step brings out an irresistible nuttiness crucial for authentic No Bake Samoa Cookies.

Step 2: Melt the Caramel

In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the soft caramels with a splash of water or milk. Microwave in short bursts, stirring often, until the caramel is smooth and pourable. Gentle heating ensures it doesn’t burn or become tough, creating the gooey “glue” that binds it all together.

Step 3: Mix Coconut and Caramel

Add your toasted coconut right into the bowl of melted caramel and stir well until every flake is thoroughly coated. This mixture should become thick and a little sticky, making it easy to mound onto your cookies later.

Step 4: Prep the Shortbread Base

Lay out your shortbread cookies on a parchment-lined tray, giving each one some space. If you’re using round cookies, you’re already on your way to that classic Samoa look!

Step 5: Top the Cookies

Using a spoon (or your hands, if you’re feeling bold), divide the coconut-caramel mixture over each shortbread cookie. Press it down so it sticks and forms a generous layer on top. Patience here pays off—don’t be shy with the coconut!

Step 6: Dip in Chocolate

Melt the chocolate chips with a teaspoon of coconut oil or butter, stirring until silky smooth. Dip the bottom of each cookie in the melted chocolate, then return them to the parchment. Not only does this taste fantastic, but it also helps the cookies set up nicely.

Step 7: Add Chocolate Drizzle

With the remaining melted chocolate, use a fork or piping bag to drizzle stripes across the tops of the cookies. Let the chocolate set until firm. Now you’ve created No Bake Samoa Cookies that look and taste just like the originals!

How to Serve No Bake Samoa Cookies

Garnishes

For an extra-special touch, try sprinkling a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on top of your cookies right after drizzling the chocolate. It draws out all the flavors and brings out that perfect salty-sweet combination everyone loves.

Side Dishes

No Bake Samoa Cookies pair beautifully with a tall glass of cold milk, or, for a grown-up twist, a mug of rich coffee or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Their chewy sweetness works well as part of a dessert platter alongside fresh fruit or other cookies for a fun variety.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack them high in a clear glass jar for an enticing centerpiece, or pack them in decorative tins to share as thoughtful homemade gifts. For parties, arrange them in circles on colorful platters, or nestle miniature versions into cupcake liners for bite-sized treats. Presentation is half the fun!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep No Bake Samoa Cookies at their best, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Keep them in single layers with wax or parchment paper in between so the chocolate and caramel layers stay picture-perfect and don’t stick together.

Freezing

These cookies freeze wonderfully! Simply place them on a tray to freeze solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Label and store for up to 2 months—just let them come to room temperature before serving for the authentic chewy experience.

Reheating

If you like your caramel extra gooey, pop a cookie in the microwave for just 5–8 seconds. It’ll warm the caramel and chocolate slightly, making each bite taste like it’s fresh from the kitchen. Be careful not to overheat or the caramel can become too runny.

FAQs

Are these No Bake Samoa Cookies gluten-free?

That depends on the shortbread cookies you use! If you choose a gluten-free variety, everything else in the recipe should work perfectly for a gluten-friendly treat.

Can I use caramel sauce instead of melting caramels?

Caramel sauce can work in a pinch, but make sure it’s thick enough to hold the coconut together. If it’s too runny, you may need to simmer it to reduce and thicken before mixing with the coconut.

What kind of chocolate is best for dipping?

Both milk and semi-sweet chocolate chips are delicious in No Bake Samoa Cookies, but you can experiment with dark chocolate for a slightly more sophisticated, less sweet flavor.

Do I have to toast the coconut?

Toasting is key for that signature flavor and texture, but if you’re really pressed for time, you can skip it—the cookies will still be tasty, just not quite as aromatic or crunchy.

How can I make these cookies vegan?

Just swap the shortbread and caramel for vegan-friendly versions (like plant-based cookies and coconut milk caramel candies), and use dairy-free chocolate chips. The method stays the same!

Final Thoughts

No Bake Samoa Cookies are the kind of sweet you can never get enough of—easy to make, fun to share, and impossible to resist. If you’re ready to relive your Girl Scout cookie days or simply want to impress friends with minimal effort, this recipe is sure to make you the star of any dessert table. Give them a try and prepare to fall in love all over again!

Print