Homemade Samoas Cookies

There’s something magical about the combination of chocolate, caramel, and coconut in a Samoas cookie. If you've ever devoured an entire box of Girl Scout Samoas in one sitting (no judgment here!), then you’re going to love this homemade version.

I still remember the first time I made these cookies. The scent of buttery shortbread filled my kitchen, the caramelized coconut turned golden and fragrant, and the melted chocolate added a rich, indulgent finish. It felt like I had stepped into a professional bakery—but with the joy of making them completely from scratch.

The best part? This homemade Samoas recipe is shockingly easy! Yes, there are a few steps involved, but I promise, each one is worth it. By the time you take your first bite—crunchy, chewy, and chocolatey all at once—you’ll wonder why you didn’t try making them sooner.

Let’s get started!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

These copycat Samoas cookies aren’t just a treat for your taste buds—they're also fun to make, easy to customize, and perfect for sharing. Here’s why this recipe is a keeper:

The Perfect Balance of Chocolate, Caramel, and Coconut

Samoas cookies are a flavor explosion. The buttery shortbread base melts in your mouth, while the chewy caramel-coconut topping adds a rich, nutty sweetness. And the dark chocolate? It balances everything with a deep, slightly bitter note that keeps you coming back for more.

Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor

You don’t need any fancy ingredients to make these cookies—just pantry staples and a little bit of love. Butter, sugar, flour, vanilla, coconut, caramel, and chocolate—that’s it! These ingredients work together to create a cookie that tastes just like the real thing (if not better).

Fun to Make

There’s something incredibly satisfying about making these cookies from scratch. Rolling out the dough, cutting the classic ring shape, toasting coconut, melting caramel, and drizzling chocolate—each step is simple but rewarding. And if you have kids, they’ll love helping with the chocolate drizzle part!

Great for Gifting and Sharing

These cookies aren’t just delicious—they’re beautiful. Their golden coconut topping and glossy chocolate drizzle make them look as good as they taste. They’re perfect for cookie swaps, holiday platters, or as a thoughtful homemade gift. Trust me—anyone who gets a batch of these will be your biggest fan.

Ingredients

Full List of Ingredients and Their Purpose

The beauty of this recipe is that it’s made with simple, everyday ingredients—no fancy store runs required! Here’s what you’ll need:

• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons milk
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups shredded coconut
• 12 oz chewy caramels
• 3 tablespoons heavy cream
• 8 oz dark chocolate, melted

How to Make Homemade Samoas Cookies

Making these cookies is easier than you think! Just follow these step-by-step instructions, and you’ll have a batch of homemade Samoas in no time.

Make the Cookie Dough

The base of these cookies is a buttery shortbread—it’s crispy, tender, and melts in your mouth.

1. In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This step is essential because it helps create that delicate, crumbly shortbread texture.
2. Add the flour, salt, milk, and vanilla extract, mixing until a soft dough forms. If the dough feels sticky, don’t worry—it will firm up when chilled.
3. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes. This makes it easier to roll out and shape.

Pro Tip: Chilling the dough prevents the cookies from spreading too much in the oven!

Shape and Bake

Now it’s time to shape the cookies into their classic ring form!

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about ¼ inch thickness.
3. Use a round cookie cutter (or the rim of a glass) to cut out circles. Then, use a smaller cutter (or a bottle cap) to cut out the center hole.
4. Transfer the cookies to the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges turn light golden brown.
5. Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack before adding the toppings.

Pro Tip: If you don’t have a round cookie cutter, you can shape the cookies freehand or make bar-style Samoas by cutting the dough into squares!

Prepare the Caramel Coconut Topping

This layer is what gives Samoas their signature chewy texture and sweet, toasty flavor.

1. In a dry skillet, toast the shredded coconut over medium heat, stirring constantly, until golden brown and fragrant (about 3-4 minutes). Be careful—it can burn quickly!
2. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the caramels with heavy cream in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until smooth.
3. Stir in the toasted coconut and mix well.

Pro Tip: If the caramel mixture is too thick, add an extra tablespoon of cream to make it easier to spread!

Assemble the Cookies

Now comes the fun part—building your homemade Samoas!

1. Spoon the caramel coconut mixture onto each cookie, spreading it evenly with the back of a spoon or a small spatula.
2. Let the caramel layer set for a few minutes before moving on to the next step.

Pro Tip: Lightly grease your hands with a bit of butter or oil to prevent the caramel from sticking while spreading!

Dip in Chocolate and Drizzle

The final, decadent touch—chocolate!

1. Melt the dark chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second increments, stirring until smooth.
2. Dip the bottoms of the cookies into the melted chocolate and place them on parchment paper to set.
3. Using a fork or piping bag, drizzle the remaining chocolate over the tops of the cookies.
4. Let the cookies sit until the chocolate hardens—you can speed this up by chilling them in the fridge for 10 minutes.

What to Serve with Samoas Cookies

These homemade Samoas cookies are delicious on their own, but they also pair beautifully with a variety of drinks and desserts. Whether you’re enjoying them as a personal treat or serving them at a gathering, here are some perfect pairings to elevate your cookie experience!

Perfect Pairings

Samoas cookies have a rich, buttery, and chocolatey profile, making them the perfect companion for your favorite beverages.

• Coffee – The bitterness of black coffee balances the sweetness of the caramel and chocolate.
• Tea – Try them with Earl Grey, chai, or peppermint tea for a cozy combination.
• Milk – A classic pairing! A cold glass of milk enhances the flavors and adds nostalgia.

Dessert Combinations

Want to take your Samoas experience to the next level? Pair them with other indulgent desserts!

• Vanilla ice cream – The warm caramel and toasted coconut flavors contrast beautifully with cold, creamy vanilla.
• Chocolate milkshake – If you’re a true chocolate lover, blend up a thick chocolate milkshake and dip your cookies in for a double dose of indulgence.
• Cheesecake – Use crushed Samoas as a cheesecake crust or crumble them over the top for an irresistible caramel-coconut crunch.

Party Ideas

Planning a gathering? Samoas cookies are a showstopper!

• Cookie platters – Pair them with classic chocolate chip cookies, peanut butter cookies, and shortbread for a variety-packed tray.
• Dessert boards – Arrange them on a dessert charcuterie board with chocolate truffles, fruit, and nuts.
• Gift packaging – Stack them in decorative tins or cellophane bags for a thoughtful homemade gift.

Variations and Substitutions

Love the idea of homemade Samoas cookies but need to tweak the recipe for dietary preferences? No problem! Here are some easy modifications to suit your needs.

Gluten-Free Version

• Swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free baking blend.
• Make sure your caramel and chocolate are certified gluten-free.

Dairy-Free Version

• Use plant-based butter instead of regular butter.
• Swap heavy cream for canned coconut milk when melting caramels.
• Choose dairy-free dark chocolate for dipping.

Extra Chocolatey

• Use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate for a sweeter, creamier flavor.
• Stir mini chocolate chips into the cookie dough for a chocolate-infused shortbread.

Nut-Free Option

• While coconut isn’t technically a nut, some people avoid it due to allergies. Try substituting finely chopped pretzels for a similar crunchy topping.
• Use a nut-free caramel brand to ensure safety.

Storage Instructions

Want to make these cookies ahead of time or store leftovers? Here’s how to keep them fresh and delicious.

Room Temperature Storage

• Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature.
• They’ll stay fresh for up to a week.
• Layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Refrigeration Tips

• If you live in a warm climate, refrigerate the cookies to prevent the caramel from getting too soft.
• Store them in a sealed container and let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.

Freezing Instructions

• To freeze, place cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 30 minutes.
• Transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container with parchment paper between layers.
• They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months.

Make-Ahead Tips

• Freeze the cookie dough before baking for easy prep. When ready to bake, let the dough thaw for about 15 minutes before rolling and cutting.
• You can also freeze the fully assembled cookies before dipping them in chocolate for a longer shelf life.

Related Recipes

If you loved these Homemade Samoas Cookies, you might enjoy these other sweet treats:

The Best Vanilla Cake Recipe – A fluffy and moist cake, perfect for celebrations.
Classic Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies – A timeless cookie favorite for the holiday season.
Homemade Yeast Cinnamon Rolls Recipe – Soft, gooey, and packed with cinnamon goodness.
White Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake Balls – A bite-sized dessert with a rich and creamy filling.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought shortbread cookies instead?

Yes! If you're short on time, use pre-made shortbread cookies as the base. Just add the caramel-coconut topping and chocolate coating.

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, but reduce the added salt in the recipe to prevent the cookies from becoming too salty.

How can I prevent cookies from spreading too much?

Chilling the dough before baking helps maintain the shape and prevents excessive spreading.

How do I make the caramel easier to work with?

If your caramel is too thick, stir in a splash of heavy cream or milk while melting to loosen it up.

Conclusion

Homemade Samoas cookies are a dream come true for any cookie lover! With their buttery shortbread base, chewy caramel-coconut topping, and rich dark chocolate finish, they taste just as good (if not better!) than the original.

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