Homemade Samoas Cookies Recipe
These homemade Samoa cookies replicate the classic popular treat featuring soft vanilla cookies topped with toasted coconut caramel and decadently drizzled with chocolate. With a crisp cookie base, golden-brown toasted coconut, rich buttery caramel, and a luscious chocolate finish, they offer a perfect balance of texture and flavor that’s ideal for cookie lovers.
- Author: Ava
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
For the Cookie Dough
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Coconut Caramel Topping
- 3 cups shredded coconut
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
For the Chocolate
- 12 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Make Cookie Dough: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1/2 cup granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add vanilla extract and mix well. Gradually incorporate the all-purpose flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Shape the Cookies: Roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness on a floured surface. Use a large round cutter and a smaller one to cut out donut shapes, creating cookie rings. Place the cookie rings onto parchment-lined baking sheets.
- Bake Cookies: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cookie rings for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges just begin to turn golden. Remove from oven and transfer cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. The cookies should be firm but not overly browned.
- Toast Coconut: Spread shredded coconut evenly on a baking sheet. Toast in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10-15 minutes, stirring every 3-4 minutes for even browning. Watch carefully to prevent burning. Once golden and fragrant, remove and allow to cool.
- Make Caramel: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the 1 cup granulated sugar, stirring constantly until it forms a golden amber liquid. Add 6 tablespoons butter and stir until melted. Slowly pour in heavy cream while stirring continuously; be cautious as the mixture will bubble vigorously. Continue cooking for 2-3 minutes until smooth and combined. Remove from heat and fold in the toasted coconut.
- Assemble Cookies: Generously spread the coconut caramel mixture over the top of each cooled cookie, covering the surface with a thick layer of caramel. Let the caramel set for about 30 minutes at room temperature or 15 minutes in the refrigerator.
- Prepare Chocolate: Melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips using a double boiler or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
- Add Chocolate: Dip the bottom of each caramel-topped cookie into the melted chocolate and place it on parchment paper. Drizzle remaining chocolate over the tops of the cookies in a decorative pattern. Allow the chocolate to set completely before serving or storing.
Notes
- Ensure the coconut is toasted evenly by stirring frequently to avoid burning.
- Be very careful when adding heavy cream to caramel as it can bubble vigorously and cause burns.
- Allow cookies to cool completely before adding the caramel to prevent melting.
- You can substitute semi-sweet chocolate chips with milk or dark chocolate depending on preference.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week or refrigerate for longer freshness.
Keywords: Samoas Cookies, Homemade Cookies, Coconut Caramel Cookies, Chocolate Drizzle Cookies, Girl Scout Cookie Copycat