Homemade Samoas Girl Scout Cookies

How to Make Homemade Samoas Girl Scout Cookies

Step 1: Make the Cookie Base

1. Prepare the dough: In a medium mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. This will take about 3-4 minutes. Add the egg, vanilla extract, salt, and baking powder, and mix well.
2. Add the flour: Gradually add the all-purpose flour, mixing until just incorporated. If the dough feels too dry or crumbly, add 1-2 tablespoons of milk to help bring it together.
3. Chill the dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 30 minutes. This helps the dough firm up, making it easier to roll out and cut.

Step 2: Shape and Bake the Cookie Base

1. Roll out the dough: Once the dough is chilled, roll it out on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8-inch thickness. Using a round cookie cutter (about 2 inches in diameter), cut out the cookies. Use a smaller round cutter or the tip of a piping nozzle to cut out the center of each cookie, creating a “donut” shape.
2. Bake the cookies: Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving a little space between each one. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 3: Prepare the Caramel Coconut Topping

1. Toast the coconut: While the cookies are cooling, toast the shredded coconut. Place it in a dry skillet over medium heat and stir occasionally until the coconut is golden brown. Be careful, as coconut can burn quickly. Set the toasted coconut aside.
2. Make the caramel: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the brown sugar, heavy cream, and salt. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer. Let it simmer for about 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the caramel thickens slightly.
3. Mix the coconut: Once the caramel has thickened, remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Add the toasted coconut and stir until the coconut is fully coated in the caramel mixture.

Step 4: Assemble the Samoas

1. Top the cookies: Spoon a generous amount of the caramel-coconut mixture onto each cooled cookie, spreading it evenly to cover the top. You can use the back of a spoon to smooth the topping out or simply press the coconut mixture down gently to help it stick.
2. Let it set: Allow the caramel coconut topping to set and cool slightly before moving to the next step.

Step 5: Add the Chocolate Drizzle

1. Melt the chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the semisweet chocolate chips in 20-second intervals, stirring between each interval until smooth and fully melted. If the chocolate is too thick, add a teaspoon of vegetable oil to thin it out.
2. Drizzle the chocolate: Use a spoon or a piping bag to drizzle the melted chocolate over the top of each cookie in a zigzag pattern. Be generous with the chocolate drizzle for that signature Samoa look!
3. Let the cookies set: Place the cookies on a parchment-lined tray or plate and let them sit at room temperature until the chocolate hardens. You can also refrigerate them for a quicker set.

Enjoy Your Homemade Samoas!

Once the chocolate has set, your homemade Samoas are ready to enjoy! These cookies have the perfect balance of sweetness, chewiness, and crunch, making them a satisfying treat for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, indulging in a treat after dinner, or simply sharing them with loved ones, homemade Samoas are sure to impress.

Tips for Success

• Chill the dough: This step ensures that the cookies hold their shape during baking and helps with easy handling.
• Don’t skip the toasting: Toasting the coconut brings out its natural sweetness and adds a lovely crunch to the cookies.
• Use a piping bag for precision: If you want a more uniform chocolate drizzle, consider using a piping bag for better control.
• Store properly: These cookies will last for up to a week if stored in an airtight container at room temperature. You can also refrigerate them for longer shelf life.

Final Thoughts

Making homemade Samoas Girl Scout cookies is a fun and rewarding process that results in a batch of cookies bursting with flavor. With the crispy cookie base, chewy caramel-coconut topping, and rich chocolate drizzle, they taste just like the classic version — if not better! The next time you’re craving Samoas, skip the store and try this recipe for a fresh, homemade treat that will satisfy all your sweet cravings. Happy baking!