Indulge in the delightful combination of buttery shortbread, chewy caramel, toasted coconut, and rich chocolate with these homemade samoa cookies. They are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth and impressing your guests.
Photos of Homemade Samoa Cookies Recipe
When preparing these cookies, note that you might not commonly have caramels and sweetened flaked coconut in your pantry. Both items are usually available in the baking or candy aisle of your supermarket. Additionally, ensure you have high-quality chocolate for dipping and drizzling to achieve the best flavor.
Ingredients For Homemade Samoa Cookies
Butter: Provides a rich, creamy texture to the dough.
White sugar: Sweetens the cookies and helps in achieving a perfect golden color.
Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cookies.
All-purpose flour: Forms the base structure of the cookies.
Egg: Adds moisture and helps bind the ingredients together.
Vanilla extract: Infuses the cookies with a sweet and aromatic flavor.
Milk: Adds a touch of moisture to the dough.
Sweetened flaked coconut: Gives the cookies their signature chewy texture and coconut flavor.
Caramels: Melts into a gooey, sweet topping for the cookies.
Chocolate: Used for dipping the cookie bases and drizzling on top for an added layer of richness.
One reader, Dasie Newland says:
These homemade samoa cookies are absolutely delightful! The combination of buttery shortbread, caramel, toasted coconut, and chocolate is heavenly. They taste just like the ones from the store but even better. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth!
Key Techniques for Making Homemade Samoa Cookies
Yes.
How to beat butter and sugar: Use an electric mixer or a whisk to combine butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. How to whisk egg, vanilla extract, and milk: Use a whisk to blend the egg, vanilla extract, and milk until they are fully combined. How to roll out dough: Use a rolling pin to flatten the dough on a lightly floured surface to the desired thickness. How to toast coconut: Cook the coconut in a skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently until it turns golden brown. How to melt caramel bits: Use a microwave-safe bowl and heat the caramel bits in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth. How to melt chocolate: Use a microwave-safe bowl and heat the chocolate in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth. How to dip cookies in chocolate: Hold each cookie by the edges and dip the base into the melted chocolate, then place on parchment paper to set.
How To Make Homemade Samoa Cookies
Donut shaped cookies uniquely drizzled with caramel and chocolate along with sweetened flaked coconut, these Samoa cookies are perfect gifts for holidays.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 2cupsbutter,softened
- 1cupwhite sugar
- 1tspsalt
- 4cupsall-purpose flour,divided
- 1large egg,lightly beaten
- 2tbspvanilla extract
- 1tspmilk
- 4cupssweetened flaked coconut
- 22ozcaramels,such as Kraft® Caramel Bits
- 1lbchocolate,such as CandiQuick®
Instructions
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Beat butter, white sugar, and salt together in a bowl; add 2 cups flour and stir. Beat 1 cup flour into butter mixture; mix until a sticky dough forms.
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Whisk egg, vanilla extract, and milk together in a bowl. Beat remaining flour and egg mixture into dough. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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Break off a small portion of dough and roll it out on a lightly floured work surface into a 1/4-inch thick round. Place round on prepared baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining dough.
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Bake cookies in the preheated oven until slightly golden and soft for 8 to 10 minutes. Transfer cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
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Cook and stir coconut in a large skillet over medium heat until golden brown and toasted for 2 to 4 minutes.
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Melt caramel bits in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every 30 seconds until melted and smooth for about 2 minutes.
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Stir coconut into the caramel. Press a spoonful of caramel-coconut mixture into the top of each cookie.
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Melt chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every 30 seconds until melted and smooth for about 60 seconds.
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Dip the base of each cookie into melted chocolate and place dipped cookies on parchment paper until chocolate sets. Drizzle chocolate over the top of each cookie.
Nutrition
- Calories: 252.27kcal
- Fat: 13.75g
- Saturated Fat: 8.78g
- Trans Fat: 0.31g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 3.28g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.91g
- Carbohydrates: 31.92g
- Fiber: 1.54g
- Sugar: 20.53g
- Protein: 2.51g
- Cholesterol: 25.13mg
- Sodium: 104.37mg
- Calcium: 26.40mg
- Potassium: 103.76mg
- Iron: 0.93mg
- Vitamin A: 67.97µg
- Vitamin C: 0.05mg
Crucial Technique Tip for Perfect Samoa Cookies
When toasting coconut, keep a close eye on it and stir frequently to ensure even browning. Coconut can go from perfectly toasted to burnt very quickly, so it's important to stay attentive during this step.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Samoa Cookies
Prepare ingredients in advance: Measure and organize butter, sugar, and flour before starting to streamline the process.
Use pre-made caramel: Save time by using store-bought caramel sauce instead of melting caramels.
Toast coconut in bulk: Toast the coconut in a large batch to avoid multiple rounds of toasting.
Chill dough quickly: Speed up the chilling process by placing the dough in the freezer for 15 minutes instead of refrigerating for 30 minutes.
Microwave chocolate: Melt the chocolate in the microwave in short bursts to save time over using a double boiler.
Substitute Ingredients For Homemade Samoa Cookies Recipe
butter - Substitute with margarine: Margarine can be used as a direct substitute for butter in baking recipes, providing a similar texture and moisture content.
white sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar has a lower glycemic index and adds a slight caramel flavor, which complements the caramel in the samoa cookies.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used in the same quantity and provides a slightly different mineral profile, enhancing the overall flavor.
all-purpose flour - Substitute with whole wheat flour: Whole wheat flour adds more fiber and nutrients, though it may make the cookies slightly denser.
large egg - Substitute with flax egg: A flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tbsp water) is a good vegan alternative that helps bind the ingredients together.
vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract provides a different but complementary flavor profile to the cookies.
milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk is a dairy-free alternative that works well in baking recipes.
sweetened flaked coconut - Substitute with unsweetened flaked coconut: Unsweetened flaked coconut can be used to reduce the overall sugar content, though you may want to add a bit more sugar to compensate.
caramels - Substitute with dulce de leche: Dulce de leche provides a similar caramel flavor and can be used as a spreadable alternative.
chocolate - Substitute with dark chocolate: Dark chocolate offers a richer flavor and higher cocoa content, which can enhance the overall taste of the cookies.
Creative Ways to Present Homemade Samoa Cookies
Create a uniform base: Roll out the dough evenly to ensure each cookie is the same size and thickness. This consistency is crucial for a professional presentation.
Perfect the shape: Use a round cookie cutter to achieve perfectly circular cookies. For an authentic Samoa look, use a smaller cutter to create a hole in the center of each cookie.
Golden-brown finish: Bake the cookies until they are just slightly golden. This ensures they are cooked through but still soft, providing a perfect texture contrast with the toppings.
Toast the coconut evenly: Stir the coconut constantly while toasting to achieve a uniform golden-brown color. This not only enhances the flavor but also adds a visually appealing contrast.
Smooth caramel mixture: Melt the caramels until completely smooth before mixing in the toasted coconut. This ensures a cohesive mixture that can be easily applied to the cookies.
Neat application of toppings: Use a spoon to carefully press the caramel-coconut mixture onto each cookie, ensuring it covers the surface evenly without spilling over the edges.
Perfectly melted chocolate: Melt the chocolate until it is smooth and glossy. This will make it easier to dip the cookies and create a professional finish.
Clean dipping technique: Dip the base of each cookie into the melted chocolate, allowing any excess to drip off before placing them on parchment paper. This prevents pooling and ensures a clean look.
Elegant chocolate drizzle: Use a piping bag or a fork to drizzle the remaining melted chocolate over the top of each cookie. Aim for thin, even lines to create a refined appearance.
Final presentation: Arrange the cookies neatly on a serving platter, ensuring they are evenly spaced. Consider garnishing the platter with a few toasted coconut flakes for an added touch of elegance.
Essential Tools for Making Samoa Cookies at Home
Mixing bowl: Use this to combine the butter, sugar, salt, and flour to form the dough.
Whisk: Essential for mixing the egg, vanilla extract, and milk together.
Plastic wrap: Cover the bowl with this to refrigerate the dough.
Rolling pin: Roll out the dough to a 1/4-inch thickness.
Baking sheet: Place the rolled-out dough rounds on this for baking.
Parchment paper: Line the baking sheet with this to prevent sticking.
Wire rack: Transfer the baked cookies here to cool completely.
Large skillet: Toast the coconut in this until golden brown.
Microwave-safe bowl: Melt the caramel bits and chocolate in this.
Spoon: Use this to press the caramel-coconut mixture onto the cookies.
Spatula: Helpful for stirring the coconut and caramel mixture.
Measuring cups: Measure out the ingredients accurately.
Measuring spoons: Measure smaller quantities like vanilla extract and milk.
Microwave: Melt the caramel bits and chocolate efficiently.
Cooling rack: Allow the dipped cookies to set on this after applying chocolate.
Storing and Freezing Homemade Samoa Cookies
- Once the chocolate has set on the cookies, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- To keep the cookies fresh for a longer period, place them in a single layer in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.
- For longer storage, freeze the cookies by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freezing until solid. Once frozen, transfer the cookies to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag, separating layers with wax paper or parchment paper to prevent sticking. Freeze for up to 3 months.
- To thaw frozen cookies, remove them from the freezer and let them come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving. If desired, you can refresh the chocolate drizzle by melting a small amount of chocolate and drizzling it over the thawed cookies.
- To maintain the best texture and flavor, avoid storing the cookies in a humid environment, as the coconut and caramel may become soggy.
How To Reheat Leftover Samoa Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover samoa cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 5-7 minutes, or until the chocolate and caramel are melted and the cookies are warm and crispy. This method will help restore the texture and flavor of the cookies, making them taste almost as good as freshly baked.
If you prefer a softer texture, you can reheat the samoa cookies in the microwave. Place the cookies on a microwave-safe plate and heat them in 10-second intervals until they reach your desired temperature. Be careful not to overheat them, as the chocolate and caramel can burn quickly in the microwave.
For a quick and easy method, you can also reheat the samoa cookies in an air fryer. Set the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and place the cookies in the basket. Heat for 2-3 minutes, or until the chocolate and caramel are melted and the cookies are warm and crispy. This method is perfect for those who want a quick and easy way to reheat their cookies without turning on the oven.
If you want to enjoy your leftover samoa cookies with a twist, try crumbling them over a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The combination of warm, gooey caramel and chocolate with the cool, creamy ice cream is simply irresistible. This method is perfect for those who want to turn their leftover cookies into a delicious dessert.
Interesting Trivia About Samoa Cookies
A fun fact about this recipe is that Samoa cookies are also known as Caramel deLites in some regions. These cookies are a popular Girl Scout cookie variety, featuring a delightful combination of caramel, coconut, and chocolate.
Is Making Samoa Cookies at Home Cost-Effective?
This dessert recipe, while delicious, may not be the most cost-effective for a household. The butter, caramels, and chocolate can be pricey, especially in large quantities. Additionally, the time and effort required to make these cookies from scratch could be a consideration. Overall, I would rate this recipe a 6 out of 10 in terms of cost-effectiveness. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $20-$25 USD, depending on the quality of ingredients used.
Are Samoa Cookies Healthy or Unhealthy?
This homemade Samoa cookies recipe, while undeniably delicious, is not particularly healthy. The main ingredients - butter, sugar, flour, caramels, and chocolate - are all high in calories, saturated fats, and added sugars. The recipe lacks any significant sources of nutrients, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, or lean proteins. Consuming these cookies in excess could contribute to weight gain and other health issues.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following modifications:
- Reduce the amount of butter and sugar used in the cookie dough, or replace some of the butter with a healthier alternative like coconut oil or Greek yogurt
- Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour to increase the fiber content
- Opt for dark chocolate (70% cocoa or higher) instead of milk chocolate, as it contains more antioxidants and less sugar
- Replace the caramels with a homemade date caramel, which is naturally sweetened and contains more fiber
- Reduce the amount of sweetened coconut used, or replace it with unsweetened coconut flakes
- Incorporate some chopped nuts, such as almonds or walnuts, to add healthy fats and protein to the recipe
Editor's Opinion on This Samoa Cookies Recipe
This homemade samoa cookies recipe is a delightful take on the classic treat. The buttery shortbread base pairs perfectly with the rich caramel-coconut topping and the decadent chocolate finish. The steps are straightforward, but ensure you don't overbake the cookies to keep them soft. Toasting the coconut adds a wonderful depth of flavor. Melting the caramel and chocolate in the microwave is convenient, but be cautious to avoid burning. Overall, this recipe promises a delicious, indulgent cookie that will impress any crowd.
Enhance Your Homemade Samoa Cookies Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Similar Recipes to Try If You Love Samoa Cookies
Appetizers and Main Dishes to Complement Samoa Cookies
Why trust this Homemade Samoa Cookies Recipe:
This recipe for homemade Samoa cookies is a trusted favorite, combining the perfect balance of buttery shortbread, toasted coconut, rich caramel, and decadent chocolate. The step-by-step instructions ensure a foolproof process, making it accessible for both novice and experienced bakers. Using high-quality ingredients like butter, all-purpose flour, and sweetened flaked coconut guarantees a delicious outcome. Plus, the homemade touch adds a personal flair that store-bought versions can't match. Trust this recipe to deliver the iconic flavors you love in every bite.
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