Homemade Samoas (Caramel Coconut Girl Scout Cookies): A Bakery-Quality Treat Without the Waitlist

by Jessica | March 22, 2025 1:06 am

Let me tell you, I have never seen my neighbor run so fast until the day I mentioned I had made a batch of homemade Samoas (Caramel Coconut Girl Scout Cookies). She practically leaped over my recycling bin. It’s that time of year when Girl Scout cookie season feels just out of reach—you crave the chewy caramel, toasted coconut, and chocolatey crunch, but you’re at the mercy of who has a troop connection. Well, I’ve got you covered. No scout sash required. These homemade Samoas are everything you remember—and more.

Can You Really Recreate the Magic of Girl Scout Cookies[1] at Home?

Are homemade Samoas (Caramel Coconut Girl Scout Cookies) actually better than the boxed originals? According to a report from Statista, the Girl Scouts sell over 200 million cookies annually, with Samoas consistently ranking in the top 3. But even with that popularity, cookie season only lasts a few months. That leaves the rest of the year filled with longing—or at least a serious sweet tooth.

The great news? These homemade Samoas (Caramel Coconut Girl Scout Cookies) are shockingly simple to make and can easily be recreated with pantry staples and a bit of patience. This recipe not only captures the essence of the original—with that addictive combo of buttery shortbread, chewy caramel, toasted coconut, and rich chocolate—but also lets you control the ingredients, flavor balance, and even the amount of drizzle. (No judgment if yours ends up looking like a chocolate-dipped masterpiece.)

Let’s dive in and turn your kitchen into the best cookie booth on the block.

Ingredients List

Here’s what you’ll need to make these irresistible homemade Samoas (Caramel Coconut Girl Scout Cookies). Every bite is layered with texture and flavor, and trust me, they’ll disappear faster than you can say “Troop 312.”

For the Shortbread Base:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Caramel-Coconut Topping:

• 3 cups sweetened shredded coconut
• 12 oz soft caramels (store-bought or homemade)
• 3 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt (optional, for flavor balance)

For the Chocolate Drizzle & Bottom:

• 10 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips or chopped chocolate bar
• 1 teaspoon coconut oil or shortening (for smooth melting)

Ingredient Substitutions:

• Gluten-free flour blend can replace AP flour 1:1 for a gluten-friendly version.
• Use unsweetened coconut if you prefer less sugar; just add a bit of extra caramel for balance.
• Dairy-free? Use plant-based butter and coconut cream instead of milk.

Timing

These cookies are layered and impressive, but they’re not a weekend-long commitment.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Bake Time: 10–12 minutes
• Cooling/Assembly Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: ~1 hour 20 minutes

⚡ That’s about 15–20% less time than traditional homemade cookie bars with multiple layers, thanks to our streamlined method.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Shortbread Base

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes). Add vanilla. Gradually mix in flour, baking powder, and salt. The dough will be soft but not sticky.

Tip: Roll dough between two sheets of parchment for easy cleanup and even thickness. Aim for about ¼-inch thick.

Cut into circles using a cookie cutter (about 2.5″) and then use a smaller cutter or bottle cap to remove the center, making donut shapes. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden. Cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 2: Toast the Coconut

Spread shredded coconut evenly on a baking sheet. Toast at 350°F for 8–10 minutes, stirring halfway through. Watch carefully—it can go from golden to burnt quickly!

Smell cue: It should smell nutty and slightly sweet, like a tropical campfire.

Step 3: Make the Caramel-Coconut Mixture

In a saucepan or microwave, melt caramels with milk or cream. Stir until smooth and velvety. Mix in the toasted coconut.

Using a spoon or offset spatula, carefully press the caramel-coconut mixture on top of each cooled cookie. Yes, it’s sticky. Yes, it’s worth it.

Trick: Slightly wet your fingers or spatula to help the topping spread more easily.

Step 4: Dip & Drizzle with Chocolate

Melt chocolate with coconut oil in 30-second intervals, stirring between each. Dip the bottom of each cookie into the chocolate, then place them chocolate-side-down on parchment to set.

Use a piping bag (or a zip-top bag with the corner snipped) to drizzle chocolate over the top.

Let cookies set at room temperature or refrigerate for 15 minutes to speed things up.

Nutritional Information (Per Cookie)

Here’s an approximate breakdown of these homemade Samoas (Caramel Coconut Girl Scout Cookies):

• Calories: 180
• Total Fat: 11g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Sugars: 13g
• Protein: 1g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sodium: 60mg

🔎 Compared to the commercial version, this recipe uses fewer preservatives and allows for portion and ingredient control.

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

Want a slightly less indulgent cookie that still satisfies that Samoa craving? Here are a few swaps:

• Use dark chocolate (70% cocoa) for antioxidant benefits and lower sugar.
• Replace part of the caramel with date caramel made from blended Medjool dates.
• Choose unsweetened coconut to control sweetness.
• Make a grain-free shortbread with almond flour and coconut oil.

Even with healthier modifications, the core flavors—chocolate, caramel, coconut—still shine through.

Serving Suggestions

Here are a few fun ways to enjoy your homemade Samoas (Caramel Coconut Girl Scout Cookies):

• Paired with coffee: Their richness is perfect alongside a morning or afternoon cup of joe.
• Crumbled over vanilla ice cream: Dessert level = elite.
• In a gift box: Wrap a dozen in parchment and tie with twine for a thoughtful homemade gift.
• Stacked in a cookie tower: Because why not? Presentation points: 100.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overbaking the shortbread – It should be lightly golden, not brown.
2. Skipping the coconut toasting – Toasting adds a crucial layer of flavor.
3. Overheating the caramel – It becomes too stiff and hard to spread.
4. Not chilling between layers – Letting the chocolate set ensures cleaner cookies and less mess.
5. Using too much coconut – It may overpower the delicate cookie base.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

To keep these cookies as fresh and chewy as the day they were made:

• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• Refrigerate for longer storage (up to 2 weeks) and bring to room temp before serving.
• Freeze in a single layer, then transfer to a zip-top bag for longer shelf life (up to 3 months). Let thaw for 10 minutes before enjoying.

Pro Prep Tip: Make shortbread cookies in advance and freeze. When ready, add the toppings fresh.

Conclusion

These homemade Samoas (Caramel Coconut Girl Scout Cookies) are a nostalgic, indulgent, and deeply satisfying treat that you can make any time of year. With layers of buttery shortbread, gooey caramel, toasted coconut, and smooth chocolate, they might just become your new favorite homemade cookie.

👉 Give this recipe a try, and let us know how your batch turns out in the comments! Share a photo, leave a review, and subscribe to our blog for more homemade classics and crave-worthy baking inspiration.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought caramel sauce instead of melting caramels?

Yes, but make sure it’s thick and not too runny. A firmer sauce works best for structure and stickiness.

Do I need a cookie cutter for the shape?

Nope! Use a drinking glass for the outer circle and a bottle cap for the center. Get creative with shapes if you don’t mind non-traditional looks.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Absolutely. Use plant-based butter, dairy-free milk or coconut cream, and vegan chocolate. For caramel, try a coconut milk-based version.

How close do these taste to real Samoas?

Very close—and some taste testers say even better! You get that familiar chew, the coconut crunch, and the chocolate finish with fresher, more customizable flavors.

🍪 Related Recipes You’ll Love:

• Mint Chocolate Oreo Cupcakes[2]

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