Samoas Girl Scout Cookies

Samoas Girl Scout Cookies—also known as Caramel deLites—are one of the most beloved and iconic treats sold during Girl Scout cookie season. These indulgent cookies are made with a buttery shortbread base, topped with gooey caramel, toasted coconut, and drizzled with rich chocolate. With their perfect balance of textures and flavors, Samoas are a chewy, crunchy, chocolatey delight in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• A homemade version of a classic favorite
• Perfect combination of caramel, chocolate, and toasted coconut
• Fun to make and even more fun to eat
• Great for gifting, cookie exchanges, or year-round cravings
• Customizable with simple pantry ingredients

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the cookies:

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Unsalted butter, softened
• Granulated sugar
• Egg
• Vanilla extract
• Milk

For the topping:

• Shredded sweetened coconut
• Soft caramels or caramel bits
• Heavy cream or milk
• Semisweet or dark chocolate chips

directions

1. Make the cookie base:
   In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, cream together butter and sugar until fluffy. Beat in egg, vanilla, and milk. Slowly add dry ingredients and mix until dough forms.
   Chill dough for 30 minutes.
2. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll dough out to ¼-inch thickness on a floured surface. Cut into circles using a cookie cutter, and cut a smaller hole in the center (like a donut).
   Place cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 10–12 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden. Let cool completely.
3. Toast the coconut:
   Spread shredded coconut on a baking sheet and toast in the oven for 5–10 minutes, stirring halfway, until golden. Watch closely to avoid burning.
4. Make the topping:
   In a microwave-safe bowl, melt caramels with heavy cream in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth. Mix in the toasted coconut.
5. Spread a layer of the caramel-coconut mixture on each cooled cookie. Let set slightly.
6. Melt chocolate chips in the microwave or using a double boiler. Dip the bottom of each cookie into melted chocolate and place on parchment paper. Drizzle chocolate over the top.
7. Let cookies set at room temperature or chill briefly in the fridge to firm up the chocolate.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 24 cookies.
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
Assembly Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: ~1.5–2 hours

Variations

• Use dark chocolate or milk chocolate depending on your preference
• Try a gluten-free flour blend to make them gluten-free
• Add a pinch of sea salt on top for a sweet-salty combo
• Make mini versions using smaller cutters for bite-sized treats
• Use store-bought shortbread cookies as a base to save time

storage/reheating

Store Samoas in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.
Freeze for up to 2 months; thaw at room temperature before serving.
No reheating required—enjoy them as-is!

FAQs

Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?

It’s not recommended for this recipe—it may be too runny. Use soft caramel candies or caramel bits for the right texture.

Do I need to cut the center hole in the cookies?

It’s traditional but optional. The hole gives them the signature look, but they taste just as good without it.

Can I use unsweetened coconut?

Yes, but sweetened shredded coconut offers better texture and flavor for this recipe.

What kind of chocolate works best?

Semisweet chocolate chips or dark chocolate are ideal, but milk chocolate also works for a sweeter finish.

Can I toast the coconut in a pan?

Yes, you can toast it in a dry skillet over medium heat—just stir constantly to prevent burning.

How do I keep the caramel from hardening too fast?

Work quickly and keep the caramel mixture warm by reheating it briefly if it starts to stiffen.

Are these cookies the same as Caramel deLites?

Yes, Caramel deLites and Samoas are two names for the same Girl Scout cookie, depending on the bakery.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can refrigerate the cookie dough for up to 2 days or freeze it for up to a month.

What’s the best way to drizzle the chocolate?

Use a fork, spoon, or piping bag for clean, controlled lines.

Do I have to dip the bottom in chocolate?

It’s part of the classic Samoas look and flavor, but you can skip it if you prefer.

Conclusion

Samoas Girl Scout Cookies are a homemade dream come true for fans of the caramel-chocolate-coconut combo. These rich, chewy treats deliver everything you love about the original—right from your own kitchen. Whether you’re making them for fun, for family, or just to satisfy that nostalgic craving, these cookies are sure to disappear fast.

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