Girl Scout cookies are popular this time of year. It’s estimated that more than 200 million of those unhealthy, chewy, and addictive boxes are sold every year. What is not pleasant are the ingredients and the pesticide waste they contain.
If you’re a fan of the rich coconut, caramel, and chocolate Samoas, then you’ll love this one even better. It is made with real food but tastes better (in my opinion). I’ve always been a big fan of coconut and use it in everything from skin care to desserts for healthy fats.
A better version of Samoas homemade cookies offers flavor and convenience. It comes from traditional Samoas cookies that make a simple Samoas recipe that you can enjoy all year round, not just during cookie season. Plus, it’s grain-free, uses natural flavors, and has a texture that will satisfy any coconut lover.
What are Samoas cookies and why are homemade cookies made?
Samoas are a beloved variation of Scout cookies with coconut, caramel, and chocolate. In some places, they are called Caramel deLites or Girl Scout cookies, but the flavor profile remains the same. They are sweet, chewy, and irresistible. However, the first ingredient is sugar, the second is vegetable oil, and the list of ingredients goes down from there.
I don’t have a big sweet tooth, but my kids won’t say no to homemade cookies! I want something nutritious to be delicious. That’s where this better dupe Samoas comes in.
It features clean, simple and very tasty ingredients. These homemade Samoas use Medjool dates for caramel-like flavor, shredded coconut for texture, and dark chocolate. The result is coconut cookies that are super delicious but made with real food.
Spin is balanced in a Knowledge
One of the best things about making things at home is being able to choose ingredients and taste levels. Many homemade Samoas recipes fall into the category of hard caramel or refined sugar. This style makes things simple and nutritious.
Toasted coconut adds texture, flavor, healthy fats, and fiber. Dates give the feeling of sticky, caramel without the need to cook sugar, plus they are rich in nutrients. Dark chocolate is packed with antioxidants and minerals. You can adjust the chocolate level or switch to a dairy-free option to suit your family’s preferences.
Tips for Making Homemade Samoas
Homemade Samoas cookies (or any cookies) aren’t just about copying what’s next to the box. I don’t know about you, but I don’t keep sorbitol, caramel coloring, and carrageenan in my pantry! These Samoas start with simple ingredients, but you can tweak them to suit your tastes.
- Prepare your chocolate: Use your favorite dark chocolate (70-90% cacao works best) to control the sweetness level. You can also choose chocolate without milk.
- Play with fat: Coconut cream, melted coconut oil, or even grass-fed butter works here. Use what you have or what you like. Butter and ghee are usually delicious like Samoas which are beautiful and rich. Coconut cream gives it a soft bite, while coconut oil is hard if you eat these things frozen.
- Prepare the date: If your dates are dry or stiff, first soak them in hot water for 5-10 minutes. Then, rinse and dry before use.
These homemade Samoas cookies are perfect for family gatherings, lunches, or weekend activities with the kids. And once you’ve made the Samoas dupe, I promise you’ll be excited to explore other dessert recipes.
Homemade Samoas cookies are even better
This delicious and healthy twist on the classic Samoas cookie features healthy fats, dates for flavor, and a hint of chocolate.
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Heat the oven to 400 ° F. Spread the shredded coconut individually on a sheet of water and toast for 3-5 minutes, watching, until golden. Remove and let cool.
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Add the dates to a food processor and pulse until sticky and crumbly. Add coconut, vanilla, salt, and fat of your choice. Pulse until a thick, cohesive dough forms.
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Remove about 1 tablespoon of dough, roll into a ball, flatten slightly. I used the back of a ½ cup measuring cup with parchment paper between the cookies and the measuring cup. Use a straw or saw blade to make a hole in the middle. Adjust as necessary.
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Reduce oven temperature to 350°F.
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Place the cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, until the edges are lightly browned and the cookies feel set. Allow the cookies to cool completely in the pan.
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Transfer the cooled cookies to the freezer for 5 minutes to firm up before serving.
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Over a double boiler, melt the dark chocolate and coconut oil (or butter) until smooth.
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Dip the bottom of the cookies into the melted chocolate. Put back on the parchment and sprinkle the remaining chocolate on top.
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Place in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes, until the chocolate is set.
Food Facts
Homemade Samoas cookies are even better
Hourly rate (1 cookie)
Calories 123
72 calories from fat
% Daily Value*
Fat 8g12%
6g saturated fat38%
Weight 0.002g
Polyunsaturated fat 0.1g
Monounsaturated fat 1g
Cholesterol 0.1 mg0%
Sodium 28 mg1%
Potassium 169 mg5%
Carbohydrates 13g4%
Fiber 3g13%
Sugar 10g11%
Protein 1g2%
Vitamin A 20 IU0%
Vitamin C 0.2 mg0%
Calcium 14 mg1%
Iron 1 mg6%
* Percent Daily Value is based on a 2000 calorie diet.
- For a chewier cookie, bake closer to 12 minutes
- For thicker cookies, bake for about 15 minutes and toast the coconut a little darker
How to store homemade Samoas
We all know someone who keeps Girl Scout cookies in their freezer for later. The good news is that these homemade Samoas can die too! Keep leftovers in the freezer for up to 2 months or in the refrigerator for up to a week. Let the cookies enter the room first before eating though for the best texture.
Does your family love Girl Scout cookies? What are some of your favorite flavors or better options? Let us know in the comments!
