Samoa Cookies (Inspired by Girl Scout Samoas)
Ingredients:
- 2 sticks butter (softened)
- 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/3 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
For the Caramel Coconut Topping:
- 1 1/2 cups shredded coconut
- 1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 teaspoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips (for dipping)
Directions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This may take about 3-5 minutes.
- Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cornstarch.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Divide the dough into two portions, wrap them in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to make the dough easier to handle.
2. Shape the Cookies:
- Once chilled, remove the dough from the refrigerator. Roll it out on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick.
- Using a round cookie cutter, cut out circles. Then, use a smaller cutter to remove the center of each circle, forming a ring shape.
- Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 1 inch of space between them.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
- Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack.
3. Prepare the Topping:
- While the cookies are cooling, toast the shredded coconut. Spread the coconut in an even layer on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown. Watch closely to avoid burning.
- In a saucepan over low heat, melt the caramel sauce, adding the milk and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth and combined.
- Once the cookies are cool, dip each cookie into the caramel sauce, ensuring the entire top is covered.
- Immediately sprinkle the toasted coconut over the caramel, pressing gently to ensure it sticks.
4. Finish with Chocolate:
- Melt the chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second increments, stirring until smooth.
- Dip the bottoms of the cookies into the melted chocolate or drizzle chocolate over the top for decoration.
- Place the cookies on a parchment-lined tray to set.
5. Let the Chocolate Set:
- Allow the chocolate to harden completely at room temperature or in the refrigerator for faster results.
Tips:
- Chilling the dough: It’s essential to chill the dough to prevent the cookies from spreading too much and losing their shape during baking.
- Caramel consistency: If the caramel sauce is too thick after adding milk, you can warm it up slightly to achieve the desired consistency for easier spreading.
- Toasting coconut: Toasting the coconut enhances its flavor and ensures it doesn’t burn easily when applied to the caramel.
Final Thoughts:
This Samoa-inspired cookie recipe is sure to impress with its perfect blend of buttery shortbread, caramel, toasted coconut, and chocolate. It’s a fantastic twist on the classic Girl Scout cookie, and it looks like you’ve nailed the balance of flavors and textures! Enjoy these delicious cookies, and happy baking! 🍪🎉