Homemade Samoa Cookie Bars Recipe to Adore

Sweet nostalgia meets delightful samoa cookie bars that remind me of childhood fundraisers and scout memories.

Chocolate and caramel dance together in this irresistible treat that feels like a warm hug.

Coconut adds a tropical crunch that makes every bite feel special.

Some desserts just transport you back to simpler times with their magical combination of flavors.

Each layer tells a story of comfort and indulgence, blending classic ingredients into something extraordinary.

Crisp shortbread, rich caramel, and toasted coconut create a symphony of textures that will make you close your eyes in pure delight.

Let’s turn this beloved cookie into a bar that celebrates pure, unapologetic deliciousness.

Pairing Samoa Bars with Other Treats

• Wine and Beverage Pairings
• This sweet, light wine perfectly complements the caramel and coconut flavors, cutting through the rich dessert with delightful effervescence.
• A warm coconut-infused coffee enhances the bar's tropical notes, creating a harmonious taste experience that amplifies the dessert's nutty undertones.
• The spicy, creamy chai balances the sweetness of the Samoa bars, adding depth and warmth to each delectable bite.
• This decadent drink mirrors the bar's caramel essence, providing a cool, creamy counterpoint that elevates the dessert's indulgent profile.

Creative Samoa Cookie Bar Alternatives

• Gluten-Free Samoa Bars: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free blend for those with celiac disease or wheat sensitivities.
• Vegan Coconut Delight: Swap butter for coconut oil, use dairy-free chocolate chips, and replace heavy cream with coconut cream for a plant-based version.
• Reduced Sugar Option: Substitute caramel sauce with sugar-free caramel syrup and use stevia or monk fruit sweetener instead of traditional sugar for a lower-calorie treat.
• Nut-Free Adaptation: Skip the optional nuts and use seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds for added crunch while keeping the recipe safe for nut-allergic individuals.

Loved Qualities of Samoa Cookie Bars

• Quickly master these irresistible Samoa Cookie Bars with minimal baking skills required.
• Whip up this dessert in under an hour, perfect for spontaneous sweet cravings or last-minute gatherings.
• Capture the beloved Girl Scout cookie's essence in a homemade version that delights both kids and adults with its classic combination of shortbread, caramel, coconut, and chocolate.
• Easily prepare ahead of time, slice into bite-sized pieces, and serve at parties, potlucks, or family dessert nights- guaranteed to impress without complicated techniques.

Samoa Cookie Bars Ingredient Checklist

• Butter: Soft base that provides rich, creamy flavor and helps bind the crust together.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a crisp, golden texture in the shortbread.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor with warm, aromatic notes.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies other flavors.
• Flour: Structural component that gives the base its crisp, crumbly texture.

• Caramel Sauce: Creates a sweet, sticky layer that binds coconut and adds depth.
• Heavy Cream: Smooths and enriches the caramel, creating a silky texture.
• Shredded Coconut: Provides tropical flavor and signature chewy texture.

• Chocolate Chips: Adds rich chocolate flavor and decorative finish.
• Vegetable Oil: Helps chocolate melt smoothly and creates glossy drizzle.

Step-by-Step Samoa Cookie Bars Guide

Step 1: Craft the Buttery Foundation

Mix butter and sugar in a bowl until creamy. Blend in vanilla and salt. Gradually fold in flour until dough forms. Press dough evenly into a lined 8×8-inch baking pan. Smooth the surface with a spoon’s back.

Bake at 350F (175C) for 12-15 minutes until edges turn golden. Remove and let cool completely.

Step 2: Transform Coconut

Pour shredded coconut into a dry skillet. Heat over medium, stirring constantly. Watch carefully as coconut turns golden and releases nutty aroma. Remove from heat when color shifts to warm brown. Transfer to a plate to cool.

Step 3: Create Caramel Magic

• Caramel sauce
• Heavy cream
• Vanilla extract

Warm mixture until smooth and heated through, stirring continuously. Pour caramel over cooled shortbread base. Spread evenly. Sprinkle toasted coconut across caramel layer. Gently press coconut into caramel.

Step 4: Decorate with Chocolate Swirls

Melt chocolate chips with vegetable oil in microwave. Stir every 30 seconds until completely smooth. Drizzle melted chocolate across coconut layer in decorative zigzag pattern.

Chill bars until chocolate sets firmly.

Step 5: Serve Delectable Treats

Pull bars out using parchment paper overhang. Slice into elegant squares. Plate and savor these irresistible Samoa Cookie Bars!

Tips to Get Samoa Cookie Bars Just Right

• Master Coconut Toasting: Watch the skillet carefully and stir frequently to achieve golden brown color without burning, which releases deeper flavor and prevents bitter taste.
• Prevent Crumbly Crust: Press shortbread dough firmly and evenly into pan to create a solid, compact base that holds together when sliced.
• Control Chocolate Drizzle: Melt chocolate slowly using short microwave intervals and stir between each to ensure smooth consistency without scorching.
• Chill for Clean Cuts: Refrigerate bars before slicing to help chocolate and caramel layers set, enabling cleaner, more precise cuts and preventing messy edges.
• Even Caramel Distribution: Pour caramel mixture slowly and use a spatula to spread evenly across shortbread, ensuring consistent flavor in every bite.

How to Store Your Samoa Cookie Bars

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within the refrigerator for up to 5 days, ensuring the bars remain fresh and maintain their delicious texture.
• Place parchment paper between layers to prevent the bars from sticking together and preserve their individual integrity.
• Wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months, allowing you to enjoy them later with minimal flavor loss.
• Remove frozen bars from the freezer and let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then bring to room temperature before serving for the best taste and texture.

Samoa Cookie Bars Recipe

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4.5 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 16 1x

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Description

Samoa Cookie Bars blend classic Girl Scout cookie flavors into an irresistible dessert. Caramel, chocolate, and toasted coconut layers create a memorable treat that chocolate and cookie enthusiasts will absolutely adore.

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Ingredients

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Protein and Flour Base:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Dairy and Sweet Components:

• 1 cup (2 sticks/226 grams) unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 tablespoons heavy cream

Toppings and Coating:

• 2 cups shredded sweetened coconut, toasted
• 1 ½ cups caramel candies (or caramel bits)
• ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• ¼ cup milk chocolate chips (optional, for extra drizzle)

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Instructions

1. Craft a perfectly lined 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring excess paper hangs over the edges for effortless removal.
2. Transform softened butter and sugar into a light, airy mixture by creaming them together. Incorporate vanilla extract and salt, then gradually fold in flour until a cohesive dough forms.
3. Gently press the shortbread dough into the prepared pan, creating an even, smooth surface using the back of a spoon.
4. Bake the shortbread crust in a preheated 350F (175C) oven until it achieves a golden-brown hue, approximately 12-15 minutes.
5. While the crust cools, awaken the shredded coconut’s flavors by toasting it in a dry skillet. Stir continuously over medium heat until the coconut turns a rich, golden color and releases a nutty aroma.
6. Combine caramel sauce, heavy cream, and vanilla extract in a saucepan. Warm the mixture, stirring until it reaches a silky-smooth consistency.
7. Cascade the warm caramel evenly across the cooled shortbread base, creating a luxurious layer.
8. Generously sprinkle the toasted coconut over the caramel, gently pressing it to ensure a secure adherence.
9. Melt chocolate chips with vegetable oil using short microwave intervals, stirring between each to achieve a glossy, smooth texture.
10. Artfully drizzle the melted chocolate across the coconut layer in an elegant zigzag pattern.
11. Allow the bars to cool completely, either at room temperature or by chilling in the refrigerator to expedite the setting process.
12. Lift the bars from the pan using the parchment paper overhang, then slice into delectable squares or rectangles.
13. Serve and savor the rich, indulgent Samoa Cookie Bars.

Notes

• Enhance the shortbread base’s flavor by using high-quality butter and ensuring it’s at room temperature for smooth mixing.
• Prevent coconut from burning by stirring constantly and using a light-colored skillet to monitor toasting progress.
• Create gluten-free version by substituting regular flour with almond or coconut flour for a celiac-friendly option.
• Customize chocolate drizzle by using dark, milk, or white chocolate to match personal taste preferences and experiment with different flavor profiles.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 16
• Calories: 292
• Sugar: 19 g
• Sodium: 80 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg