Stuffed Samoa Cookies Recipe
If you’re ready to experience cookie bliss, let me tell you about Stuffed Samoa Cookies—a showstopper dessert that combines everything you love about a classic Samoa (hello, chocolate, caramel, and coconut!) inside a soft, buttery homemade cookie. These treats bring together familiar flavors with a surprise middle that will delight kids and adults alike. Think of them as an irresistible twist on the nostalgic Girl Scout favorite, perfect for parties, gifting, or spoiling yourself on a cozy night in.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for Stuffed Samoa Cookies may look simple, but each one plays an essential part—supplying sweetness, richness, or that signature chewy texture. Gather these pantry standards and a box of Samoas for a mash-up you’ll want to bake again and again.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): This forms the rich, tender base of your cookie dough—make sure it’s soft for easy creaming.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Adds sweetness and helps the cookies spread just the right amount.
- Brown sugar (1/2 cup, packed): Brings in that signature deep molasses note that makes cookies chewy and flavorful.
- Large egg (1): Binds everything together for a dough that’s sturdy enough to hold a secret filling.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Just a splash makes the flavors pop and gives your cookies that homemade aroma.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups): Achieves the perfect thickness for encasing the Samoa center.
- Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): Gives each cookie a tender lift while baking.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors—don’t skip this tiny powerhouse!
- Sweetened shredded coconut (1 1/2 cups, toasted): Toasting makes it golden and extra fragrant—absolutely worth the minute or two!
- Caramel sauce or melted soft caramels (3/4 cup): Brings that gooey sweetness and also gives you a gorgeous drizzle.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips (1/2 cup, melted): For decorating and an extra chocolate finish—use the best you can find!
- Samoa cookies (12, store-bought or homemade): The star hidden in the center—these make your cookies unforgettable.
How to Make Stuffed Samoa Cookies
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Gear
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This helps the cookies bake evenly and makes clean-up a dream—trust me, you don’t want to miss a single crumb of these beauties.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a big mixing bowl, cream your softened butter with both sugars until it’s ultra-light and fluffy. This step is crucial—it adds air and sets the stage for that tender cookie texture everyone loves.
Step 3: Add the Egg and Vanilla
Crack in the egg, pour in the vanilla, and beat until just combined. You’ll notice your dough transform, holding together beautifully and smelling downright heavenly already.
Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. This not only disperses the leavening and salt perfectly, but it ensures you don’t get any lumps in your dough later.
Step 5: Combine and Stir in Coconut
Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet, stirring until a dough forms. Last, fold in your toasted coconut for those signature toasty-sweet flecks that take Stuffed Samoa Cookies to the next level.
Step 6: Assemble and Stuff
Scoop about 2 tablespoons of dough into your hand, flatten gently, then place a whole Samoa cookie in the center. Top with another tablespoon or so of dough, then shape into a ball to completely enclose the Samoa. Repeat until all cookies are stuffed—yes, this is as delightful as it sounds!
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Arrange your stuffed balls of dough on the baking sheet, making sure to leave some space between each, and bake for 10–12 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges are just golden but the middle is still a little soft—these firm up as they cool.
Step 8: Drizzle and Decorate
Once slightly cooled, drizzle each cookie with melted chocolate and caramel sauce. It’s an extra step, but it transforms these into bakery-worthy Stuffed Samoa Cookies that look as incredible as they taste. Let the drizzles set before serving, if you can wait that long!
How to Serve Stuffed Samoa Cookies
Garnishes
After drizzling, try a sprinkle of extra toasted coconut, a pinch of flaky sea salt, or even some edible gold dust if you’re feeling fancy. Garnishes add an inviting crunch and make each Stuffed Samoa Cookie look like they came straight from a patisserie window.
Side Dishes
Pair these decadent cookies with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream, or a cold glass of milk. If you’re feeling especially indulgent, serve with a caramel latte or a cup of hot cocoa for the ultimate dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack Stuffed Samoa Cookies on a pretty cake stand, wrap them in clear bags tied with ribbon for gifting, or even cut one open at the table to wow your guests with the hidden Samoa core. They make fabulous party favors, or shine as a centerpiece in any cookie platter.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any extra Stuffed Samoa Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. As the days go by, the caramel and chocolate flavors meld even more, making each bite as delightful as the first.
Freezing
Need to save them for later? Freeze the cookies in a single layer until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 months—just thaw at room temperature whenever cookie cravings hit.
Reheating
If you want that just-baked taste, pop a cookie in the microwave for 10–12 seconds. The caramel will get gooey, the chocolate will soften, and the aroma will have everyone circling the kitchen again.
FAQs
Do I need to use store-bought Samoa cookies, or can I make my own?
Either works! Store-bought Samoas save a ton of time, but if you have a favorite homemade recipe, go for it. The important part is that signature coconut, caramel, and chocolate flavor at the center.
Can I use unsweetened coconut instead of sweetened?
Sweetened coconut provides both flavor and moisture, but if you love a less sweet cookie, you can use unsweetened. Just keep an eye on the texture, as your cookies might turn out a bit drier.
How do I keep the Samoa center from melting too much?
As long as your oven isn’t too hot and the cookies are fully enclosed with dough, the center should stay perfectly intact. A gentle bake is key—avoid overbaking for the softest, most satisfying results.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Absolutely! Just make sure to bake in batches and keep an eye on the oven since every oven heats a bit differently. Doubling the recipe makes these Stuffed Samoa Cookies the star of any party table.
Are Stuffed Samoa Cookies gluten-free?
As written, these cookies use all-purpose flour and classic Samoas, both of which contain gluten. However, you could experiment with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and a GF cookie in the center for a deliciously inclusive treat!
Final Thoughts
If you want to win hearts (and satisfy your own sweet tooth), you just have to try making Stuffed Samoa Cookies. They’re fun to make, endlessly indulgent, and totally worth every delicious bite. Treat yourself and share the magic—your friends and family will thank you!
Print
Stuffed Samoa Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 12 large stuffed cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich and decadent flavors of these Stuffed Samoa Cookies. A delightful twist on the classic Girl Scout cookie, these treats feature a buttery cookie dough stuffed with a whole Samoa cookie, drizzled with melted chocolate and caramel. Perfect for special occasions or as a thoughtful gift.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups sweetened shredded coconut (toasted)
Filling and Toppings:
- 3/4 cup caramel sauce or melted soft caramels
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (melted)
- 12 Samoa cookies (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare Dough: Cream butter and sugars, add egg and vanilla. Mix dry ingredients separately, combine with wet ingredients, and stir in coconut.
- Assemble Cookies: Flatten dough, place Samoa cookie, add more dough, seal edges, shape into a ball. Place on baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake for 10–12 minutes until golden. Cool, then drizzle with melted chocolate and caramel.
Notes
- To toast coconut, bake at 325°F for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Use store-bought Samoa cookies for convenience or make your own.
- These cookies are rich and decadent, ideal for special occasions or gifts.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 27g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
