Irresistible Homemade Samoas Cookies Recipe | Easy Caramel Coconut Delight
Golden, buttery shortbread cookies coated in gooey caramel, toasted coconut, and rich chocolate drizzle — few treats can compare to the iconic Irresistible Homemade Samoas Cookies Recipe. Known for their perfect balance of crunch, chewiness, and indulgent sweetness, these cookies are a true delight for dessert lovers. Making them at home not only fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma but also lets you customize every layer to your liking.
Irresistible Homemade Samoas Cookies Recipe bring back nostalgic memories of those little boxes we used to eagerly wait for every year. But the beauty of this recipe lies in the fact that you don’t have to wait for cookie season anymore! With a handful of pantry staples, a little patience, and a love for baking, you can create these decadent, chocolate-dipped caramel coconut cookies right in your own kitchen. So, preheat your oven and get ready — these Irresistible Homemade Samoas Cookies Recipe are about to become your new favorite indulgence.

Ingredients Needed
| Ingredient | Quantity | Calories (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| All-Purpose Flour | 1 ½ cups | 680 |
| Unsalted Butter (softened) | ¾ cup | 610 |
| Granulated Sugar | ½ cup | 385 |
| Vanilla Extract | 1 tsp | 12 |
| Salt | ¼ tsp | 0 |
| Caramel Squares or Soft Caramel | 11 oz | 900 |
| Toasted Shredded Coconut | 2 cups | 560 |
| Semi-Sweet Chocolate (chopped or chips) | 8 oz | 900 |
| Heavy Cream (for melting caramel) | 2 tbsp | 100 |
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
1: Prepare the Shortbread Base
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add vanilla extract and salt. Mix well.
- Gradually stir in flour until a soft dough forms.
- Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness.
2: Cut and Bake
- Using a round cookie cutter (or a glass), cut out circles.
- Use a smaller cutter (like a bottle cap) to remove a center hole, forming a donut shape.
- Transfer to a lined baking sheet and bake for 10–12 minutes or until lightly golden.
- Cool completely on a wire rack.
3: Toast the Coconut
- Spread shredded coconut on a baking sheet and toast in the oven for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally until golden brown. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
4: Make the Caramel Coconut Mixture
- In a saucepan over low heat, melt caramel with heavy cream, stirring until smooth.
- Add the toasted coconut and stir until evenly coated.
- Let cool slightly until thick enough to handle.
5: Assemble the Cookies
- Spread a spoonful of the caramel-coconut mixture over each shortbread cookie, pressing gently.
- Once set, dip the bottom of each cookie in melted chocolate and place on parchment paper.
- Use a piping bag or spoon to drizzle more melted chocolate on top for that classic Samoa look.
6: Set and Serve
- Allow the cookies to cool at room temperature or in the fridge until the chocolate hardens.
- Enjoy your homemade Samoas cookies with a cup of coffee, tea, or milk!
Tips for Customizing the Recipe
- Chocolate Choice: Try using dark chocolate for a richer flavor or milk chocolate for extra sweetness.
- Coconut Texture: Prefer more crunch? Toast the coconut a little longer for a deeper, nutty flavor.
- Homemade Caramel: If you’d rather skip store-bought caramel, make your own by simmering butter, brown sugar, and cream.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with almond or gluten-free flour blends.
- Vegan Version: Use vegan butter, dairy-free caramel, and plant-based chocolate chips.

Nutritional Information (Per Cookie)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~160 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 18 g |
| Protein | 2 g |
| Fat | 9 g |
| Saturated Fat | 6 g |
| Sugar | 11 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sodium | 50 mg |
Serving Suggestions
- Serve as an after-dinner dessert or a mid-afternoon treat.
- Pair with a hot cup of coffee or latte for a café-style indulgence.
- Crush and sprinkle over vanilla ice cream for a caramel-chocolate topping.
- Wrap a few in parchment and tie with a ribbon for a thoughtful homemade gift.
Irresistible Homemade Samoas Cookies Recipe
24 cookies
servings25
minutes15
minutes160
kcalIngredients
IngredienttQuantity
All-Purpose Flourt1 ½ cups
Unsalted Butter (softened)t¾ cup
Granulated Sugart½ cup
Vanilla Extractt1 tsp
Saltt¼ tsp
Caramel Squares or Soft Caramelt11 oz
Heavy Creamt2 tbsp
Toasted Shredded Coconutt2 cups
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chipst8 oz
Directions
- Preheat Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare Shortbread Dough
- In a bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add vanilla extract and salt, then gradually mix in flour until a soft dough forms.
- Shape the Cookies
- Roll out dough on a floured surface to ¼-inch thickness. Use a round cutter to cut cookies, then remove the center with a smaller cutter for the classic Samoa shape.
- Bake the Shortbread
- Arrange cookies on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10–12 minutes, or until lightly golden. Cool completely.
- Toast the Coconut
- Spread shredded coconut on a baking tray and toast in the oven for 5–7 minutes, stirring halfway, until golden brown.
- Make the Caramel Mixture
- Melt caramel squares and heavy cream together in a saucepan over low heat until smooth. Stir in toasted coconut until evenly coated.
- Assemble Cookies
- Spoon the caramel-coconut mixture onto each cookie and press gently.
- Add Chocolate
- Melt chocolate chips in a microwave or double boiler. Dip the bottom of each cookie in chocolate and place on parchment paper. Drizzle more chocolate on top for the signature Samoas look.
- Set & Serve
- Let cookies cool completely until chocolate hardens. Enjoy your Irresistible Homemade Samoas Cookies!
Recipe Video
Notes
- Dough Texture: The shortbread dough should be soft but not sticky. If it feels too dry, add a teaspoon of milk; if too sticky, chill it for 10–15 minutes before rolling.
Perfect Toasted Coconut: Stir the coconut frequently while toasting to prevent burning. It should be evenly golden and aromatic.
FAQs
1. Can I use store-bought shortbread cookies instead of making the base from scratch?
Yes! If you’re short on time, store-bought shortbread or butter cookies work perfectly. Just make sure they’re sturdy enough to hold the caramel and coconut topping without breaking.
2. How do I keep the caramel from getting too hard?
If your caramel turns too hard, you may have overheated it. Stir in a tablespoon of cream or milk while melting to keep it smooth and spreadable.
3. Can I make Homemade Samoas Cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend or almond flour. You’ll get the same delicious flavor and crisp texture.
4. How should I store Homemade Samoas Cookies?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to 2 weeks or freeze for up to 3 months.
5. Can I make my own caramel instead of using store-bought?
Yes, homemade caramel adds an even richer flavor! Combine ½ cup sugar, 2 tbsp butter, and ¼ cup cream, and cook over low heat until smooth and golden.
Conclusion
Making Homemade Samoas Cookies is not just about baking — it’s about recreating a beloved classic with your personal touch. Every bite delivers that perfect balance of buttery cookie, gooey caramel, toasted coconut, and rich chocolate. Whether you’re baking for friends, family, or just to satisfy your own sweet tooth, these cookies will never disappoint.
