These Homemade Samoas Bars are an irresistible treat, featuring a buttery cookie base topped with toasted coconut and chewy caramel, then drizzled with rich chocolate. Inspired by the popular Girl Scout cookie, these bars are melt-in-your-mouth delicious and perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. Here’s how you can make these scrumptious bars at home.
Ingredients
For the Cookie Base:
- ½ cup sugar
- ¾ cup butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Topping:
- 3 cups shredded coconut, toasted
- 12 oz chewy caramels
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons milk
- 8 oz semisweet chocolate
Instructions
1. Prepare the Cookie Base:
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal of the bars.
- Mix the Cookie Dough: In a large bowl, cream together the sugar and butter until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer on medium speed. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. The dough will be thick.
- Bake the Cookie Base: Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Let the cookie base cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
2. Prepare the Topping:
- Toast the Coconut: Spread the shredded coconut evenly on a baking sheet. Toast in the preheated oven for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown. Be careful not to burn it. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool.
- Make the Caramel Layer: In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the chewy caramels with the milk and salt. Stir continuously until the mixture is smooth and the caramels are fully melted.
- Assemble the Bars: Once the cookie base has cooled, spread the melted caramel evenly over the top. Sprinkle the toasted coconut over the caramel, pressing gently to adhere.
3. Add the Chocolate Layer:
- Melt the Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the semisweet chocolate in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until smooth and fully melted.
- Drizzle the Chocolate: Pour the melted chocolate over the coconut layer, spreading it evenly with a spatula or the back of a spoon. For a decorative touch, you can use a fork or knife to swirl the chocolate lightly.
- Chill the Bars: Refrigerate the bars for at least 1 hour or until the chocolate is set and the caramel is firm.
4. Serve and Enjoy:
- Cut into Bars: Once the bars are fully set, lift them out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Place on a cutting board and cut into squares or rectangles.
- Store: Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week, or refrigerate for longer shelf life.
Tips for Perfect Samoas Bars
- Butter Consistency: Ensure the butter is softened to room temperature for easy mixing. If it’s too soft or melted, it might affect the texture of the cookie base.
- Toasting Coconut: Keep a close eye on the coconut while toasting, as it can burn quickly.
- Caramel Consistency: If the caramel is too thick, add a little more milk to reach the desired consistency. If too runny, cook a bit longer to thicken.
- Even Chocolate Layer: For a smoother finish, let the chocolate cool slightly before spreading to prevent it from melting the caramel.
Variations
- Add Nuts: For added crunch, mix in some chopped nuts, like almonds or pecans, with the toasted coconut.
- Dark Chocolate: Substitute semisweet chocolate with dark chocolate for a richer flavor.
- Flavored Caramel: Experiment with flavored caramels, like sea salt or vanilla, for a unique twist on the classic recipe.
Nutritional Information
Each bar is a sweet indulgence, rich in caramel and chocolate. While they’re a delightful treat, they should be enjoyed in moderation. The combination of buttery cookie, gooey caramel, and chocolate makes for a decadent dessert that’s perfect for special occasions or a treat-yourself moment.
Homemade Samoas Bars bring the iconic flavors of the beloved Girl Scout cookie into your kitchen. With a buttery cookie base, chewy caramel, toasted coconut, and a decadent chocolate layer, these bars are a melt-in-your-mouth treat that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just a sweet craving, these bars will become a favorite in your recipe collection. Enjoy making and savoring these delicious treats!
