Homemade Samoas Girl Scout Cookies
Introduction
Everyone loves Girl Scout cookies, and one of the most popular flavors is the delicious Samoas. These cookies, with their combination of chocolate, caramel, and coconut, are a true delight for the taste buds. But what if you could enjoy these delectable treats at home, anytime you want? In this article, we will share with you a homemade Samoas Girl Scout Cookies recipe that will have you savoring the same amazing flavors right from your own kitchen.
Ingredients
To make homemade Samoas Girl Scout Cookies, you will need the following ingredients:
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 2 tablespoons milk
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 2 cups shredded coconut, toasted
– 15 ounces caramel candies
– 3 tablespoons heavy cream
– 8 ounces dark chocolate, melted
Steps
1. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This can be done using an electric mixer or by hand with a wooden spoon.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the creamed butter and sugar, mixing well after each addition.
4. Add the milk and vanilla extract to the dough and mix until the ingredients are fully incorporated. The dough should be slightly sticky but not too wet.
5. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to a thickness of about 1/4 inch. Use a round cookie cutter to cut out circles from the dough and place them onto the prepared baking sheet. Leave some space between each cookie as they will spread slightly during baking.
6. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until they are golden brown around the edges. Remove them from the oven and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack.
7. While the cookies are cooling, prepare the coconut topping. Spread the shredded coconut evenly on a baking sheet and toast it in the oven for about 5 minutes, or until it turns a light golden brown. Make sure to stir the coconut occasionally to ensure even toasting.
8. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the caramel candies and heavy cream. Microwave the mixture in 30-second intervals, stirring well after each interval, until the caramel is smooth and melted.
9. Once the cookies have cooled, spread a generous amount of the caramel mixture on top of each cookie. Then, sprinkle the toasted coconut over the caramel layer, pressing it lightly to adhere.
10. Place the cookies in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes to allow the caramel to set.
11. While the cookies are chilling, melt the dark chocolate in a double boiler or in the microwave using short bursts of heat and stirring frequently. Once the chocolate is smooth and melted, remove the cookies from the refrigerator.
12. Dip the bottom of each cookie into the melted chocolate, using a spoon to spread it evenly. Place the cookies back on the parchment-lined baking sheet and drizzle any remaining chocolate over the tops.
13. Return the cookies to the refrigerator for another 10 minutes to allow the chocolate to set.
14. Once the chocolate has hardened, your homemade Samoas Girl Scout Cookies are ready to be enjoyed! Serve them as a delicious treat or share them with friends and family.
KETO AND LOW CARBS Variations
For those following a keto or low-carb lifestyle, you can still enjoy the flavors of Samoas by making a few simple substitutions. Instead of using all-purpose flour, you can use almond flour or coconut flour. Replace the granulated sugar with a low-carb sweetener such as erythritol or stevia. And for the caramel layer, you can make a homemade sugar-free caramel using a combination of heavy cream, butter, and a low-carb sweetener. These modifications will allow you to indulge in the taste of Samoas without compromising your dietary goals.
Tips
– To make the cookie-cutting process easier, you can chill the dough for about 30 minutes before rolling it out. This will make it less sticky and more manageable.
– When toasting the shredded coconut, keep a close eye on it as it can go from golden brown to burnt very quickly. Stir it frequently to ensure even toasting.
– If you prefer a thinner caramel layer, you can use less caramel mixture on each cookie. Adjust the amount to your personal preference.
– If you don’t have access to dark chocolate, you can use milk chocolate or even white chocolate for the coating. The choice is yours!
Conclusion
Now that you have the recipe for homemade Samoas Girl Scout Cookies, you can enjoy these delightful treats whenever you desire. Whether you want to satisfy your own cookie cravings or impress your friends and family with your baking skills, this recipe is sure to please. So go ahead, grab your apron, and get ready to create a batch of mouthwatering Samoas cookies that will have everyone asking for more.
FAQs
Q: Can I use store-bought caramel instead of making my own?
A: Yes, you can use store-bought caramel sauce as a shortcut. Simply warm it up slightly before spreading it on the cookies.
Q: How long do these cookies stay fresh?
A: When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies can stay fresh for up to one week. However, they are so delicious that they are usually eaten long before they have a chance to go stale!
Q: Can I freeze these cookies?
A: Yes, you can freeze the baked cookies before adding the caramel and coconut topping. Once thawed, you can proceed with the caramel and chocolate coating steps.
Q: Can I use sweetened shredded coconut instead of unsweetened?
A: Yes, you can use sweetened shredded coconut if that is what you have on hand. Just keep in mind that the cookies will be slightly sweeter.
Q: Can I make these cookies in advance for a special occasion?
A: Absolutely! These cookies can be made a day or two in advance and stored in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve them. Just make sure to keep them in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
