Description
Coconut Caramel Samoa Cookies are chewy, rich treats blending sweet toasted coconut, luscious caramel, and a hint of chocolate. These cookies offer a perfect balance of layered flavors and textures, making each bite a tropical twist on a classic favorite that’s ideal for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend for gluten-free version)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened (or plant-based butter for vegan)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg (or flax egg for vegan)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Add-Ins
- 1 1/2 cups toasted shredded coconut
- 3/4 cup caramel bits or finely chopped soft caramel squares
- 3/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips or melted chocolate
Instructions
- Prepare the dough: Cream softened butter with granulated and brown sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract. Gradually add flour, baking soda, and salt, mixing until a smooth dough forms.
- Add the coconut and caramel: Gently fold toasted shredded coconut and caramel bits into the dough, ensuring even distribution without breaking them down.
- Shape and bake: Scoop spoonfuls of dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing evenly. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes until edges are golden brown.
- Add the chocolate: Immediately after removing cookies from the oven, sprinkle chocolate chips on top and allow them to melt. Spread the chocolate slightly with the back of a spoon. Let cookies cool completely before serving.
Notes
- Toast shredded coconut at 325°F (160°C) for 5-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and fragrant to enhance flavor and crunch.
- Do not overbake; remove cookies when edges turn golden but centers remain soft for best chewy texture.
- Use room temperature butter for smooth blending and tender crumbs.
- Chill dough to control spreading and improve flavor if time permits.
- Customize caramel by using soft caramel squares for gooey pockets or caramel bits for a firmer texture.
- Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free blend for gluten-free cookies.
- For vegan cookies, use plant-based butter, flax eggs, and vegan caramel alternatives.
- Add nuts like macadamia or pecans for extra crunch and flavor if desired.
- Enhance chocolate flavor by drizzling melted chocolate or adding white chocolate chips.
- Try adding cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, spiced variation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 90 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
Keywords: coconut caramel cookies, samoa cookies, chewy cookies, toasted coconut cookies, caramel chocolate cookies, gluten-free cookies