Girl Scout cookies are popular this time of year. It’s estimated that more than 200 million of these crunchy, chewy and addictive little boxes are sold every year. The bad taste is due to the ingredients and pesticide residues.
If you love chewy coconut, caramel, and rich chocolate Samoas, you’ll love this healthy treat. It’s made with real ingredients, but it tastes better (in my opinion). I’ve always been a fan of coconut and use it in everything from skincare to desserts for healthy fats.
This healthy version of homemade Samoa cookies delivers flavor and quality. Inspired by traditional Samoan cookies, we create easy Samoan recipes that you can enjoy not only during cookie season, but all year long. Plus, it’s grain-free, uses natural sweeteners, and has a texture any coconut lover will appreciate.
What are Samoa cookies and why do you make them at home?
Samoas are a beloved Girl Scout cookie with toasted coconut, caramel, and chocolate. In some regions they are labeled as Caramel deLites or Coconut Girl Scout Cookies, but the flavor profile remains the same. They are sweet, chewy and irresistible. But the first ingredient is sugar, then vegetable oil, and the ingredient list goes downhill from there.
I don’t have a sweet tooth, but my kids won’t say no to homemade cookies! And I want food that is as nutritious as it is delicious. That’s where this healthy Samoan trick comes in.
It’s clean, simple and features really delicious ingredients. This homemade Samoa uses medjool dates for caramel-like sweetness and toasted coconut and dark chocolate for texture. The result is coconut cookies that are indulgent in flavor but made with only real food ingredients.
Nourishing Spin authoritative
One of the best things about making snacks at home is that you can choose your ingredients and sweetness level. Many homemade Samoan recipes suffer from a complex caramelization step or refined sugars. This version keeps it simple and nutritious.
Toasted coconut adds texture, sweetness, healthy fats, and fiber. Jujubes have a sticky, caramel-like texture without the need for boiling sugar and are packed with nutrients. A dark chocolate drizzle combines both antioxidants and minerals. You can adjust the amount of chocolate to suit your family’s tastes or switch to a dairy-free option.
Tips for making Samoa at home
Homemade Samoa cookies (or any other cookie) don’t just copy what’s on the side of the box. I don’t know about you, but I don’t keep sorbitol, caramel coloring, or carrageenan in my pantry! This Samoa starts with simple ingredients, but you can adjust them to suit your taste.
- Customize your chocolate: Adjust the sweetness level using your favorite dark chocolate (70-90% cacao works well). You can also choose dairy-free chocolate.
- Play with fat: Coconut cream, melted coconut oil, and even grass-fed butter all work well here. Use what you have or like. Butter and ghee are most similar to traditional Samoan flavors and are richer. Coconut cream gets softer when you chew it, while coconut oil becomes harder when you eat it cold.
- Prepare your date: If your dates are dry or hard, soak them in warm water for 5 to 10 minutes first. Then drain and pat dry before use.
These homemade Samoa cookies are perfect for family gatherings, lunchbox snacks, or weekend projects with the kids. And once I make this Samoa sequel, it will be interesting to explore other real food dessert recipes as well.
Healthier Homemade Samoa Cookies
A delicious and healthy twist on the classic Samoa cookie, it features nutritious fats, dates for sweetness, and a generous chocolate drizzle.
Preheat oven to 400°F. Spread the shredded coconut evenly on the baking sheet and toast, watching closely, until browned, 3 to 5 minutes. Remove and let cool slightly.
Place dates in food processor and pulse until sticky and broken down. Add toasted coconut, vanilla, salt, and fat of choice. Pulse until a thick, cohesive dough forms.
Take about 1 tablespoon of dough, shape it into a ball, and flatten it slightly. I used the back of a ½ measuring cup with parchment paper between the cookie and the measuring cup. Make a hole in the center using a straw or chopsticks. Change the shape as needed.
Reduce oven temperature to 350°F.
Place cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, until edges are lightly golden and cookies are set. Let the cookies cool completely on the pan.
Place the cooled cookies in the freezer for 5 minutes to harden.
Using a double boiler, melt the dark chocolate and coconut oil (or butter) until smooth.
Dip the bottom of the cookie into the melted chocolate. Place back on the parchment paper and drizzle the remaining chocolate over the top.
Refrigerate for 10 to 15 minutes until the chocolate is completely set.
Nutrition Facts
Healthier Homemade Samoa Cookies
Amount Per Serving (1 cookie)
calorie 123
calories from fat 72
% Daily Value*
province 8g12%
6g saturated fat38%
Trans fat 0.002g
Polyunsaturated fat 0.1g
1g monounsaturated fat
cholesterol 0.1mg0%
sodium 28mg1%
potassium 169mg5%
carbohydrate 13g4%
3g fiber13%
10g sugar11%
protein 1g2%
Vitamin A 20IU0%
Vitamin C 0.2mg0%
calcium 14mg1%
steel 1mg6%
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
- If you want chewier cookies, bake for about 12 minutes.
- If you want crispier cookies, bake for about 15 minutes and toast the coconut a little darker.
How to Store Homemade Samoas
We all know someone who stashes Girl Scout cookies in the freezer for later. The good news is that these homemade Samoas can be frozen too! Leftovers can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. For the best texture, let the cookies come to room temperature before eating.
Does your family love Girl Scout cookies? What is your favorite flavor or healthier alternative? Let us know in the comments!
