If you’ve ever craved the lush, irresistible flavors of the classic Girl Scout cookie, then you are going to fall head over heels for these Samoas Cookie Caramel Coconut Bars. This luscious bar combines a buttery crust, a gooey caramel-coconut layer, and rich melted chocolate into one harmonious bite that lights up every craving. Each bar captures the essence of those beloved Samoas cookies, but in a homemade, shareable format that’s perfect for parties, snacks, or just spoiling yourself. Trust me, once you try these Samoas Cookie Caramel Coconut Bars, they’ll quickly become your go-to comfort treat that you’ll want to whip up again and again.

Samoas Cookie Caramel Coconut Bars Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make these Samoas Cookie Caramel Coconut Bars, you’ll want to gather a few simple ingredients that each play a star role in building layers of flavor and texture. From the tender buttery crust to the decadent caramel and coconut topping, every component enhances the final result beautifully.

All-purpose flour: Provides the sturdy, yet tender base for the crust that holds everything together.

Cornstarch: Adds softness to the crust, making it tender rather than tough.
Baking powder: Gives a gentle lift for the perfect crust texture.

Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
Softened butter: The key to a rich, flaky crust that melts in your mouth.

Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a golden crust.
Brown sugar: Brings moistness and a subtle caramel note to the dough.
Egg yolk: Binds the ingredients and adds richness without drying out the crust.

Vanilla extract: Elevates all the flavors with its warm, fragrant aroma.
Caramel sauce: The luscious, sticky component that pairs perfectly with coconut for that signature Samoas flavor.
Sweetened flaked coconut: Brings chewy texture and tropical sweetness to the bars.

Semisweet chocolate chips: Adds deep, smooth chocolate layers that satisfy every chocolate lover’s heart.

How to Make Samoas Cookie Caramel Coconut Bars

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F to get everything ready for baking. Line a 13×9-inch baking pan with foil, making sure to extend the foil over the edges, and then grease it lightly with cooking spray. This setup makes for easy lifting and cleanup later on.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Dry Ingredients for the Crust

In a small bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt. Mixing these dry components well ensures an even distribution, which helps the crust bake to perfection with a tender crumb.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a larger bowl, beat the softened butter with a mixer on medium speed for about 30 seconds to soften it further. Add both granulated and brown sugar, then beat on medium-high until the mixture looks light and fluffy. This step helps build the crust’s lovely texture and subtle sweetness.

Step 4: Incorporate the Egg Yolk and Vanilla

Mix in the egg yolk and vanilla extract, which not only bind the dough but bring depth of flavor. The vanilla, in particular, makes all the other ingredients sing with a warm, inviting aroma.

Step 5: Add the Dry Mixture and Press Into the Pan

Beat in the flour mixture until just combined. The dough may look crumbly—that’s okay. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges turn a light golden brown. This crust delivers a perfect sturdy yet tender foundation for your bars.

Step 6: Mix Coconut and Caramel While the Crust Bakes

While the crust is in the oven, grab a large bowl and toss together the sweetened flaked coconut with the caramel sauce. This sticky, sweet blend will become the iconic middle layer of your Samoas Cookie Caramel Coconut Bars.

Step 7: Add Chocolate Chips to the Hot Crust

Remove the baked crust from the oven and immediately sprinkle 1 ½ cups of the semisweet chocolate chips over the surface. Let the chocolate chips sit on the hot crust for about five minutes to soften, then spread them evenly to create a silky chocolate layer.

Step 8: Spoon Coconut-Caramel Mixture & Bake Again

Carefully spread the coconut and caramel mixture over the melted chocolate layer, then return the pan to the oven for another 10 minutes. This melts the coconut into the bar while keeping it perfectly chewy.

Step 9: Drizzle Melted Chocolate and Chill

After the bars cool on a wire rack, melt the remaining chocolate chips in short bursts in the microwave, stirring until smooth and glossy. Drizzle the melted chocolate over the top, then cover the pan and refrigerate for at least one hour to help everything set firmly.

Step 10: Slice and Serve

When set, use the foil edges to lift the entire block from the pan. Cut into bars and get ready to enjoy the rich, indulgent flavors packed into every bite of your homemade Samoas Cookie Caramel Coconut Bars!

How to Serve Samoas Cookie Caramel Coconut Bars

Garnishes

These bars are already pretty stunning, but you can add a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes or a few extra chocolate chips on top before serving for a decorative, textural boost. A light dusting of powdered sugar also adds a pretty, snow-like touch that makes these bars look as good as they taste.

Side Dishes

Pair Samoas Cookie Caramel Coconut Bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dreamy dessert pairing. A cup of fresh fruit or berry compote works beautifully too, cutting through the sweetness with bright, fresh notes. For drinks, a bold coffee or a cold glass of milk never fails to complement the rich flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re taking these bars to a gathering, consider layering them in a pretty box lined with parchment paper or serving on a wooden board garnished with extra coconut flakes. You can also try packing them individually in small decorative cellophane bags tied with ribbon for cute gift treats that everyone will adore.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Samoas Cookie Caramel Coconut Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh and delicious for up to 5 days. The chocolate and caramel stay perfectly firm, and the crust maintains that ideal chewy texture.

Freezing

These bars freeze beautifully. Wrap individual bars or the whole block tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight to keep all the layers intact and moist, making them a perfect make-ahead dessert.

Reheating

If you want to bring back that just-baked warmth, microwave a bar for 10 to 15 seconds — it softens the chocolate and caramel nicely without melting everything completely. Just be careful not to overheat and lose that wonderful layered texture.

FAQs

Can I use homemade caramel sauce for these bars?

Absolutely! Homemade caramel adds a delightful personal touch and can taste even richer than store-bought versions. Just make sure your caramel is thick enough to hold the coconut together without running.

Is it possible to substitute the semisweet chocolate chips?

Yes! You can use milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate chips depending on your preference. Each variation brings a slightly different flavor profile, so feel free to experiment.

Can these bars be made vegan or gluten-free?

These bars as written contain butter, egg yolk, and all-purpose flour, so not vegan or gluten-free. However, with substitutes like vegan butter, flax egg, and gluten-free flour blends, you can create a similar treat while accommodating dietary needs.

How do I prevent the coconut from burning during baking?

Stirring the coconut into the caramel sauce before baking helps keep it moist and less prone to burning. Also, baking the bars at 350°F and keeping an eye on the final bake ensures the coconut stays perfectly toasted and chewy.

Can I double the recipe for a larger batch?

Yes! You can double the ingredients and bake in a larger pan, just be mindful to increase baking time slightly and check for doneness to ensure the crust and toppings bake evenly.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly magical about these Samoas Cookie Caramel Coconut Bars that makes them hard to resist. They combine all the best-loved elements of a classic cookie into one upgraded dessert bar that is perfect for sharing or savoring solo. Give this recipe a try, and I promise it will become a lasting favorite to bring joy and sweetness to your kitchen anytime you need a little pick-me-up or party pleaser.