Name: Stuffed Samoa Cookies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: PT-485696H10M5S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; ¾ cup granulated sugar; ¾ cup brown sugar, packed; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2¼ cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 cup shredded coconut; 1 cup chocolate chips; 1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade); Additional chocolate chips (for melting and drizzling)

Why I Love This Recipe

I love how this recipe transforms the beloved Samoa cookie into a decadent, bakery-style dessert. The combination of textures—from the chewy cookie dough to the gooey caramel center and the crunch of toasted coconut—creates a satisfying experience. Plus, the addition of a chocolate drizzle adds the perfect finishing touch.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup granulated sugar
¾ cup brown sugar, packed
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2¼ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup shredded coconut
1 cup chocolate chips
1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Additional chocolate chips for melting and drizzling

Directions

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Fold in the shredded coconut and chocolate chips.
Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 1 hour to firm up.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Take about 1 tablespoon of dough and flatten it in your palm. Add a small amount of caramel sauce in the center, then fold the dough around the filling, rolling it into a ball.
Place each ball on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack.
Melt additional chocolate chips in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth. Drizzle the melted chocolate over the cooled cookies.

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields approximately 24 stuffed cookies. Preparation time is about 20 minutes, with a cook time of 15 minutes, totaling around 35 minutes from start to finish.

Variations

Nutty Twist: Add chopped pecans or almonds to the dough for extra crunch.
Dark Chocolate: Use dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet for a richer flavor.
Salted Caramel: Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over the caramel center before sealing the dough for a sweet and salty combination.

Storage and Reheating

I store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, I freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. To enjoy, I thaw at room temperature or warm in the microwave for a few seconds.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought caramel?

Yes, store-bought caramel sauce works perfectly, though homemade will add a richer flavor.

Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Absolutely. I freeze the dough balls for up to 2 months and bake as needed.

Do I need to toast the coconut?

Toasting the coconut is optional but can add extra depth of flavor to the cookies.

Can I add extra chocolate?

Absolutely! I add more chocolate chips or drizzle additional melted chocolate for a richer treat.

How do I prevent the caramel from leaking?

I ensure the caramel filling is well-wrapped to prevent it from leaking during baking.

Conclusion

These homemade Stuffed Samoa Cookies are a twist on the classic Samoa flavor profile, featuring a chewy, buttery cookie dough packed with coconut and chocolate chips. Filled with gooey caramel and topped with a chocolate drizzle, each bite brings a perfect balance of sweet, chewy, and chocolatey flavors. These cookies are perfect for any occasion, and the recipe is simple enough to prepare in advance. The dough can be chilled to prevent spreading, resulting in thick, chewy cookies with a luscious caramel center. Perfect for dessert lovers, these cookies combine the best of caramel, chocolate, and coconut in every bite!