These Stuffed Samantha Cookies are a delicious homemade twist on the classic Samoa cookie, featuring a chewy buttery dough filled with gooey caramel, shredded coconut, and chocolate chips. Topped with a rich chocolate drizzle, these cookies are perfect for holidays, bake sales, or satisfying your sweet tooth. This easy-to-follow recipe ensures thick, chewy cookies with a delightful combination of caramel, coconut, and chocolate flavors.
Table of Contents
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
15 minutes
Total Time
35 minutes
Yield
24 cookies
Difficulty
Intermediate
Cuisine
American
Dietary
Vegetarian
Ingredients
- Unsalted butter: 1 cup (2 sticks), softened, for a rich, tender texture
- Granulated sugar: 3/4 cup, for sweetness
- Brown sugar: 3/4 cup, packed, for chewiness and caramel notes
- Egg: 1 large, to bind the dough
- Vanilla extract: 1 tsp, for flavor
- All-purpose flour: 2 1/4 cups, for structure
- Baking soda: 1 tsp, for leavening
- Salt: 1/2 tsp, to balance flavors
- Shredded coconut: 1 cup, for texture and classic Samantha flavor
- Chocolate chips: 1 cup, for melty chocolate pockets
- Caramel sauce: 1 cup, store-bought or homemade, for the gooey filling
- Chocolate chips: 1 cup, for melting and drizzling
Instructions
- Make the Dough: In a large bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream together softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes). Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Add Mix-Ins: Fold in shredded coconut and 1 cup of chocolate chips using a spatula.
- Chill the Dough: Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 1 hour. This helps the dough firm up and prevents spreading during baking.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Shape Cookies: Scoop 1 tablespoon of dough and flatten it in your palm. Place a small spoonful of caramel sauce and a few chocolate chips in the center. Fold the dough around the filling, rolling it into a ball. Place each ball on the baking sheet, 2 inches apart.
- Bake: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Drizzle Chocolate: Melt 1 cup of chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth. Drizzle the melted chocolate over the cooled cookies using a spoon or piping bag.
- Set and Serve: Let the chocolate set for 10 minutes. Enjoy your chewy, caramel-filled Samantha cookies!
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serving: Best enjoyed fresh with a glass of milk or coffee.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Freeze unbaked dough balls for up to 2 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to the baking time.
Helpful Tips
- Caramel: Use store-bought or homemade caramel sauce. Chill caramel slightly for easier handling.
- Coconut: Toasting the coconut (optional) enhances flavor. Spread coconut on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Chocolate: For extra decadence, add more chocolate chips to the dough or double the drizzle.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?
Yes, store-bought caramel works well, but homemade caramel adds a richer flavor.
Can I freeze the dough?
Yes, freeze dough balls on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to the bake time.
Do I need to toast the coconut?
No, but toasting adds a nutty flavor. See tips above for toasting instructions.
Can I make these cookies without caramel?
Yes, skip the caramel for a simpler coconut-chocolate chip cookie, but the caramel adds the signature Samantha taste.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Stuffed Samantha Cookies combine the irresistible flavors of caramel, coconut, and chocolate in a chewy, buttery cookie. The gooey caramel center and chocolate drizzle make them a standout treat for any occasion. Easy to make and perfect for sharing, this recipe is a must-try for cookie lovers!
