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.
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!
