Imagine a cookie that takes all the beloved flavors of the classic Girl Scout Samoa and makes it even easier to create. No oven, no stress, just pure caramel-coconut-chocolate bliss in every chewy bite. That’s what you get with these no-bake Samoa cookies — a sweet treat that doesn’t need a special occasion to be devoured.
The base is a simple mixture of toasty coconut and gooey caramel, shaped into perfect rounds and finished off with a generous drizzle of chocolate. These are the kind of cookies that taste like you spent hours baking, but really only take 15 minutes of hands-on time. They’re a perfect make-ahead treat for parties, holiday platters, or just a little midweek indulgence.
Why You’ll Love This No-Bake Samoa Cookies Recipe
This recipe is perfect for anyone who loves Samoa cookies but doesn’t have time to bake. It skips the dough, rolling, and oven and gives you all the flavor with none of the fuss. The coconut caramel combo sets up beautifully, and you still get that chocolatey finish that ties it all together. Plus, they store well and hold their shape at room temperature, making them a fantastic grab-and-go dessert.
Can I Use Store-Bought Caramel for No-Bake Samoa Cookies?
Absolutely! While you can make homemade caramel if you prefer, using good-quality store-bought soft caramels will save time and still give you a deliciously rich flavor. Just be sure to melt them with a bit of milk or cream to keep the mixture smooth and easy to stir into the coconut.
Ingredients for the No-Bake Samoa Cookies
You only need a handful of ingredients to bring this cookie magic to life. Each one plays a key role in creating the texture and flavor that make these no-bake Samoas so irresistible.
Sweetened Shredded Coconut adds that signature chewy, nutty texture and lightly toasts in the pan for extra depth.
Soft Caramels form the sticky, rich base that holds the cookies together and brings that classic Samoa flavor.
Milk or Cream helps melt the caramels into a smooth mixture that coats the coconut evenly.
Vanilla Extract enhances the flavor of the caramel and gives the cookies a warm, homemade aroma.
Semisweet Chocolate Chips are used for both the bottom coating and drizzle on top, giving you that essential chocolatey finish.

How To Make the No-Bake Samoa Cookies
Step 1: Toast the Coconut
Place the shredded coconut in a dry skillet over medium heat. Stir frequently until it turns golden brown and fragrant. This takes about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 2: Melt the Caramels
In a saucepan, combine the unwrapped soft caramels with a splash of milk or cream. Heat over low, stirring frequently, until the caramels are completely melted and smooth.
Step 3: Combine and Shape
Pour the melted caramel over the toasted coconut and stir to combine. Quickly scoop heaping tablespoons of the mixture onto a parchment-lined tray. Use your fingers to press and shape each mound into a round cookie.
Step 4: Add the Chocolate
Melt the semisweet chocolate chips in the microwave or over a double boiler. Dip the bottom of each cookie into the melted chocolate and place them back on the tray. Use a spoon or piping bag to drizzle more chocolate over the tops.
Step 5: Let Them Set
Allow the cookies to set at room temperature or place them in the fridge for about 20 minutes until the chocolate firms up. Then enjoy!
How to Serve and Store No-Bake Samoa Cookies
These cookies are perfect for serving on a festive platter, stacking in a cookie tin, or wrapping up as a sweet edible gift. They stay fresh in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
If you’re making them for a party or potluck, you can easily double the batch. Since they hold their shape well, you can even stack them for travel without worrying about a sticky mess. This recipe makes about 18 cookies, depending on the size you form them.
What to Serve With No-Bake Samoa Cookies?
Classic Coffee or Espresso
The bold, roasted flavor of coffee pairs beautifully with the sweet coconut and caramel.
Vanilla Ice Cream
Serve one of these cookies crumbled over a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an easy and elegant dessert.
Fresh Berries
A bowl of strawberries or raspberries balances the richness of the cookies with a burst of freshness.
Cold Brew or Iced Lattes
In warmer months, try pairing these cookies with a smooth iced coffee for a sweet and refreshing combo.
Whipped Cream and Chocolate Shavings
Stack two cookies with a dollop of whipped cream in the middle and top with chocolate shavings for a playful mini dessert.
Salted Nuts
A small bowl of roasted salted cashews or almonds makes a great crunchy contrast.
Dark Chocolate Squares
Serve alongside a few pieces of dark chocolate for a layered tasting board.
Coconut Milk Hot Chocolate
Double down on coconut and pair your cookies with a creamy coconut milk hot chocolate.
Want More Cookie Ideas with a Twist?
If you loved these no-bake Samoa cookies, check out more sweet surprises from the kitchen:
- Peanut Butter Smores Sandwich Cookies for a gooey, campfire-inspired treat.
- Classic French Butter Cookies if you want a simple, melt-in-your-mouth bite.
- Churro Cheesecake Donut Cookies for a cinnamon-sugar twist.
- Lemon Truffles Recipe for citrusy, creamy decadence.
- Easter Cake Mix Cookie Bars for a colorful, chewy celebration.
Save This Recipe For Later
📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.
Let me know how yours turned out! Did you go heavy on the chocolate drizzle or keep it light? Any flavor tweaks you tried?
I love hearing how these recipes find their way into your home. Don’t hesitate to drop a comment or ask questions if you’re making them for the first time!
Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks and treats on Janet Dishes on Pinterest and get inspired for your next kitchen session.
Conclusion
No-bake Samoa cookies are everything you want in a quick dessert: nostalgic flavor, simple ingredients, and just the right mix of chewy, toasty, and chocolatey. They’re a breeze to make, endlessly giftable, and taste like a hug in cookie form. Whether you’re making them for the holidays or just because, these sweet bites are sure to impress with zero oven required.

No-Bake Samoa Cookies
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 18 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These No-Bake Samoa Cookies are a quick and easy twist on the classic Girl Scout favorite, featuring toasted coconut, gooey caramel, and rich chocolate. Perfect for a no-bake dessert, cookie swap, or sweet gift idea. Keywords: no-bake cookies, Samoa cookies, coconut caramel chocolate cookies.
Ingredients
1 ½ cups sweetened shredded coconut
10 oz soft caramels
2 tbsp milk or cream
½ tsp vanilla extract
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
Instructions
1. Toast the shredded coconut in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes. Set aside.
2. In a saucepan, melt the soft caramels with the milk or cream over low heat, stirring frequently until smooth.
3. Pour the melted caramel over the toasted coconut and mix well to coat evenly.
4. Scoop heaping tablespoons of the mixture onto a parchment-lined tray and shape into round cookies.
5. Melt the chocolate chips using a microwave or double boiler.
6. Dip the bottom of each cookie into melted chocolate and return to the tray.
7. Drizzle additional chocolate over the top of each cookie.
8. Let cookies set at room temperature or refrigerate for 20 minutes until chocolate is firm.
Notes
Use fresh shredded coconut for best flavor and texture.
Work quickly once caramel is mixed in—it sets fast.
Drizzle chocolate with a spoon or piping bag for a clean finish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 65mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
