Girl Scout Caramel Delight Cookies Recipe

42

It’s the annual tradition of Girl Scouts knocking on the door, armed with an arsenal of cookie boxes that could sweeten any day. Among the delightful array of choices, the Girl Scout Caramel Delight Cookies, known to many as Caramel deLites, stood out as the jewel in the crown of cookie treasures.

How to make Girl Scout Caramel Delight Cookies

Girl Scout Caramel deLites (also known as Samoas in some regions) are cookies sold by Girl Scouts during their annual cookie sales. They consist of a crisp, buttery shortbread base coated with caramel, toasted coconut, and dark chocolaty stripes. These cookies are one of the most popular Girl Scout cookie varieties, known for their chewy, crunchy, and sweet flavor combination.

Ingredients:

For the Cookies:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Topping:

• 2 cups shredded coconut
• 15 ounces caramel (you can use candy caramels, unwrapped)
• 3 tablespoons milk
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Chocolate Coating:

• 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

Instructions:

Make the Cookies:

1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a larger mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until creamy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until well combined.
4. Combine Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until it is just combined.
5. Form Cookies: Scoop teaspoons of dough and roll into balls. Place them on the baking sheet and press down slightly to flatten. Using your thumb or the back of a spoon, make a small well in the center of each cookie.
6. Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely on the baking sheet.

Prepare the Topping:

1. Toast Coconut: Spread the coconut flakes on a baking sheet and toast in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden.
2. Melt Caramels: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine caramels, milk, and salt. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth. Stir in vanilla extract and toasted coconut.

Assemble the Cookies:

1. Top Cookies: Spoon or spread the caramel-coconut mixture over the cooled cookies.
2. Chill Cookies: Chill the topped cookies in the refrigerator to set the caramel for about 15 minutes.

Add Chocolate:

1. Melt Chocolate: Melt chocolate chips in the microwave or over a double boiler, stirring until smooth.
2. Dip Cookies: Dip the bottom of each cookie into the melted chocolate and return to the parchment paper chocolate side down. Drizzle leftover chocolate over the tops.
3. Chill Again: Chill the cookies until the chocolate is set.

Tips for Perfect Cookies:

• Ensure all ingredients, especially butter and eggs, are at room temperature to achieve a smooth dough.
• Be patient while melting caramel and chocolate to avoid scorching. Use low heat or short intervals in the microwave.
• Store cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep the caramel and chocolate firm.

What to serve with

Girl Scout Caramel Delight Cookies are a delectable treat on their own, but pairing them with the right beverages or accompaniments can enhance the overall tasting experience.

Beverages:

Coffee: A robust and rich cup of coffee is an excellent companion to the sweet, caramel-laced cookies. The bitterness of coffee provides a pleasant contrast to the sweetness while the warmth can slightly soften the chocolate.

Suggestion: Try a dark roast or espresso with these cookies to balance the sweetness of the caramel.

Tea: Tea can be a lighter pairing for Caramel Delight Cookies. A black tea like Earl Grey with its citrus notes complements the caramel and coconut flavors, while herbal teas with a slight sweetness, such as chamomile or mint, can be soothing.

Suggestion: Experiment with teas that have caramel or vanilla notes to echo the flavors in the cookies.

Cold Milk: There’s something incredibly nostalgic and comforting about cookies and milk. The creaminess of the milk contrasts beautifully with the texture of the cookies and helps cleanse the palate between bites.

Suggestion: To continue the coconut theme, opt for whole milk or a non-dairy alternative like almond or coconut milk.

Wine: For a more sophisticated pairing, select a wine that complements the sweet and nutty flavors of the cookies. A sweet dessert wine like a Riesling or Moscato or a fortified wine like port can stand up to the richness of the caramel and chocolate.

Suggestion: Serve chilled dessert wine in small glasses to sip slowly as you savor each cookie.

Desserts:

Ice Cream: Serve the cookies alongside a scoop of vanilla, coconut, or caramel ice cream. The creaminess of the ice cream pairs well with the texture of the cookie, and complementary flavors can enhance your dessert experience.

Suggestion: Make a homemade ice cream sandwich with two Caramel Delight Cookies and your choice of ice cream in the middle.

Fruit Platter: A platter of fresh fruits such as strawberries, sliced apples, or pears can provide a refreshing and tangy counterpoint to the rich flavors of the cookies. Fruit can cleanse the palate and balance the sweetness.

Suggestion: Offer a fruit dip, like chocolate or caramel sauce, that guests can use for both the fruit and the cookies.

Ingredients Substitutes

Making a homemade version of Girl Scout Caramel Delight Cookies (also known as Samoas) is a rewarding venture, but sometimes, you may not have all the ingredients on hand or need to accommodate dietary restrictions.

For the Cookie Base:

• All-Purpose Flour: To make the recipe gluten-free, you can substitute all-purpose gluten-free flour in a 1:1 ratio. Ensure it includes xanthan gum to mimic the texture of gluten.
• Unsalted Butter: For a dairy-free version, use plant-based butter or margarine. The moisture content may differ slightly, so you may need to adjust the flour content to achieve the desired dough consistency.
• Sugar: Coconut sugar is a healthier alternative to refined white sugar. It imparts a slight caramel flavor that complements the cookie. The texture of the dough might be slightly different, but it is just as delicious.

For the Caramel Layer:

• Caramels: If you prefer not to use store-bought caramels due to ingredients or dietary restrictions, you can make your own using coconut cream and brown sugar as a dairy-free and potentially vegan option, depending on your sugar choice.
• Heavy Cream: For those who are dairy-free or vegan, coconut cream is an excellent substitute for heavy cream in homemade caramel recipes. It gives the cookies a slight coconut flavor that enhances their overall taste.

For the Topping:

• Shredded Coconut: If you’re not a fan of coconut or are allergic, toasted oats or crushed nuts like almonds or pecans could be a good substitute. They won’t replicate the exact taste but will provide a nice texture and flavor contrast.
• Semi-sweet Chocolate: For a dairy-free or vegan version of the cookies, use a dairy-free chocolate or dark chocolate. The percentage of cacao can be adjusted according to your taste preference. Alternatively, for a unique twist, white chocolate could provide an interesting contrast in flavors, but keep in mind that this changes the cookie’s flavor profile significantly.

Final Thoughts

Enjoy the delightful task of baking these cookies, reminiscent of the cherished Girl Scout Caramel Delight Cookies!

More Cookie Recipes:

• Homemade Post Malone Oreo Cookies Recipe
• Mcdonald’s Mcflurry with Oreo Cookies Recipe
• Subway Oreo Cookie Recipe
• Lemon Oatmeal No-Bake Cookies Recipe
• Girl Scout Thin Mint Cookies Recipe