Healthy Samoas (Vegan + Gluten Free)

Craving Samoas but need a healthier option? These vegan and gluten-free Samoas taste just like the classic—without the refined sugar. Easy, no-bake, and so delicious!

Let’s be honest—Samoas are the best Girl Scout cookie, right?

Whenever I ask someone their favorite Girl Scout cookie, the answer is almost always “Samoas”.

As a kid, I didn’t get the hype. They probably seemed too healthy to me compared to my go-to Tagalongs. But now? I’m team Samoas—especially these healthier, homemade ones. My family and I seriously can’t stop eating them!

Can you believe these Samoas are made with just 6 healthy, whole-food ingredients? Yup!

Oh, and did I mention? No baking required, so you can enjoy them even faster. Honestly, how can you say no?

Traditional Girl Scout Samoas are made with a buttery shortbread base, sugary caramel, coconut flakes, and milk chocolate.

In this healthier version, we swap out the caramel for medjool dates (a high-fiber fruit that adds natural sweetness). Peanut butter and rolled oats help the ingredients bind together. Maple syrup adds a touch more sweetness, vanilla extract deepens the flavor, and shredded coconut ties it all together. And of course, we can’t forget the notorious drizzle of rich dark chocolate to finish it off.

It might sound too healthy to taste like a classic Samoa, but trust me—you’ll be amazed once you try them!

Ingredients Needed

Scroll down to the recipe card to get the full recipe with measurements.

• Shredded Coconut: We’re going to toast it to bring out the nutty flavor. 
• Medjool Dates: The natural sweetener. I use Joolie’s Organic Dates. If your dates are dried, add them to a bowl with hot water and soak them for 5-10 minutes until soft and juicy, then drain and pat dry. 
• Rolled Oats: Use certified gluten-free rolled oats as needed.
• Peanut Butter: Feel free to substitute almond butter, cashew butter, sunflower butter, etc. I think hazelnut butter would taste amazing in these too!
• Maple Syrup: An all natural sweetener. Feel free to substitute agave or honey (if not vegan).
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a depth of flavor.
• Vegan Dark Chocolate: Use your favorite dark chocolate bar or dairy-free chocolate chips.
• Coconut Oil (optional): To help thin the chocolate for drizzling.

How To Make Healthy Samoas Cookies

1. Prepare the Dates: If your dates are dry, soak them in hot water for 5–10 minutes, then drain and pat dry. Remove the pits if your dates aren’t already pitted.
2. Toast the Coconut: Add the shredded coconut to a pan over low heat and lightly toast it until golden brown, about 3-5 minutes, tossing frequently.
3. Combine Ingredients: In a food processor, combine the toasted coconut, pitted dates, rolled oats, peanut butter, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until the mixture forms a cohesive, slightly crumbly dough.
4. Shape the Cookies: Use your hands to form the dough into a ball, then flatten onto a parchment lined baking sheet. Use a straw to cut out circles in the center of each cookie to make the traditional Samoa shape.
5. Add Chocolate Coating: Melt vegan dark chocolate with a bit of coconut oil, then dip the bottom of each cookie in the chocolate. Place back on the baking sheet and drizzle remaining chocolate on top.
6. Set and Enjoy: Refrigerate cookies until chocolate hardens. Enjoy!

These healthy Samoa cookies are a must-make! They’re fun to whip up with kids and, yes—they’re Girl Scout approved.

Spend an afternoon making these with your little ones, friends, or even for a dinner party. They’re the perfect way to impress guests with a healthier twist on a nostalgic favorite!

More No Bake Dessert Recipes

• Snickers Stuffed Dates
• Samoas Date Bark
• Quinoa Crunch Stuffed Dates
• Healthy Chocolate Truffles
• Brownie Batter Truffles (vegan & gluten free)

If you make this recipe, please be sure to leave a comment and ★★★★★ star rating below letting me know how you liked it! This helps others find my recipes. I appreciate your support, as always. xo, Megan