Healthy Samoas (Vegan + Gluten Free)
These healthier vegan and gluten free Samoas taste just like the real thing but without the sugar! An easy, no-bake, satisfying treat.
I think we can all agree that Samoas are the most notorious Girl Scout cookie. Almost every time I ask a person, “what’s your favorite Girl Scout cookie?”, the answer is “Samoas” 9 times out of 10. As a kid, I couldn’t relate. I think they must have tasted too healthy to me (LOL) in contrast to my favorite which was a Tagalong. But now, I think Samoas (specifically these ones) are my favorite. My family and I truly cannot stop eating them.
Can you believe these Samoas are made from 6 healthy, whole food, ingredients? No need for any guilt when eating these, you’re actually kind of nourishing your body, and your cravings! The dark chocolate isn’t so bad either, as dark chocolate is known for being rich in disease-fighting antioxidants. This recipe is free from dairy, gluten and refined sugars. Plus, no baking required, which means you can eat them faster! Seriously, how can you go wrong?
The traditional Girl Scout Samoas are made from a shortbread base, sugary caramel, coconut flakes and milk chocolate. In this recipe, we’re using medjool dates to make the caramel – a high fiber and anti-inflammatory fruit. Then, we’re incorporating peanut butter to give it some substance (surprisingly you don’t taste it), rolled oats to help bind everything together, maple syrup to sweeten it up, vanilla extract to add some depth, and of course, shredded coconut. Oh, we can’t forget about the dark chocolate. That’s it! You may be thinking, how can all those healthy ingredients possibly taste like a Samoa cookie? Well, you’ll just have to try and see for yourself!
Healthy Samoas Ingredients
• Shredded Coconut – unsweetened. We’re going to toast it to bring out the nutty flavor.
• Medjool Dates – soft, pitted and juicy medjool dates. I always use Joolies Organic Fresh Medjool Dates. The first time I tried them I was genuinely blown away at the freshness and quality of them. Shop them here and be sure to use my code: BOOBOO for money off! If you are using other dates that are hard and dry, 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 – I use gluten free rolled oats, but feel free to swap regular rolled oats if you’re not gluten free.
• 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 – feel free to substitute agave or honey (if not vegan).
• Vanilla Extract
• Vegan Dark Chocolate – I always use the brand Hu Chocolate – it’s made with clean ingredients and my all-time favorite chocolate! Be sure to use my code BOOBOO for a discount.
• Refined Coconut Oil
How To Make Healthy Samoas
Well first of all, they’re no bake! So it’s easy enough. If your dates are hard and dry, soak them in boiling water for 5-10 minutes, then drain and pat dry. The dates should be moist and soft. Remove the pits from the dates. While the dates are soaking, toast the shredded coconut in a pan over low heat until lightly toasted and brown. Then, add all the ingredients to a food processor: toasted coconut, medjool dates, rolled oats, peanut butter, maple syrup, vanilla extract and salt. Process this mixture until well incorporated – about 20 seconds. It should resemble small crumbles, but not too fine of a mixture.
These Samoa cookies are certainly a must make! They’re especially fun to make with kids, and yes, they are Girl Scout approved. Take an afternoon to make these cookies with your kids, friends, or for a dinner party to impress your guests and treat them to this healthier, nostalgic delight.
If you make these Samoa cookies, let me know your thoughts and reviews in the comments below or share a photo with me on Instagram! It makes me so happy to see.
More Vegan and Gluten Free Dessert Recipes
Healthy No Bake Samoas (vegan & gluten free)
Ingredients
Samoa Cookies
- 1 cup shredded coconut
- 10 medjool dates, pitted
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 2 tbsp peanut butter
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
Chocolate Drizzle
- 3/4 cup vegan chocolate chips
- 1 tbsp refined coconut oil
Instructions
- If your dates are hard and dry, soak them in boiling water for 5-10 minutes, then drain and pat dry. The dates should be moist and soft. Then, remove the pits from the dates if not already pitted.
- Toast the shredded coconut in a pan over medium low heat until lightly brown, about 5 minutes.
- To a food processor, add the toasted coconut, dates, oats, peanut butter, maple syrup, vanilla extract and salt and process until mixed. It should resemble small crumbles, but not too fine of a mixture. If the mixture is too fine and doesn't stick together when you try to form it into a ball, add 1 tablespoon of water at a time.
- Scoop out 2 tbsp and use your hands to form it into a ball. Place it on a parchment lined tray or plate and flatten into a cookie shape (I used the bottom of a glass to do this).
- Use a straw to cut out the inner circle.
- Place the Samoas in the freezer for about 25 minutes.
- Melt the vegan chocolate chips and coconut oil in the microwave in 30 second increments until melted.
- Remove the Samoas from the freezer and dip the bottom of each Samoa into the chocolate, then place it back onto the parchment lined tray.
- Transfer the remaining chocolate into a ziplock bag with a hole cut in the corner, or use a spoon to drizzle chocolate on top of each Samoa.
- Refrigerate the Samoas until the chocolate has set. Enjoy!
Equipment
Notes
- I always use Joolies Organic Fresh Medjool Dates. The first time I tried them I was genuinely blown away at the freshness and quality of them. Shop them here and be sure to use my code: BOOBOO for money off!
- I always use the brand Hu Chocolate – it’s made with clean ingredients and my all-time favorite chocolate! Be sure to use my code BOOBOO for a discount.
