Paleo Girl Scout Cookies: Samoas
This recipe for gluten-free Paleo Girl Scout cookies is based on one from the wonderful cookbook Paleo Indulgences by Tammy Credicott (the book also has a fantastic forward by Robb Wolf). This Paleo cookbook is packed with healthy substitutes for your favorite treats. Tammy has done an amazing job in compiling nutritious, yet mouthwatering recipes that range from all sorts of fun gluten-free baked goods and candies to healthy entrees and vegetable dishes.
My favorite part of this gluten-free Paleo Girl Scout cookie recipe? The vegan caramel sauce recipe that Tammy includes in it, which is a true piece of culinary genius. There are dozens of other treats that you’ll want to have at hand as well, so I recommend getting yourself a copy of this delightfully healthy cookbook.
For about a week I was calling these cookies Samoras instead of Samoas. I’m not really sure what got into me as I used to call them by the correct name. If you like cookies with toasted coconut, vegan caramel sauce and dark chocolate, then these are right up your alley, regardless of the name.
Paleo Samoas
printer friendly
Cookies:
- 2 cups blanched almond flour
- ½ cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ cup honey
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 egg
- 3 tablespoons coconut oil
, melted
- In a food processor
combine dry ingredients
- Pulse in wet ingredients until dough forms
- Refrigerate dough for 30 minutes
- Roll dough between 2 sheets of parchment paper
to ¼ inch thick
- Use a 2-inch cookie cutter
to cut out rounds
- Use a knife to cut holes in center of rounds if desired
- Bake at 350° for 6-8 minutes
- Cool cookies completely on baking sheet
Topping:
- 1 cup (6 ounces) dark chocolate chunks
- 1 cup coconut sugar
- ¼ cup coconut nectar
- ½ cup coconut milk
- ½ cup unsweetened shredded coconut
, toasted
- Melt chocolate over very low heat
- Dip base of each cookie into chocolate
- Place on parchment paper
to set
- To make caramel, place coconut sugar, coconut nectar and coconut milk in a saucepan
- Bring mixture to a boil, then decrease heat and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring frequently
- Remove mixture from heat and stir in toasted coconut
- Use a small spoon to drizzle caramel-coconut mixture onto cookies
- Drizzle additional chocolate over cookies and sprinkle with extra coconut if desired
- Place cookies in refrigerator to set, then serve
Makes 36 cookies
While the ingredients for these homemade Paleo Girl Scout cookies are based on a recipe from Tammy Credicott’s Paleo Indulgences, much of the method is based on that from the Samoa recipe by David Leite at Leite’s Culinaria. Leite has one of the best cooking sites around. His photography is beautiful and the instructions for his recipes are full of detail, yet at the same time quite simple.
Finally, a bit of Girl Scout cookie trivia –did you know that in 2002 Bruce Willis purchased 12,000 boxes of Girl Scout cookies and had them sent to troops in Afghanistan?
What is your favorite Girl Scout Cookie recipe? If you could see another gluten-free Girl Scout cookie recipe over here which one would it be?
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Hands down– THIN MINTS!!!
Thin mints, without a doubt. And Do-si-dos. But, actually, Samoas are my FAVORITE, so this is Very Exciting!!
I almost did a cartwheel when I saw this recipe! YUM!!
That being said, I DREAM about Thin Mints :)
Thank you!
It would Absolutely be Thin Mints!! : ))
OH MY GOODNESS!
This is fantastic, I am making them tomorrow!
Samoas are my fave!!!!!!
I’m with everyone who already posted… THIN MINTS!!
THIN MINTS!!!
Thin mints! Yes. Please.
Thin mints!
Most definitely Tagalongs!!!
Thin Mints and dosidos. Yum!
I made the thin mint cookies from the same paleo cookbook and was so disappointed.
If you can make them not just edible but amazing…that would be a great service to humankind!
Thin Mints. Although, I don’t remember ever having Girl Scout (or Girl Guide up here in Canada) cookies. But my mouth is watering over this recipe. I love you Elana!!!
Thin Mints and Tagalongs. The Best
Thin Mints and Tagalongs. The Best!!
Thin mints!
I agree — Thin Mints!
Thanks Elana for all the recipes. You’ve brought our lives back to “normal” again. You’re a lifesaver!
Ditto, Thin Mints. My thing is texture though. I love crisp, crummy, crumbly cookies the best by far. That is my complaint with all these almond flour/coconut oil cookies. The flavor is good but the texture is just so sad. I do appreciate all your tireless efforts though, regardless.
Thin mints!
Tagalongs!
Thin Mints! If anyone can pull it off Elana it’s you! I am so thrilled with this recipe, you have no idea. I am both lactose & gluten intolerant. You’ve made my day. :-)
Samoas!!! Thank you so much for this amazing recipe!
If we have an almond allergy, what other nut flour would be the best choice to substitute in your recipes? Would hazelnut flour work?
Thank you
There are some grain-free recipes out there for thin mints. If you google it, you’ll find some links. These look great. I made your paleo brownies tonight. So delicious. I had a big one at 9pm, probably why I slept for an hour and am up now.
Thin Mints- try starting with one of Elana’s sugar cookie/shortbread recipes and add some cocoa- start with 1/4 c, and add a few drops of peppermint oil. Roll out thin. Bake on parchment paper.
Let cool and add a ohocolate ganache drizzle. Put a drop of peppermint oil in drizzle too. Add more as you test bake batches.
Look forward to what you come up with because these Samoas sound like breakfast!
I miss Tagalongs!!
These look delicious!!! If I could try another gluten-free/dairy-free/grain-free paleo Girl Scout cookie, it would most definitely be the shortbread cookies and the thin mints. :-)
Thank you for sharing your awesome recipes!!! Can’t wait to try more!
Megan :-)
Thin Mints! Thank you for the Samoas recipe. Those are my favorite.
Thin Mints and the plain shortbread (forget the name).
Also, can these be made with stevia instead of the sugar? If so, how?
Thin mints please!!!!!!
Hi Elena,
I’m a big fan and own both your books. I know this doesn’t quite answer your question, but I believe on Facebook you mentioned working on a sticky toffee date cake recipe? If you could share that, that would be amazing. That’s always been one my favorite desserts and it’s one of the few things I miss since going Paleo.
Samoas are my favorite Girl Scout cookie. Can’t wait to try this!
I was never a big Samoa fan but I’ll have to try them again. I suppose that was because I didn’t like coconut however I do now!
Tagalongs are my absolute favorite Girl Scout cookies. They’re closely followed by Thin Mints.
I’m the parent of a Daisy Scout, and I’ve basically only sold Thin Mints and Samoas. I would like to point out that, if you would like to financially support the Girl Scouts but not eat their cookies, you can donate boxes to troops. :)
Coconut nectar? That’s a new one. Is it hard to find?
Easy! And yummy! and super low glycemic index…you’ll love it! (I sound like a coconut nectar rep. They should hire me! HA!)
It’s at Whole Foods or you can order online at vitacost:
http://www.vitacost.com/coconut-secret-raw-coconut-nectar?csrc=GPF-PA-851492002016&ci_sku=851492002016&ci_gpa=pla&ci_kw={keyword}&gclid=CNy32dWY7bQCFQ_hQgodg0AALg
Thin Mints without a doubt! Thanks for the recipe Elana. You rock!
Thin Mints!!!
I love Samoas! Thank you for this great recipe!
When I read the directions, it says to use a knife to make the center hole. I think using the large opening of a pastry decorating tip would work well as a small cookie cutter!
No question – THIN MINTS. – I miss them so much
I just about peed my pants when I saw this recipe. Before I became ill with every food allergy under the sun, Samoas were my favorite cookie ever and would purchase boxes and boxes when the scouts came around. What is coconut nectar though and where can I find it? Thank you. This mints would be awesome too!
I just about peed my pants when I saw this recipe. Before I became ill with every food allergy under the sun, Samoas were my favorite cookie ever and would purchase boxes and boxes when the scouts came around. What is coconut nectar though and where can I find it? Thank you. Thin mints would be awesome too!
What is coconut nectar? Thanks!
It’s just sweet raw syrup that’s made from coconuts, about the consistency of brown rice syrup. It’s awesome and has a super low glycemic index. The most common brand is Coconut Secret – you can buy it at Whole Foods or on line at vitacost:
http://www.vitacost.com/coconut-secret-raw-coconut-nectar?csrc=GPF-PA-851492002016&ci_sku=851492002016&ci_gpa=pla&ci_kw={keyword}&gclid=CNy32dWY7bQCFQ_hQgodg0AALg
Great, thanks! I don’t know how I’ve missed it, I’ve been using palm sugar and coconut oil for years. I was just placing a Vitacost order, I will add it on!
Oh, I just answered the same question below…here it is again just in case you don’t see it. It’s sweet raw syrup that’s made from coconuts, about the consistency of brown rice syrup. It’s awesome and has a super low glycemic index. The most common brand is Coconut Secret – you can buy it at Whole Foods or on line at vitacost:
http://www.vitacost.com/coconut-secret-raw-coconut-nectar?csrc=GPF-PA-851492002016&ci_sku=851492002016&ci_gpa=pla&ci_kw={keyword}&gclid=CNy32dWY7bQCFQ_hQgodg0AALg
THIN MINTS!!! I haven’t had them in years!! I don’t know why they are so good…maybe just because I sold them and loved them as a girl, too.
Thank you Elana!!!!! I have been trying to create these using your almond flour book and a recipe off the internet that was way too long and way too complicated, and I ended up making bars because it’s easier…and I threw the choc chips on top (after several attempts of crumbly messes, I was OVER melting the chocolate). These look infinitely better than my concoction in a brownie pan! HAHA!
THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!!
Thank you for this recipe – Samoas are my very favorite Girl Scout cookie. Put me down for Thin Mints, also.
Thin Mints, for sure, but I would settle for a Paleo version of Trefoils, too!!!!
Thin mints please! Shortbread is a close second!
Thin Mints, please! My daughter, who’s gluten-free and dairy-free, is a Girl Scout and has been selling GS cookies the past 3 years, having never tasted one. She’s also curious about Lemonades (in the part of the country serviced by ABC bakers the cookies have different names; for example, Samoas are called Caramel DeLites, Tagalongs are Peanut Butter Patties, Trefoils are Shortbread, and Dosidoes are Peanut Butter Sandwiches. See <> for more details.)
Thanks, Elana; now my daughter can “taste” a Girl Scout cookie!! Awesome!!
a listing of ABC Baker’s cookies can be found at www dot abcsmartcookies dot com forward slash america’s-best-cookies
Thin mints!
The Girl Scouts should sell these ones instead!
Tagalongs pleeeease!!!! My Girl Scout is so disappointed to have to sell gluten cookies with no gluten free alternative….when will they start offering such an option???
these. look. amazing. My fav cookies all healthified! Can’t wait to try!
Oooooooo dear. It’s a good thing I don’t believe in New Year’s resolutions ;)
I’ve never met a Girl Scout cookie I didn’t like. Bring it on!
I’m so happy to see this recipe!!!
Samoas have ALWAYS been my favorite GS cookie. I’m thrilled you posted this recipe and have already made a request on FB that someone please make them for my birthday! (I’m terrible I know).
If I had to ask for another GS cookie, I’d agree with everyone else on the thin mints, but I have to say a close second would be the Tagalongs…
Elana, I love you forever!! These are amazing. I would love to see either thin mints or the old lemon creme sandwiches.
Thin mints!
Made these today…they were awesome!! Samoas were always my favorite and since going on a paleo diet over ten years ago I haven’t even touched one, until today! Thank you, Elana, for sharing your genius. I doubled the coconut in the topping and went a little heavy in putting on the caramel. Best after a few hours in the fridge. Wow!
Tagalongs Please !!!!!
This is so exciting! I love Samoas! They are my downfall… I always buy 2 boxes… but now I can have the taste without all the bad stuff!!! Thanks SO MUCH, Elana!
What chocolate chunks do you use? The ones I can find are not Paleo since they are all made with sugar. Also is coconut sugar Paleo? I thought only honey and possibly maple syrup were.
I looove Tagalongs. Thin mints come in second. Yum. Thanks for this recipe!
These would be so dangerous in my house. Samoas are my FAVORITE girl scout cookie.
Thins mints, for sure. If there is a paleo thin mint recipe, I would eat that up!
Looks like a donuts… A delicious one!
Delicious! Just made a batch and I’m bringing half over to our neighbors…too dangerous for just my husband and me! I’d say tagalongs!! Thanks, always love your creations!
These look awesome! Next, Thin Mints!!!!
I’d also vote thin mints. But these are going on the local community menu and down in LEGEND! So amazing! I’m 9 months pregnant and had a friend over so took the time to make these (I started collecting ingredients as soon as the recipe was posted) and we all agree this is the most delicious cookie recipe!
mine didn’t look as pretty, and i used honey throughout (instead of coconut nectar), and organic fair trade sugar (we have that and i do use sugar sometimes) for the caramel. all-in-all my kids were singing odes to the cookies, my husband ate 3, and I’m very happy to stash a few in the freezer for myself for later.
These are my favorite girl scout cookies, so I can’t wait to try these, especially knowing they are so much better for me!
https://www.iherb.com/mypage/SallyN
Yum! I’m not Paleo, but these cookies look great. :D Thanks for the recipe!
This looks ah-maz-ing! WOAH!
THANK YOU!!! I’ve been dying lately, with everyone ordering Girl Scout cookies everywhere. I love me some Samoas. Thank you!!
WHERE DO I GET COCONUT MILK, NECTAR AND OIL, ALSO ALMOND FLOUR?
Im in the process of making these right now. Thought I woild leave some feedback. 30 minutes was not enough time in the fridge for it to be easy to cut. Maybe freezing in a log and cutting like you woild sugar cookies. They expanded more when baking than I though, so make sure to leave enough room btwn cookies. I baked for 8 minutes till golden on the edges. Let cool 5 min. Transfer to cooling rack. Delicious!
Yeah, a healthy girl scout cookie!
I was so excited when I saw that this was altered from the paleo indulgences because I wont use coconut sugar or coconut nectar. Producing Coconut sugar prevents the growth of coconuts and therefore no coconut milk, coconut flour, coconut flakes etc. If your interested in some literature over it i provided a link below
.
http://www.tropicaltraditions.com/coconut_palm_sugar.htm
These cookies look amazing! I am GF and love the variety of paleo recipes that I can eat!
The ONLY Girl Scout cookie is the Samoa! Thanks for the recipe. My daughter and I made them last week and they were delicious. They seemed even more yummy the day after we baked them.
I had to go gluten free in July and I was dreading buy girl scout cookies for my kids. These are my favorite and I can’t wait to make them. They look amazing. Just found your website love it!
Does anyone know if Elana uses canned coconut milk in this recipe? I am guessing it’s not sweetened drinking milk from the refridgerated case since there is quite a bit of additional sugar in the chocolate topping.
O man those look good! yummy!!! I just saw the girl scouts yesterday and I was about to go buy these and the thin mints they are both my favorite. But I rather make these and see how they taste but I need to make them fast cause if I see the girl scouts again I will get them Haha lol THANKS ;)
Absolutely – Thin Mints!!! Would LOVE to see a recipe!
As a former cookie selling champ, and woman surrounded by adorable girls who sell cookies, I’m thrilled to Samoas. We used to freeze them and cut them up and put in homemade vanilla ice cream.
Thin Mints though – were my favorite.
I checked out this recipe due to the thinking about what an oxymoron this recipe is… I laughed about it for a while and thought to myself, those sound delicious!