Samoas Bars

Hubby loves girl scout cookies. Specifically Samoas. I grew up in the Midwest, and we always called them Caramel Delights. Whatever you call them, everyone loves them. I saw this recipe come up and I knew I had to make these.

These bars do take a little bit of time because each step requires some wait time before you can move on to the next step. In the end, they’re definitely worth the effort. Hubby did comment that the cookie part tasted a bit off. I think there’s just a higher ratio of the cookie part than in the girl scout version.

Homemade Samoas Bars – from Baking Bites – makes 30 barsCookie Base:
1/2 cup sugar
3/4 cup butter, softened
1 large egg
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups all purpose flour
1/4 tsp salt

First, make the crust.

Preheat oven to 350F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan, or line with parchment paper.

In a large bowl, cream together sugar and butter, until fluffy. Beat in egg and vanilla extract. Working at a low speed, gradually beat in flour and salt until mixture is crumbly, like wet sand. The dough does not need to come together. Pour crumbly dough into prepared pan and press into an even layer.

Bake for 20-25 minutes, until base is set and edges are lightly browned. Cool completely on a wire rack before topping.

Topping:
3 cups shredded coconut (sweetened or unsweetened) – I used sweetened
12-oz good-quality chewy caramels – I used the Kraft caramel bits
1/4 tsp salt
3 tbsp milk
10 oz. dark or semisweet chocolate (chocolate chips are ok)

Preheat oven to 300. Spread coconut evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet (preferably one with sides) and toast 20 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes, until coconut is golden. Cool on baking sheet, stirring occasionally. Set aside.

Unwrap the caramels and place in a large microwave-safe bowl with milk and salt. Cook on high for 3-4 minutes, stopping to stir a few times to help the caramel melt. When smooth, fold in toasted coconut with a spatula.

Put dollops of the topping all over the shortbread base. Using the spatula, spread topping into an even layer. Let topping set until cooled.

When cooled, cut into 30 bars with a large knife or a pizza cutter.

Once bars are cut, melt chocolate in a small bowl. Heat on high in the microwave in 45 second intervals, stirring thoroughly to prevent scorching. Dip the base of each bar into the chocolate and place on a clean piece of parchment or wax paper – I used a spoon to spread some melted chocolate on the bottom of each bar. I then laid them chocolate side up to set the chocolate.

Transfer all remaining chocolate into a piping bag or a ziploc bag with the corner snipped off and drizzle bars with chocolate to finish.

Let chocolate set completely before storing in an airtight container.

Makes 30 bar cookies.

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9 Responses to “Boogity”

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    1
    Fun and Fearless in Beantown — October 29, 2010 at 12:52 pm

    This sounds like a no-fuss kind of treat! I’m not sure if you’ve sold me on the orange filling but the treats do look festive!

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    2
    theblogisthenewblack — October 29, 2010 at 1:15 pm

    Easy and festive! Love it!

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    3
    Rachel @ The Avid Appetite — October 29, 2010 at 3:46 pm

    I love holiday Oreos! It is a little weird, but at the end of the day, nothing beats an Oreo.

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    4
    Nutmeg Nanny — October 29, 2010 at 8:52 pm

    I love it! It just screams Halloween! It’s also a great way to use up leftover Halloween candy….if there are leftovers 🙂

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    5
    Molly Jean — October 30, 2010 at 7:07 pm

    GORGEOUS and delicious. My favorite combo 😉

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    6
    Daisy — November 1, 2010 at 4:00 am

    it looks awesome! nothing wrong with orange oreo filling this time of year!!

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    7
    We Are Not Martha — November 1, 2010 at 4:25 am

    Halloween bark is the best and yours look awesome!! I love making it for Valentine’s Day, too 🙂

    Sues

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    8
    Eliana — November 1, 2010 at 3:43 pm

    These look super cute and super super delicious!

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    9
    Nikki (Pennies on a Platter) — November 3, 2010 at 11:41 pm

    Ha! I love the name, Boogity! Very cute and looks really good!

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