If you were to look up “Samoas”, you would be met with thousands of results related to the Girl Scouts. Apparently, they sell a box of these cookies that are among the fan favorites. This was news to me; I was just looking to make a dessert that was relatively healthy.
Since I already tried to make a healthier replacement for popcorn, I thought that I would tackle this treat next. Thanks to a recipe idea from Eating Bird Food, I was able to do just that with these Healthy Samoa Bites. They slightly remind me of Neilson Macaroons. Which, I had completely forgotten about until I took a bite and was transported back to movie nights as a kid. Such a good yet strange feeling! (Hmm…does Neilson still exist or are they left to be a childhood memory?)
If desired, you may also add sugar-free peanut butter to the recipe. Although, by omitting it, they are safe for those with a peanut allergy (always be mindful to check every ingredient you purchase).
In any case, I recommend making two or three batches! One is certainly not enough and they’ll be gone before you know it. My partner even said, “How is everything you make so good?” after trying them. I guess I did something right!
Healthy Samoa Bites
Ingredients
1 cup Pitted Medjool Dates
1 cup Unsweetened Shredded Coconut
1/3 cup Dark Chocolate
1/2 teaspoon Coconut Oil (We just tried PC Modified Coconut Oil and I love it. It comes in such a nice bottle with an easy-pour spout. Such a nice find! Can you tell I really appreciate the small things?)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 400°F.
Spread the shredded coconut onto a baking sheet and toast until golden, approximately 3-5 minutes. Or, you can use a pan on the stovetop. Either way, keep your eye on them- you don’t want them to burn!
Add dates and toasted coconut into the bowl of a food processor or blender. (Add peanut butter if using). Pulse until the mixture is combined and starts to form a ball of dough. Remove from the food processor and roll one tablespoon-sized piece of dough into a ball.
Now, you have two options. One, you can leave them in the shape of a ball. They become Healthy Samoas Bites and it’s how I enjoy making them. Two, you can create circular flat cookies, with or without a hole in the center. Use a straw or chopstick to make a hole in the middle of the dough. Wiggle the straw or chopstick around a bit to make the hole wider, if desired. This will create Samoa Rings. Reshape the cookies to achieve smoother edges.
Place all of the cookies on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper and transfer them to the freezer to harden.
While the cookies are in the freezer, add the chocolate and coconut oil to a shallow microwave-safe bowl. Melt in 20-30 second increments until the chocolate is melted enough to be dipped in or drizzled.
Remove the cookies from the freezer and dip each one in the chocolate to coat the bottom. Place cookies on the parchment and use the remaining chocolate to drizzle over the top of the cookies. You can do this how you wish- several thin lines, or
Transfer cookies back into the freezer for 10-15 minutes to let the chocolate harden. Once hardened, you’ll be able to easily remove the cookies from the parchment paper.
If you want to enjoy them right away, let them sit out on the counter for a few minutes. If you’ve made them in advance, store them in a sealed container in the fridge for up to one week.