Samoas Bars

Thursday, May 7, 2009

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.

Bars and Brownies, Dessert

14 comments »

23 Responses to “Raspberry Meringue Cookies”

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1

Steph — January 16, 2009 at 1:09 am

These are so cute and perfect for Valentine’s Day!
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2

bensbaby116 — January 16, 2009 at 1:43 am

They’re so pretty!! I love meringues, I love raspberry, and I love chocolate… I might have to try this recipe. Thanks for posting!
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3

Linds — January 16, 2009 at 1:05 pm

Those looks absolutely lovely! Great job!
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4

Melissa — January 16, 2009 at 1:34 pm

How pretty, pink & perfect!
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5

Kristen616 — January 16, 2009 at 2:43 pm

Not only are they SO pretty but they look delicious! I love that flavor combination.
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Erin — January 16, 2009 at 2:54 pm

I bet those would be great for a wedding or baby shower! They look lovely! And I bet the raspberry/dark chocolate combo tasted great!
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Colleen — January 16, 2009 at 4:46 pm

These are BEAUTIFUL!
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Jen — January 16, 2009 at 4:59 pm

These would be perfect for a baby shower. You could probably use any flavor jello in them.
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Joelen — January 16, 2009 at 4:59 pm

gorgeous pic and the flavor of raspberry and chocolate is wonderful!
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10

Lori — January 19, 2009 at 2:27 am

Those look amazing. I love that first photo, nicely done!
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mooskietx — January 19, 2009 at 3:59 pm

Just looking at the picture makes me feel like i need to go to the gyms in Boston.
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12

Katie — January 20, 2009 at 12:58 pm

Oh my gosh, these look INSANELY awesome!! I want one right now!!
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Lucy — February 20, 2009 at 12:14 am

These looks simply gorgeous! and… I have a cookie tray to make for a baby shower… my yet to born grandson. Wonder how these would look in a light blue????
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Jen — February 20, 2009 at 1:21 am

You could definitely use blue jello.
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Alicia — February 20, 2009 at 3:43 am

These are so pretty! Im having a baby shower this weekend for a baby girl and these would be perfect. Which tip did you use for the star?
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Jen — February 20, 2009 at 2:47 pm

I used the really big star tip. Not sure what # it is, but it’s the same one that I used for my peppermint meringues (there’s a picture in that post).
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creativecarryout — February 20, 2009 at 3:05 pm

I saw this on tastespotting and wanted to comment on how gorgeous your photo is. I’ve bookmarked your recipe too – these are beautiful and I bet delicious with that flavor combination.
Thanks,
Michelle
http://oneordinaryday.wordpress.com/
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Jen — February 20, 2009 at 9:15 pm

Thanks for the compliments!
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Jennifer — February 21, 2009 at 11:57 am

Those are so cute!!!!!!!!
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Erin — March 3, 2009 at 2:03 pm

Ok, you’ve inspired me…

http://erinsfoodfiles.blogspot.com/2009/03/vanilla-bean-meringues.html
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colleen — March 9, 2013 at 10:32 am
Very good meringues… have made them several times for church since I found this recipe… they evaporate instantly ! Great also for a non wheat gluten item.
- beantownbaker — March 9th, 2013 @ 3:01 pm
  
  Glad you enjoy them!
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behance — October 12, 2018 at 5:06 pm

I feel useful from the sharing you bring. Thank you for the value you bring to the reader