January is a funny month where I always try to get back on track after the crazy-indulgent holidays. I’m get ridiculously pumped up, ready to workout every day after work and working to clear my kitchen of any lingering treat-yo-self goodies. I find myself saying things like,”Let’s buy cute workout clothes as inspiration!”, “Let’s buy ALL the fruits and veggies at Trader Joe’s this week!”, and “Let’s make green smoothies all day long!”
…but then, without fail, January 2 rolls around, and suddenly my body totally forgets all of it’s health-forward intentions and longs for those craveable sugary treats somethin’ fierce.
Welp. Please tell me I’m not alone here.
So when the cravings come a-knockin’, I need something at the ready that can seriously satisfy, yet not totally undo all of my health and fitness goals for the winter months.
Friend, meet that something.
These No-Bake Samoa Macaroons are little nuggets of perfectly chewy, ridiculously flavorful, melt-in-your-mouth goodness that you can absolutely fit into your health goals for the year. They’re made from whole foods, refined sugar-free, vegan, AND gluten free, and they taste just like the king of all Girl Scout cookies: Samoas!
–>(Side note: what are those coconutty-caramely-chocolatey Girl Scout Cookies called in your neck of the woods: Samoas or Caramel deLites? I always kinda chuckled at “Caramel deLites”…there’s nothing “lite” about a cookie of this vigor. ?)
AND (best part!!) these No-Bake Samoa Macaroons only require 6 ingredients. WHAT?! I KNOW.
And it all starts out with the macaroon base. The classic caramel flavor is coming in the form of medjool dates! Y’all know I love dates, and use them in pretty much any way I can (like in overnight oatmeal, in homemade almond milk, and in an avalanche of chocolate and peanut butter). I love that dates are a natural sweetener, and that they really do taste like caramel. Nature’s caramel. OB-sessed.
Because these are macaroons, and because it’s one of the key ingredients in Samoas, we’ll need some unsweetened shredded coconut. I used this brand because I love how small the shreds are. But I’m sure you could use any shredded coconut that tickles your fancy. If you want to be totally awesome and play up the Samoa flavors even more, toast your coconut before adding it to the recipe – I have a step-by-step tutorial (with photos!) on how I toast my coconut in just 5 minutes here!
And we mustn’t forget about our beloved chocolate! I’m using a similar recipe to the one that I use on each and every chocolate recipe on my blog, but we’re making it even thicker so that it coats the macaroons perfectly. You can absolutely use melted chocolate chips if you so desire, but I always like to make my own melted chocolate because I know exactly what’s going inside: cocoa powder, coconut oil, maple syrup, and a little bit of love.
My mouth is seriously watering. Hold on a sec…gotta go grab one of these babies from the fridge.
…
Aaaaand I’m back. And about 1,000,000 times happier. Because chocolate + coconut + caramel makes for one very happy Alexa.
And one very happy you. Because I know you’re about go to absolutely (coco)nutty over these No-Bake Samoa Macaroons ?
PrintNo-Bake Samoa Macaroons
- Yield: 6 macaroons (easily doubled, tripled, etc.)
Ingredients
- 2 large, soft medjool dates*
- 1 Tbsp. cashew butter
- 2 Tbsp. coconut oil, divided
- 3–4 Tbsp. unsweetened shredded coconut, plus more for topping
- 2 Tbsp. cocoa powder
- 1 Tbsp. pure maple syrup
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mash dates and cashew butter until mostly smooth.
- Melt 1 Tbsp. coconut oil, and add it to the date/cashew butter mixture. Mix until combined. Add 3 Tbsp. shredded coconut, and mix until combined. You may need to add an additional Tablespoon if your mixture is still gooey. You want it to come together easily, but it shouldn’t be too dry.
- Measure out 1 Tbsp.-full mounds onto a parchment/plastic wrap-lined plate. Place in the fridge to set, about 20 minutes.
- Meanwhile, make your chocolate dipping sauce. Melt the remaining 1 Tbsp. coconut oil in a small bowl. Add cocoa powder and maple syrup, and stir until smooth.
- After the macaroons are set, remove from the fridge and dip bottoms in the chocolate sauce. If desired, top with the chocolate sauce and a sprinkling of shredded coconut.
- Place back in the fridge to set completely, about 30 minutes. Store in the fridge in an air-tight container.
Notes
*If your dates are on the hard side, soak them in warm water for a couple of minutes. Drain REALLY well, then continue on with the recipe. You might need some additional coconut to bind everything together, but use your judgement. This recipe is really forgiving.
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Gorgeous photos, love! I can’t WAIT to try these. Samoas have always been my favorite girl scout cookie :)
Thank you, Lucia!! I’m with you – #samoasforlife ;)
So, I NEEEEEED these right now. Oh my, Alexa, I cannot wait to sink my teeth into those!!
Oh, Rebecca! You will LOVE them!! Seriously one of my favorite quick and easy desserts!
I can’t wait to try this recipe too. My all time favorite GS Cookie and looks like you nailed it.
I’ll make them for you ASAP :)
Macaroons. Great. No-bake macaroons with healthy ingredients? INCREDIBLE! I love the fact that they are sweetened with dates! NOMSS!
Thank you, Bethany!! Love this recipe :)
I seriously cannot waittttt to whip these babies up! They are seriously beautiful!!
Thanks so much, Leah! Let me know what you think of these!
I saw these on Snapchat and almost DIED. I can’t wait to make a batch! :)
HA! Thanks, girl! Seriously cannot wait for you to try them!! <3
These are just heavenly! My mom’s favorite cookies are Samoas so I’ll have to make her a batch of these :)
OOH! Such a good idea, Emilie! Let me know how she likes them :)
Samoas (yup, that’s what we called then in NY) were my FAVORITE cookie as a kid. Well, maybe they were a tie with Tagalongs, but still, they were amazing! There are so stinkin’ cute!
RIGHT?! Me too, Liz! Do-si-dos are up there, too – peanut butter fan for life haha.
I love using dates in recipes!! Too bad I didn’t bring any dates over to the house I’m house-sitting at…otherwise I’d be cooking up a storm with these!! Next week, I hope to remember :) PINNED this one!
Same here, Jess! Dates are some of my favorite ingredients – they’re so versatile! Thanks so much for pinning, and let me know what you think if you do make these! <3
These look delicious, I can’t wait to make them!
Thanks, Brandi! Let me know what you think of them!
delicious!! No other words needed ;)
Haha! Agreed, Rebecca!
We’re into all things Samoa lately. We love your healthier take on them! Can’t wait to give it go! Thanks for sharing!
Thanks so much!! They’re seriously a Samoa-lover’s [healthy] dream ;)
Mmmm these look delicious! I love how they’re only a few ingredients :) so easy.
That’s my favorite part, Mel! Well…after the taste, of course ;)
Oh my gosh I giggle out loud. YES for all these great intentions and then just NEEDING a treat! As soon as I read “samoa” in the title, I was insanely sucked in. PINNING and putting these on my must-make list!
Haha! THank you, Chrissa! Seriously love these as a healthier sweet treat :)