Homemade Samoa Cookie Bars

Ingredients:

1. Shortbread crust:
   • All-purpose flour (1 1/2 cups)
   • Unsalted butter (3/4 cup, softened)
   • Powdered sugar (1/3 cup)
   • Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon)
2. Caramel and Coconut layer:
   • Caramels (2 cups, unwrapped)
   • Sweetened condensed milk (1/2 cup)
   • Shredded coconut (2 cups, toasted)
3. Chocolate drizzle:
   • Semi-sweet chocolate chips (1 cup)
   • Unsalted butter (1 tablespoon)

Calories (per serving): ~250 kcal

Cooking Steps:

Step 1: Shortbread Crust

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
• In a bowl, combine flour, softened butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract to form the crust.
• Press the mixture into a greased baking pan and bake for 15-20 minutes until lightly golden.

Step 2: Caramel and Coconut Layer

• In a saucepan, melt caramels with sweetened condensed milk, stirring until smooth.
• Stir in the toasted coconut.
• Spread the caramel-coconut mixture over the baked shortbread crust.

Step 3: Chocolate Drizzle

• Melt chocolate chips with butter and drizzle over the caramel-coconut layer.

Step 4: Chill and Slice

• Allow the bars to cool and set in the refrigerator for a few hours.
• Once set, slice into bars and savor the homemade Samoa Cookie Bars that perfectly balance sweet, chewy, and crunchy textures.