Healthy No-Bake Samoa Cookies (Vegan, Gluten-Free, Refined Sugar-Free)

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If you’ve been craving Samoa cookies but want a healthier version to share with your family, this recipe is for you.

These no-bake healthy cookies are a staple in our home, especially during summer when I don’t want to turn on the oven! The gooey caramel from the dates, chewy coconut, and rich chocolate coating are just like the real thing, but made with nourishing ingredients.

My kids love them (they even ask to help shape them into donut shapes and drizzle the chocolate), and I love that they’re free from refined sugars and processed ingredients. These are also a great make-ahead snack to keep in the freezer for when cravings hit.

If you love no-bake desserts with a caramel-chocolate vibe, try my Dubai Chocolate Pistachio Protein Energy Balls next. They’re another super easy, no-bake snack naturally sweetened with dates, and packed with flavor!

• Quick & Easy: Just 6 ingredients and a few minutes to prep.
• Family-Approved: Kids love the taste, parents love the clean ingredients.
• Naturally Sweetened: No added sugars—just dates to give it that yummy caramel flavor.
• No-Bake: Perfect for hot days or quick treats.
• Allergy-Friendly: Gluten-free, dairy-free, egg-free, and vegan.

• 1/2 cup medjool dates (about 6–7), pitted and softened
• 1 tbsp tahini
• 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup coconut flakes (or shredded), toasted
• 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips (dairy-free if needed)
• 2 tsp coconut oil, divided (1 tsp for toasting coconut, 1 tsp for melting chocolate)

Time needed: 40 minutes

1. Pit the Dates

   remove pits from dates

   
   

   Note: If your dates are firm, soak them in warm water for 5–10 minutes, then drain.

I’d love to hear how your baking turned out!

Leave a review and star rating to let me know what you think.

• Nut Butter Option: Use almond or cashew butter in place of Tahini.
• Extra Chocolatey Version: Dip the entire cookie in chocolate instead of just the bottom.
• Mini Version: Roll the mixture into small balls and drizzle with chocolate for a bite-sized treat.
• Boost the Protein: Add 1 tbsp of hemp hearts or chia seeds to the dough.

• If dates are not soft, soak them in warm water for 5–10 minutes, then drain before using in the recipe.
• Don’t skip toasting your coconut first to add a rich, nutty flavor that makes these taste like real Samoas!
• Use high-quality dark chocolate (70% or higher) for best results.
• Chill the samoa cookies in the freezer for 20–30 minutes before dipping the bottoms in the chocolate. I tried making them without freezing first and they were breaking when dipping in the chocolate.

• Calories: 145
• Protein: 2g
• Carbs: 16g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 10g (naturally occurring from dates)
• Fat: 9g

• Fridge: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.
• Freezer: Freeze in a single layer, then transfer to a bag or container. Enjoy straight from the freezer or thaw for 5–10 minutes.

& Receive My Free Guide, Bake Better: The Sprinkled Cakery’s Essential Healthy Swaps

Samoas, also known as Caramel deLites, are one of the most popular Girl Scout cookies. They’re made with a buttery cookie base, a sweet caramel and toasted coconut topping, and dipped and drizzled with rich chocolate. The texture is chewy, crunchy, and gooey all in one bite—seriously addicting!

No, traditional Samoa cookies are not vegan or considered healthy. They’re made with sweetened condensed milk, butter, refined sugar, and artificial additives like corn syrup and caramel color. They also contain preservatives that can be hard on digestion.

Yes! These healthier no-bake Samoa cookies are completely vegan, gluten-free, and refined sugar-free. They’re made with simple ingredients like dates, coconut, and dark chocolate—no baking or complicated steps required.

Yes, if your dates are soft, you can mash them by hand or use a blender. Just make sure everything is well combined. A food processor makes it faster and smoother, but it’s not 100% necessary.

Toasting the coconut brings out a rich, nutty flavor that makes these taste just like real Samoas! If you’re short on time, you can skip it—but I highly recommend toasting for that signature flavor.

Look for dark chocolate chips or chopped bars with at least 70% cacao for a healthier option. Brands like Hu, Enjoy Life, and Lily’s make great refined sugar-free options.

These are naturally higher in carbs from dates. For a keto version, try using a keto caramel and monk fruit-sweetened chocolate.

Yes! If you’d like to give these cookies a boost, you can add 1–2 tablespoons of unflavored or vanilla plant-based protein powder to the base. Just be sure to slightly increase the nut or seed butter so the mixture doesn’t become too dry.

Medjool dates are perfect for creating a chewy texture and natural sweetness, but you can also use dried figs or prunes if you’re in a pinch. Just soak them in warm water for 10 minutes to soften before blending.

You can! While chocolate is a classic part of Samoas, you can skip the drizzle and dip if you’re avoiding chocolate. Try finishing them with a sprinkle of coconut sugar and cinnamon instead.

They’re not an exact replica, but pretty close, and honestly, even better in my opinion since they don’t contain all the junk! They’re chewy, caramel-y, chocolatey, and naturally sweet, with zero processed ingredients. A snack you can feel good about eating.

These cookies are chewy with a slight crunch from the toasted coconut and chocolate coating. They hold their shape well, especially after being chilled, and have that gooey-satisfying bite you’d expect from a Samoa-style cookie.

Yes! These healthy no-bake cookies are great to keep on hand throughout the week. Make a batch and store them in the fridge or freezer for a quick grab-and-go snack or healthier dessert.

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