Decadent Samoas Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe

Ingredients

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup white sugar
1 egg
1 Tbsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp almond extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
1 (11 oz) package Kraft Caramels, unwrapped
About 3 cups toasted coconut, cooled
1 package Chocolate CandiQuik

Instructions

Preheat and Prepare: Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F. Line a 13×9-inch baking pan with foil, extending the sides over the edges of the pan. Spray the foil with cooking spray and set aside.
Cream the Base: In a stand mixer, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract until combined. Gradually mix in the baking powder, salt, and flour, adding the flour a cup at a time, until a soft dough forms.

Bake the Base: Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for approximately 20-25 minutes, or until the surface is light golden brown and the center is set. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan.
Create the Topping: Melt the caramels as directed on the package or until smooth. Mix in the toasted coconut, ensuring it’s fully coated. Quickly spread the caramel-coconut mixture over the cooled sugar cookie base. Use greased hands or a spatula to gently spread the mixture, covering the base evenly.

Set and Cut: Allow the caramel coconut layer to set for about 15 minutes. Using the foil as handles, lift the bars from the pan and cut them into squares.
Finishing Touches: Melt the CandiQuik as instructed on the package. Dip the bottoms of the bars into the CandiQuik and place them on a wax-paper-lined surface. With the remaining CandiQuik, fill a resealable plastic bag, snip off a corner, and drizzle it over the bars. Let the CandiQuik set for about 10 minutes before serving.

Conclusion

Samoas Sugar Cookie Bars are a testament to the magic of combining simple ingredients to create something extraordinary. With their buttery base, gooey caramel coconut topping, and chocolatey finish, these bars are a must-try for any dessert lover. Perfect for gatherings, special occasions, or a delightful treat at home, they’re sure to be a hit.

Enjoy the process of making these delicious treats and watch as they become a new favorite in your recipe collection. Happy baking!