Raise your hand if you’re a Samoa fan. This copy-cat Samoa is a healthier, protein-packed version of the Girl Scout Cookie classic. It’s a perfect snack or dessert bite!
Samoas were never my favorite Girl Scout cookie. As a child, I loved Thin Mints and Tagalongs. However, as an adult I’ve started to appreciate the Samoa.
It probably has something to do with the fact that I now love coconut. I was such a picky child – I wouldn’t go near it! I also hated cheese, tomato sauce, seafood, and any veggie that wasn’t covered in ranch dressing. My poor mother.
But enough my pickiness. Let’s talk about my balls. I’ve been on a ball kick. First was this Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ball recipe, then I decided to create a Thin Mint version. Since I was on a Girl Scout cookie roll, I asked you guys what “copycat” should be next. It was a tie between Samoas and Tagalongs (so watch for Tagalongs next!).
Like the first two, these Samoa Protein Dough Balls use same healthy hacks – super clean protein powder, applesauce, and nut butter. Unlike the first two, I added dates to sweeten them. They really helped to nail the chewy, slightly gooey texture of a true Samoa.
For the coconut, I used the thick, unsweetened coconut flakes (not shredded). The high quality, textured flakes make all the difference in the taste, IMHO.
I always used stevia-sweetened chocolate chips. The flavor is just as good, and it cuts down on the added sugars. Speaking of sugars, I was a little worried about how high the sugar count would be since I used dates to sweeten this. When I did the nutritionals, I was really happy to find that there are only 6g of sugar in them! Using Stevia-sweetened chocolate chips helps keep that down too.
To mix these Samoa Protein Dough Balls, you’re going to want to use the food processor. Dates are incredibly sticky. No one in their right mind want to hand chop them into teeny tiny pieces. How did people survive before kitchen electronics?!
Dates, protein powder, and nut butter can all vary in consistency. If your dough is too dry, just add almond milk on tablespoon at a time. Your balls should be just sticky enough to form balls.
[Tweet “Who else loves Girl Scout cookies? You need these healthier Samoa Dough Balls!”]
Samoa Protein Dough Balls
Prep Time: 15 mins
Keywords: raw dessert snack gluten-free low-sugar vegan coconut flakes coconut protein powder applesauce healthy
Ingredients (10 balls)
- 1/2 C pitted dates
- 1/2 C unsweetened coconut flakes
- 1/3 C vanilla protein powder
- 1 T nut butter
- 2 T unsweetened applesauce
- 1/8 tsp sea salt
- 1 T mini chocolate chips (I use these Stevia-sweetened)
- 3-4 oz melting chocolate (optional, for dipping)
Instructions
Line a tray with parchment or wax paper.
In a food processor, blend the dates until they begin to turn into a paste. Add in the coconut flakes, protein powder, nut butter, applesauce, and sea salt, pulsing again until combined.
Next add the mini chocolate chips. Pulse these only a couple of times, as you still want to have some larger pieces of chocolate.
If dough feels too dry to form balls, add milk one tablespoon at a time until just sticky enough to roll. Form balls and place in freezer for at least 30 minutes.
If dipping in chocolate:
Melt chocolate by microwaving for 30 seconds. Stir and repeat until chocolate is melted and smooth.
Dip the bottom of each ball into chocolate, shake off excess and place on waxed paper-lined cookie sheet.
Freeze until firm, ~30 mins. Store in freezer for best results.
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These passed the baby sister and Vegas test. #winning
Were you a Girl Scout? I only made it through Brownies… and only for the cookies.
Do you freeze your Samoas? There’s something about a frozen Girl Scout cookie!
Great recipe! I always loved Samoas, especially since they have coconut! Love that you used dates, too. I have found my body feels much better on naturally sweetened treats, especially from whole foods, versus that artificial mess I used to eat. This is what all cookies should look like! 🙂
Thanks Heather! I feel the same way about sweets. If I can naturally satisfy my sweet tooth, it’s a win!
As you probably already guessed, my husband is the Girl Scout cookie fan in the house but I may be inclined to eat these balls 🙂
You don’t think your husband would be a fan of balls? 😉
One of my friends and I have been getting together every other week and making balls for our kids (insert joke here).
Make a bunch of different kinds and then split them up and see which we like the best. I’m adding this into next weeks rotation 🙂
I’ll avoid the obvious joke. LOL! I’d love to hear how they like my balls though! 😉
And now you have me thinking about girl scout cookies! You know I love the dates in there. We are on the same page with our healthy cookies today
Mwhahaha! 😉 I loved your cookie recipe too!
Yes to this X10000 these have always been my favorite girl scout cookie and to be honest, not many people agree, so its nice to see the love!
I’m glad you like them! I always thought my mom was crazy because they were her favorite, but as an adult I get it!
My hand is raised so high! I love balls made with dates. We made vegan truffles at my coffee shop made up of dates, pb, and coconut that were a big hit. Dates are magical and i bet these are super irresistible. Oh, and no, I was not a girl scout. LOL
Good dates ARE magical. 😉
I get to see your balls in person in TWO DAYS!
I’m watching your balls sleep on my couch right now!
these get a major PASS and A++ in my book. Well done you baller you! happy bday sis too!
There’s no higher compliment coming from you! Thank brother. I wish you were here to share!
I definitely prefer Samoas to thin mints!
Ohhhh… that’s a tough choice. Tagalongs are my favorite ever though!
Oh yum, I’ll have to make these soon! I’m definitely with you on coconut. I think it may be one of those things that grows on you as you get older?! I just got into it in the past year or so.
Same here! I think I started eating it at about 27-28.
Stop it! Give me all of them.
Done! 😉
Samoas??? Did you say Samoas? I have yet to make protein balls. I always say I’m going to make them then time gets away from me and it just doesn’t happen. But this drizzle of chocolate and dusting of coconut just might change my mind. They are also my favorite girl scout cookie.
If Samoas are your favorite you HAVE to make these!!! I want pics! 😉
Girls Scouts (or Girl Guides as they are called in the UK) don’t sell cookies back home so I have never tried any of them! Loving the flavours behind the samoan one though. Yum!
That’s so crazy! Do they sell anything? I wonder if Girl Scout cookies would last in the mail if I sent you some…
I want to taste your balls right now. Hehe.
You won the comments. LOL!