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Samoa Cupcakes

Soft, rich chocolate cupcakes topped with caramel coconut buttercream and finished with a chocolate ganache drizzle for a Samoa-inspired dessert.
Prep Time25 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time45 minutes
Keyword: girl scout cookie recipe, samoa cupcakes, samoa recipe
Servings: 12 cupcakes
Calories: 390kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

Chocolate Cupcakes:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup hot water

Samoa Buttercream

Chocolate Ganache

Instructions

The Cupcakes:

  • Preheat oven to 350°F and line a muffin tin.
  • In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
  • Add egg, milk, oil, and vanilla. Mix until smooth.
  • Slowly add hot water and mix. The batter will be thin.
  • Divide evenly into liners (about 3/4 full).
  • Bake 18–20 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
  • Let cool completely!

Toast the Coconut:

  • Spread shredded coconut on a baking sheet.
  • Bake at 350°F for 5–7 minutes, stirring once, until lightly golden.
  • Let cool.

Make the Samoa Buttercream:

  • Beat butter until smooth.
  • Add powdered sugar gradually.
  • Mix in caramel sauce, cream, vanilla, and salt.
  • Beat until fluffy.
  • Fold in toasted coconut.
  • If too thick, add a little more cream.
  • If too soft, chill briefly.

Make the Ganache:

  • Heat cream until warm (not boiling), then pour over chocolate chips.
  • Let sit 2 minutes, then stir until smooth.
  • Cool slightly before using.

Assemble the Cupcakes:

  • Pipe or spread the caramel coconut buttercream onto cooled cupcakes.
  • Drizzle ganache over the top.
  • Optional: sprinkle extra toasted coconut or drizzle more caramel.

Notes

  • You can make cupcakes a day ahead and frost the next day
  • Buttercream can be stored in the fridge and re-whipped before using
  • These are rich, so smaller cupcakes also work well

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupcakes | Calories: 390kcal | Carbohydrates: 46g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 22g | Saturated Fat: 13g | Sodium: 180mg | Sugar: 34g