Apple Samoas: The 5-Ingredient Fall Treat That Tastes Like Girl Scout Cookies

Remember those irresistible Samoas Girl Scout cookies with their layers of caramel, coconut, and chocolate? Well, I’ve created a healthier twist that captures all those beloved flavors in the most unexpected way—on apple slices! This apple samoas recipe has become my go-to snack during fall, especially when I’m craving something sweet but don’t want to derail my healthy eating goals.

The first time I made these, I was simply looking for a fun way to use up some Honeycrisp apples from our weekend farmers market haul. After one bite, my husband looked at me and said, “Wait, these taste like Samoas!” That’s when I knew I had stumbled onto something special. Now, whenever friends come over during autumn, these are always on the snack table, and they disappear within minutes.

Why You’ll Absolutely Love This Recipe

It’s ridiculously simple. With just 5 ingredients and about 10 minutes of active prep time, you can whip up a batch faster than you can say “Girl Scout cookies.” There’s no baking involved, no complicated techniques—just slice, spread, drizzle, and chill.

The flavor combination is incredible. Sweet, crisp apples provide the perfect base for the rich almond butter and coconut topping. Then, that chocolate drizzle ties everything together in a way that truly reminds you of those iconic cookies. Each bite delivers a satisfying mix of textures and tastes that keeps you coming back for more.

It’s actually good for you. Unlike traditional Samoas loaded with refined sugar and processed ingredients, this version uses wholesome foods. You’re getting fiber from the apples, healthy fats from the almond butter, and just enough natural sweetness from maple syrup. Additionally, you can feel good about serving these to your kids as an after-school snack.

They’re incredibly versatile. Whether you need a quick breakfast on busy mornings, a midday energy boost, or a healthier dessert option, these apple samoas fit the bill perfectly. Furthermore, they’re easy to customize based on what you have in your pantry or any dietary restrictions.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Main Components

1 apple – Honeycrisp is my personal favorite because of its perfect sweet-tart balance and incredible crunch. However, Pink Lady apples work beautifully too with their slightly floral notes. You can also try Fuji or Gala varieties if that’s what you have on hand.
⅓ cup unsweetened shredded coconut – This gives you that authentic Samoas texture and flavor. Make sure to use unsweetened to control the sweetness level yourself.
3 tablespoons almond butter – Choose a creamy variety for easier spreading. If you have nut allergies, cashew butter or sunflower seed butter are excellent alternatives.
½ tablespoon maple syrup – Just enough to add sweetness without overwhelming the other flavors. You could also use honey or agave nectar.
2 tablespoons chocolate chips – I prefer semi-sweet or dark chocolate, but milk chocolate works if you want something sweeter.
½ teaspoon coconut oil – This helps the chocolate melt smoothly and creates that perfect drizzle consistency.

Optional Toppings

While not in the original recipe, consider adding a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top of the chocolate or a dash of cinnamon to the coconut mixture for extra depth of flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Apples

Start by washing your apple thoroughly and patting it dry. Using a sharp knife, cut the apple into ¼-inch thick slices—not too thin or they’ll be flimsy, and not too thick or they’ll be hard to bite through. You should get about 3-4 perfect slices from each apple, depending on its size.

Next, remove the core from each slice. I like using a small round cookie cutter or a paring knife to cut out the center, creating those perfect rings. Don’t worry if they’re not perfectly symmetrical; rustic charm is part of their appeal!

Making the Coconut Topping

In a small bowl, combine the shredded coconut, almond butter, and maple syrup. At first, the mixture might seem a bit dry, but keep stirring! Mix everything together until it’s fully combined and forms a thick, spreadable consistency. The mixture should be sticky enough to hold together but not overly wet.

If your almond butter is particularly thick, you can warm it slightly in the microwave for about 10 seconds to make mixing easier. This step makes a huge difference in achieving that smooth, cohesive topping.

Assembly Time

Line a baking sheet or plate with parchment paper—this prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Arrange your apple slices on the parchment, leaving a bit of space between each one.

Now comes the fun part! Scoop a generous amount of the coconut mixture onto each apple slice. Use the back of a spoon to spread it evenly across the surface, going right to the edges. Don’t be shy with the topping; you want every bite to include that delicious coconut-almond butter combination.

The Chocolate Drizzle

In a small microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and coconut oil. Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring between each one, until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth. This usually takes about 40-60 seconds total. The coconut oil helps thin the chocolate slightly, making it easier to create those beautiful drizzle patterns.

Using a spoon or a small plastic bag with the corner snipped off, drizzle the melted chocolate over each topped apple slice. You can go for neat lines or get creative with zigzags—there’s no wrong way to do this! Some pieces will inevitably have more chocolate than others, and honestly, those are the best ones.

Firming Up

Transfer your baking sheet to the freezer and let the apple samoas chill for about 5-10 minutes. This quick freeze sets the chocolate and helps the coconut mixture firm up slightly. You’ll know they’re ready when the chocolate is no longer tacky to the touch.

Once they’re set, serve immediately for the best texture contrast between the cold, crisp apple and the firm toppings. Trust me, they won’t last long!

Serving Suggestions

These apple samoas are incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. For a fun fall snack platter, arrange them on a wooden board alongside other autumn treats like cheese cubes, grapes, and a handful of nuts. The presentation looks impressive but requires minimal effort.

During breakfast, I sometimes serve them alongside Greek yogurt and granola for a more substantial meal. The combination of protein, healthy fats, and fruit creates a balanced start to the day. Alternatively, pack them in lunchboxes as a special treat that’s still nutritious—kids love the fun presentation!

For parties or gatherings, these work wonderfully as a healthier dessert option. Set up a DIY apple samoas bar where guests can customize their own with different nut butters, various chocolate types, or extra toppings like chopped nuts or dried fruit. It’s an interactive activity that also happens to taste amazing.

Creative Recipe Variations

Peanut Butter Version

Swap the almond butter for creamy peanut butter to create a completely different flavor profile. The classic combination of peanut butter, chocolate, and coconut is absolutely divine. You can even add a few crushed peanuts on top for extra crunch.

White Chocolate Twist

Instead of dark or semi-sweet chocolate, try drizzling with melted white chocolate. This creates a sweeter, more dessert-like treat that looks especially elegant. For a fun contrast, you could even do half dark chocolate and half white chocolate drizzles.

Spiced Autumn Edition

Mix ½ teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon into your coconut mixture for a cozy fall flavor. This variation pairs particularly well with Gala or Fuji apples. Additionally, you might sprinkle a tiny pinch of nutmeg on top before the chocolate sets.

Protein-Packed Version

Add a tablespoon of your favorite protein powder to the coconut mixture for an extra protein boost. Vanilla or chocolate protein powder both work well. This turns your snack into a more substantial post-workout treat.

Caramel Drizzle

For those moments when you want to go all-in on the indulgence, add a drizzle of caramel sauce alongside the chocolate. While this makes them slightly less healthy, it does bring them even closer to the original Samoas flavor. Sometimes, treating yourself is perfectly okay!

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Preparing in Advance

The beauty of this recipe is that it comes together so quickly, but you can still prep components ahead of time. Mix the coconut-almond butter topping and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. When you’re ready to make the apple samoas, just let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften before spreading.

However, I don’t recommend slicing the apples too far in advance, as they’ll brown and lose their crispness. If you must prep them ahead, toss the slices with a little lemon juice to prevent oxidation, but ideally, slice them fresh for the best results.

Short-Term Storage

If by some miracle you have leftovers (this rarely happens in my house!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Stack them carefully with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Keep in mind that the apples may lose a bit of their initial crunch after a day, but they’ll still taste delicious. The flavors actually meld together nicely after sitting for a few hours.

Freezing for Later

Yes, you can freeze these! Once assembled and the chocolate has set, place the apple slices on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid, about 1-2 hours. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to 1 month.

When you’re ready to enjoy them, let them thaw at room temperature for just a few minutes—you want them still slightly frozen for the best texture. Eating them partially frozen actually creates an interesting texture that’s almost like a frozen dessert!

Important Notes and Tips

Choose the right apple variety. While I’ve suggested Honeycrisp and Pink Lady, the best apple is ultimately one that’s crisp and fresh. Avoid mealy or soft apples like Red Delicious, as they won’t provide the satisfying crunch that makes this recipe special.

Adjust sweetness to taste. If your apples are particularly sweet or you prefer less sugar, you can reduce the maple syrup to ¼ tablespoon or even omit it entirely. On the other hand, if you have a serious sweet tooth, adding an extra ½ tablespoon won’t hurt.

Get creative with nut butters. Don’t feel limited to almond butter. Cashew butter creates a creamier, slightly sweeter result. For nut-free versions, sunflower seed butter or tahini work surprisingly well, though tahini will give a more savory flavor profile.

Toast the coconut for extra flavor. If you have a few extra minutes, try toasting the shredded coconut in a dry skillet over medium heat until lightly golden. This adds a deeper, nuttier flavor that takes these to the next level. Just watch it carefully, as coconut can burn quickly!

Chocolate quality matters. Since chocolate is such a prominent flavor here, using good-quality chocolate chips makes a noticeable difference. I prefer dark chocolate with at least 60% cacao, but choose what you love.

Serving temperature is key. These are best enjoyed cold or slightly chilled. The contrast between the cool, crisp apple and the firm chocolate topping is what makes them so addictive. Room temperature versions are still good but don’t have quite the same appeal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these without chocolate?

Absolutely! While the chocolate drizzle is delicious, it’s not essential. The coconut-almond butter topping is flavorful enough to stand on its own. You could also substitute the chocolate with a drizzle of melted dark chocolate almond butter or even a sprinkle of cacao nibs for chocolate flavor without the melting step.

What if my coconut mixture is too dry?

This sometimes happens depending on the consistency of your almond butter. Simply add a tiny splash of almond milk or regular milk (½ to 1 teaspoon at a time) until you reach a spreadable consistency. Alternatively, warming the mixture slightly helps the ingredients combine more smoothly.

How do I prevent the apples from browning?

The best strategy is to slice them right before assembling. However, if you need a bit more time, brush the apple slices with lemon juice or soak them briefly in a mixture of water and a tablespoon of lemon juice. Pat them dry before adding the toppings to ensure everything sticks properly.

Are these kid-friendly?

Definitely! Kids love the fun presentation and the familiar flavors. Since there’s no added refined sugar and the ingredients are wholesome, you can feel good about serving these to children. Just be mindful of any nut allergies and substitute accordingly if needed.

Can I use sweetened coconut instead?

You certainly can, but be aware that it will make the final result noticeably sweeter. If you go this route, I’d recommend reducing or omitting the maple syrup entirely. Taste your mixture before adding it to the apples and adjust as needed.

What’s the best way to drizzle the chocolate?

For the most control and the prettiest results, transfer your melted chocolate to a small plastic bag or piping bag. Snip off a tiny corner and drizzle in quick back-and-forth motions. If you don’t have a bag, a fork also works—dip it in the chocolate and wave it over the apples to create thin streams.

Can I make these vegan?

This recipe is naturally vegan as long as you use dairy-free chocolate chips! Most semi-sweet and dark chocolate varieties are already vegan, but always check the label to be sure. The rest of the ingredients are plant-based, making this an excellent vegan snack option.

How many servings does this recipe make?

This recipe makes 4 servings (3-4 apple slices), which is perfect for a small family snack or an individual treat spread over a couple of days. However, the recipe is easily doubled or tripled if you’re serving a crowd. I often make a triple batch when hosting because they disappear so quickly!

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Chill Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4