Samoa (Caramel DeLite) Rice Krispy Treats

I just want everyone to know I have just done the world a huge favor today. I'll sum it up with this: Samoa Rice Krispy Treats. You know how every once in a while you make one of those desserts that is over-the-top good? One where, even though you've already scraped the bowl cleaner then it's been in weeks, you go back and check once more just to see if you missed a speck? Yeah, this is one of those.

Girl Scout cookies. First thing that hits my mind is always Samoas. So when I was glancing through a Girl Scout cookie catalog the other day, I was shocked when I couldn't find them listed anywhere. Maybe I'm just really behind the times. But when did they change the name to Caramel DeLites? I was in the midst of a panic attack for bit there. While mentality composing a complaint letter to Girl Scout Headquarters, I glanced at the back and saw a giant picture of them with a caption below calling them "Caramel Delites". What the heck?

After some thorough and in depth research (thank you wikipedia) I've discovered the following:
"Girl Scout cookies are made by large national commercial bakeries under license from Girl Scouts of the USA. The bakers licensed by the organization may change from year to year. In 2008 the licensed companies were Little Brownie Bakers (LBB) and ABC Bakers. Caramel DeLites are produced by ABC and Samoas by LBB."

Ok, ABC Bakers, way to throw me off. At least they are still there. But here comes the bad news. I'd have to wait like 2 weeks before my order came in. What? That's like 14 days... and I don't know how many hours. Way too long. Waaay tooo looong.

I decided I needed a substitute. So I turned to my trusty friend the rice krispy treat. Today's post is for those of you also in withdrawals waiting for your orders to arrive. I'm not trying to toot my own horn, but these things are the bomb. Like seriously life changingly good. I was contemplating eating the whole pan myself. The only thing that stopped me was that I wanted to hear my husband sing me praises when he got home and tasted these. You get the signature shortbread crust, then a gooey/caramelly/coconutty layer mixed in with the rice krispy treats, then top that off with the chocolate drizzle. Oh my. Heeeaavenn!

Dear World, you're welcome.

Samoa Rice Krispy Treats

1 recipe Shortbread Cookie Crust (recipe below)
2 Tbsp butter
3 cups marshmallows
1/2-3/4 cup caramel sauce (you can use any brand)
2 cups rice krispies
1 cup shredded sweetened coconut (I toasted mine in the oven... but I'm just super gormet like that, it's totally optional)

1/2 cup chocolate chips
1/2 tsp oil

In a large mixing bowl combine the rice krispies and shredded coconut. Set aside. Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, turn the heat to low and add the marshmallows. Stir until the marshmallows are mostly all melted (this will take a few minutes--low and slow is key for perfect texture) then stir in the caramel sauce.

Once fully melted, take them off heat and pour over the rice krispy mixture. Stir lightly to combine. Dump everything onto your cooled shortbread crust.  Let it sit for about 5 minutes, then with greased hands go in and flatten the top. Allow them to cool 30 min. Once cool melt your chocolate chips and oil in the microwave in 30 second intervals, stirring in between each one until fully melted. Drizzle the chocolate over your treats, then cut into circles squares, squares, etc and enjoy!

Shortbread Cookie Crust

1/2 cup butter
1/4 cup  sugar
1 cup  flour
1/8 tsp powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/2-1 Tbsp milk
1/4 tsp vanilla

Cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffly. Mix together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the flour mixture slowly, scraping down the sides. Finally add in the vanilla and enough milk so the dough holds together. Chill dough in the fridge for 1 hour.

Lighly grease a 9x9 pan and press the chilled cookie dough into the pan to form your crust. Bake at 400 degrees for about 18 minutes or until lightly browned on top. Allow to cool