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!”]

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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!