It’s that time of year again! Girl Scout cookies are everywhere, so we figured we would try creating our own. After a bit of research and inspiration from @lilsipper, we meshed our maca-roon recipe with chocolate to create an indulgent version of this Girl Scout favorite!
What is maca root? It is a cruciferous vegetable (like broccoli) that has been cultivated for more than 2000 years in the Andes Mountains of Peru. Maca root is high in carbs, low in fat, and contains a fair amount of fiber. It’s also high in vitamin C, copper, and iron. The potential benefits include but are not limited to:
– increased energy and endurance
– blood pressure reduction
– sun damage prevention
– fight free radicals
– alleviate menopause associated symptoms
– increased libido in both men and women
How do you use maca root? The maca root plant can be ground up into a powder and added to meals or smoothies. We love adding a tablespoon to our morning oatmeal.
What I love about it is that it is good in both sweet and savory combinations.- The average daily dosage is typically recommended between 2-5 grams a day- You can get there a few ways in your daily routine for instance, in oatmeal.
Here’s one indulgent way to get your fix!
Tradition Spotlight
This recipe brings together two kinds of power: the adaptogenic strength of maca root and the deep comfort of a cookie many of us grew up loving, the Samoa.
The Power of Maca
Maca root has been used for over 2,000 years in the high Andes of Peru. It is known for supporting energy, mood, and hormonal balance. Traditionally, Incan warriors consumed it for stamina and strength. Today, it is still valued in Peruvian herbal practices for its ability to boost vitality and support fertility.
As an adaptogen, maca may help the body handle stress more effectively. It contains plant sterols and glucosinolates, compounds linked to hormone balance and antioxidant activity (Gonzales, 2012).
The Story Behind Samoas
Samoas were introduced in the 1970s as part of the Girl Scout cookie lineup. Depending on where you live, they are also called Caramel deLites. Their mix of chewy caramel, toasted coconut, and chocolate made them an instant favorite. While the original version is more of a treat than a tonic, the flavor profile is unforgettable.
This version brings in whole ingredients and a subtle boost of maca to turn a nostalgic cookie into something that supports your energy, not just your sweet tooth.
How It’s Used
• In Peru, maca is blended into warm drinks, porridges, and sweet cakes
• In everyday cooking, it is stirred into smoothies, energy bites, and baked goods to support hormone balance•
• Samoa-inspired treats often show up in lunchboxes and bake sales. This version brings that same joy to your snack table with ingredients that give more than they take
Citations
Gonzales, G. F. (2012). Ethnobiology and Ethnopharmacology of Lepidium meyenii (Maca), a plant from the Peruvian Highlands. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2012, 1–10. https://doi.org/10.1155/2012/193496
Girl Scouts of the USA. (n.d.). History of Girl Scout Cookies
MACA SAMOAS – VEGAN GIRL SCOUT COOKIES WITH ADULT BENEFITS
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees
- Toast coconut at 350 degrees until light brown ~4-6 minutes
- Mix coconut with all ingredients except chocolate in a food processor/standmixer/elbow grease
- Scoop and flatten cookies. You can poke a hole in the middle if you want it to look very close to the original (we forgot to do this!) Tip: scoop each cookie and roll into a ball. Place a sheet of parchment on top of cookies and use another baking sheet to press down.
- Place cookies in the freezer
- Melt the chocolate (temper if you’re fancy)
- remove the cookies from the freezer and dip bottoms in chocolate. Place them back on the tray to let the chocolate set
- Drizzle all coookies with chocolate
- Place in the freezer or refrigerator for a few minutes for the chocolate to set
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
Notes
