Imagine sinking your teeth into a cookie that marries the fudgy richness of German chocolate cake with the chewy, portable joy of a homemade treat. These German Chocolate Cake Cookies will be a revelation: soft chocolate cookies filled with gooey caramel, toasted pecans and shredded coconut, drizzled with glossy chocolate ganache. Ideal for holiday cookie swaps, birthday parties or just satisfying your sweet tooth, these cookies are a nostalgic but creative spin on a classic dessert.
But first — why “German” chocolate? Despite what its name may imply, German Chocolate Cake doesn’t hail from Germany at all. It’s named for Samuel German, an American baker who developed a form of dark baking chocolate for the Baker’s Chocolate Company in 1852. The cake achieved popularity in the 1950s when a Texas housewife’s recipe appeared in a local newspaper, and it’s now a Southern staple. These cookies take inspiration from that legacy, capturing all the caramel-pecan-coconut magic in a handheld form.
Ready to bake? Let’s get right into the recipe, tips, and tricks to make these showstopping treats!
Ingredients
(Yield: 24 cookies)
Cookie Base
- 1 cup (2 sticks) of softened unsalted butter (or coconut oil for vegan)
- 1¼ cups light brown sugar (brings moisture + caramel notes)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature (to emulsify better)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (or 1:1 gluten-free flour)
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (use Dutch-processed for deeper flavor)
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
German Chocolate Filling
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- 1 cup toasted, chopped pecans (walnuts also work!)
- ½ cup dulce de leche or thick caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- ¼ cup evaporated milk or heavy cream (for a silkier texture)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Chocolate Ganache
- ½ cup semi-sweet mod chips
- ¼ cup heavy cream (or coconut cream)
- 1 tbsp corn syrup (omit for shine, add for shine)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Give the Coconut & Pecans a Toast 🌰🔥
- Toasting nuts and coconut releases their natural oils, intensifying their flavor.
- Soak the chili in warm water for 10 minutes and drain it.
- Spread coconut and pecans on baking sheet. Toast, stirring once, for 5–7 minutes, until fragrant and golden. Let cool.
Make the Filling 🥥🍯
- The filling is the soul of these cookies — don’t skimp on the caramel!
- Combine dulce de leche, evaporated milk, and vanilla in a saucepan. Heat, stirring, over low heat until smooth.
- Add toasted coconut and pecans, and stir. Set aside to thicken.
Prep the Cookie Dough 🍫🍪
- Chilling the dough is critical to prevent spreading.
- In a stand mixer, beat butter and sugars until fluffy (3–4 minutes).
- Incorporate eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa, baking soda and salt. Slowly fold into wet ingredients until just combined.
- Chill dough, 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours for firmer texture).
Assemble & Bake 🎯🔥
- Form into balls about 1.5 inches in diameter. Make a well in each with your thumb.
- TOP: Fill each well with 1 tsp coconut-pecan filling. Seal dough over the filling.
- Bake on parchment-lined sheets for 10–12 minutes. Let cool on the tray (they’ll firm up!
Drizzle with Ganache 🍫✨
- Heat cream until simmering. Pour over chocolate chips, let sit 2 minutes, then stir smooth. Add corn syrup if using.
- Drizzle over cooled cookies. Top with additional coconut of flaky sea salt!
Tips & Variations
Dietary Tweaks 🌱
- VEGAN: Use flax eggs, vegan butter and coconut cream. Skip evaporated milk.
- Gluten-Free: Replace with 1:1 GF flour (and add ½ tsp xanthan gum if necessary).
- Nut-Free: Substitute the pecans for sunflower seeds or bits of pretzel.
Flavor Twists 🌶️🍊
- Espresso Blast: Mix 1 tsp instant coffee in with the dough
- Salted Caramel: Use salted caramel sauce and sprinkle on flaky sea salt.
- Spiced: Stir ½ tsp cinnamon + ¼ tsp cayenne into your dough.
Texture Hacks 🧁🔧
- Chewy Cookies: Use ¼ cup sugar for 2 tbsp molasses.
- Crispy Edges: 375°F, 9 minutes.
- Soft Center; underbake 1–2 minutes, chill dough overnight
Serving & Storage
Serving Ideas 🎉🍦
- À la Mode: Serve warm with vanilla ice cream and more caramel drizzle.
- Gift Boxes: Interleave with cellophane bags tied with ribbon for edible gifts.
- Brunch Upgrade: Serve with coffee or hot chocolate spiked with bourbon.
Storage Tips 🗄️❄️
- Room Temp: Wrapped tightly, up to 5 days.
- Freeze: Dough balls or baked cookies will keep for 3 months. Thaw at room temp.
- Refresh Stale Cookies: Nuke for 8 seconds or crisp in a 300°F oven for 2 minutes.
FAQ: All Your Questions, Answered ❓
Q: Can I use caramel sauce from a jar?
A: Yes! Choose a thick, high-quality brand like Torani or Stonewall Kitchen.
Q: The cookies I made were too spread out. Help!
A: Chill the dough longer (up to 2 hours) and make sure your baking soda is fresh.
Q: Can I omit the coconut?
A: Sure, but you’ll want to supplement with more pecans or oats to keep the texture.
Q: How can I toast pecans without burning them?
A: In a dry skillet, toast over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, 3–5 minutes.
Q: Can kids help make these?
A: Absolutely! Let them roll balls of dough and add toppings.
Why This Recipe Works 🔬🍪
Why Chill the Dough?
- Chilling hardens the butter, stopping cookies from spreading too much. It also helps the flour hydrate, which makes for better texture.
- Difference Between Dutch-Processed Cocoa and Natural
- Dutch-processed cocoa is treated with alkali, which results in a mellower, less tart flavor. Natural cocoa is more bitter and can react differently to baking soda.
- The Role of Evaporated Milk
Evaporated milk gives creaminess without excess moisture, so that the filling is thick and luscious.
Conclusion: A Love Letter to Southern Baking 💌
These German Chocolate Cake Cookies are not just a dessert; they are a celebration of tradition and creativity. Whether you’re a coconut lover, a chocolate lover or a pecan lover, these cookies offer a symphony of textures and flavors at every bite.
Pro Tip: Double the batch! They vanish more quickly than you’d think.
Tried this recipe? Show us your creation using #GermanCookieMagic and tag us! 🎉✨