German Chocolate Cake Cookies Recipe
If you’re searching for the ultimate rich, gooey treat that combines pure chocolate bliss with nutty, coconut-laced flair, then German Chocolate Cake Cookies are your new dessert obsession. These cookies take everything you adore about traditional German chocolate cake—the deep cocoa flavor, the irresistible coconut pecan topping—and wrap it up in a portable, decadent shortcut that will have everyone reaching for seconds. Whether you’re baking for a party, a weeknight treat, or just to make Tuesday a little sweeter, these cookies never disappoint and always steal the show.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes these German Chocolate Cake Cookies so magical is just how easy and accessible their ingredients are. Each one brings an essential element to the table, ensuring every bite is balanced between chewy, fudgy, and blissfully rich.
- German chocolate cake mix: The foundation of the cookie, guaranteeing deep chocolate flavor with minimal fuss.
- Vegetable oil: Keeps the cookies soft and moist, delivering that perfect texture.
- Large eggs: Bind the dough together and help achieve a tender crumb.
- Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and elevates the overall taste profile.
- Evaporated milk: Used for the topping, it brings creaminess and richness to every bite.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the coconut-pecan crown, keeping things perfectly balanced.
- Unsalted butter: Enriches the topping, infusing each spoonful with flavor and silkiness.
- Egg yolk: Thickens the topping and imparts a luxurious custard texture.
- Shredded sweetened coconut: Gives the classic chewy, tropical element that balances the cookies’ chocolate base.
- Chopped pecans: Add crunch and a signature nutty taste to complement the coconut.
How to Make German Chocolate Cake Cookies
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready to go right when your dough is. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper; trust me, this not only prevents sticking but also makes cleanup a dream.
Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough
In a large bowl, combine the German chocolate cake mix, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir everything together until a soft, cohesive dough forms. The dough will be thick and glossy—that’s exactly what you want for these cookies to hold their shape and bake up chewy.
Step 3: Shape the Cookies
Using a tablespoon or a small cookie scoop, drop portions of dough onto your lined baking sheet. Space them about 2 inches apart; these cookies spread a little bit and you want each one to be perfectly round and distinct.
Step 4: Bake the Cookies
Slide your tray into the preheated oven and bake for 8–10 minutes or until the edges look set. The centers may seem slightly soft, but don’t worry—they’ll firm up as they cool, giving you that dreamy, fudgy center.
Step 5: Cool the Cookies
Once out of the oven, let the cookies cool on the pan for 5 minutes. This helps set the structure and makes them easier to transfer. Afterward, move them to a wire rack to finish cooling completely before topping them with that glorious coconut-pecan mixture.
Step 6: Make the Coconut Pecan Topping
While your cookies cool, set a small saucepan over medium heat and whisk together evaporated milk, sugar, butter, and egg yolk. Stir constantly as the mixture warms up, thickens, and begins to bubble—this usually takes 6–8 minutes. Remove from heat, then stir in vanilla extract, sweetened shredded coconut, and chopped pecans. Let the topping cool for 10–15 minutes so it thickens even further and is easier to spoon onto the cookies.
Step 7: Top and Finish
Once your cookies and topping have both cooled, spoon a generous dollop of the coconut pecan mixture onto each cookie. If you’re in the mood for extra decadence (and who isn’t?), drizzle with melted chocolate to seal the German Chocolate Cake Cookies deal. Serve, swoon, and repeat!
How to Serve German Chocolate Cake Cookies
Garnishes
For a little extra flair, try sprinkling a pinch of flaky sea salt, a dusting of cocoa powder, or a few extra chopped pecans right over the top. If you want them to look bakery-worthy, a warm chocolate drizzle or even a cherry on top echoes classic German chocolate cake.
Side Dishes
These cookies are certainly the star of any spread, but they pair beautifully with a tall glass of cold milk, a cup of rich coffee, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for a seriously over-the-top treat.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re sharing them at a party, stack German Chocolate Cake Cookies on a tiered platter, gift them in pretty boxes tied with ribbon, or sandwich a bit of ice cream in between two cookies for a summertime surprise. However you serve them, expect big smiles.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover German Chocolate Cake Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If your kitchen’s particularly warm, you can keep them in the refrigerator to make sure that rich topping stays fresh and delicious.
Freezing
Both the cookies and the coconut pecan topping freeze well—just store separate layers between parchment or wax paper in airtight containers. They’ll keep their flavor and texture beautifully for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature.
Reheating
If you love your cookies a little warm (who doesn’t?), pop them in the microwave for 10–15 seconds. This revives the gooey texture of the topping and softens the cookie for that fresh-from-the-oven experience.
FAQs
Can I use homemade chocolate cake mix instead of a box?
Absolutely! If you have a favorite homemade chocolate cake mix recipe, use about 15–16 ounces worth to replace the box. Just be sure your mix includes sugar and cocoa for authentic chocolate flavor.
Is there a substitute for pecans in the topping?
Yes, you can use walnuts or even almonds if you don’t have pecans on hand or want a flavor twist. If you need them nut-free, simply add more coconut for extra chewiness instead.
How long does the coconut pecan topping last?
The topping will stay good in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Bring it to room temperature or gently warm before using so it’s easy to spread onto your cookies.
Are German Chocolate Cake Cookies gluten free?
Because this recipe uses a standard cake mix, it isn’t gluten free as written. However, you can substitute a gluten free German chocolate cake mix and follow the recipe exactly—just watch for any differences in texture and bake time.
Do I need to refrigerate the cookies because of the topping?
If your house is cool, you can keep them at room temperature for a few days, but for longer storage or in warm or humid weather, refrigeration helps maintain the freshness (and prevents the topping from getting too soft).
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to wow your friends and family, break up your baking routine, or just indulge in the flavors of classic cake in a brand-new form, German Chocolate Cake Cookies are guaranteed to delight. Give them a try and make every occasion just a little sweeter!
Print
German Chocolate Cake Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes (plus cooling)
- Yield: 20 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich flavors of German chocolate cake in cookie form with these decadent German Chocolate Cake Cookies topped with a luscious coconut pecan mixture.
Ingredients
Main Cookie Dough:
- 1 box German chocolate cake mix
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Coconut Pecan Topping:
- 1/2 cup evaporated milk
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup shredded sweetened coconut
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Prepare the Cookie Dough: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Mix cake mix, oil, eggs, and vanilla until a dough forms. Scoop onto baking sheet and bake for 8–10 minutes.
- Make the Coconut Pecan Topping: Combine milk, sugar, butter, and egg yolk in a saucepan. Cook until thickened. Remove from heat, add vanilla, coconut, and pecans. Cool.
- Top and Serve: Place a spoonful of topping on each cookie. Optionally, drizzle with melted chocolate. Enjoy!
Notes
- You can make the topping ahead and refrigerate it until ready to use. Bring to room temperature before spooning onto cookies.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
