Delicious German Chocolate Cookies Recipe for Dessert Lovers

If you’re a fan of indulgent desserts, German chocolate cookies are about to become your new obsession. With gooey coconut-pecan filling, rich chocolate flavor, and a perfectly chewy texture, these cookies bring a decadent twist to a classic favorite. Ready to discover what makes them so irresistible? Let’s dive into the delicious details.

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup packed light brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
• 0.75 cup evaporated milk
• 0.75 cup packed light brown sugar
• 3 large egg yolks
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1.5 cups sweetened shredded coconut
• 1 cup chopped pecans toasted

Equipment

• Stand mixer or hand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Medium saucepan
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
• Cookie scoop
• Cooling racks
• Spatula

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. This will help the cookies bake evenly and lift off without sticking.
2. Cream the butter and sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with both sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step builds the structure of the cookie, so be patient and beat for 2 to 3 minutes.
3. Add the eggs and vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each one is fully mixed before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract for a touch of warmth.
4. Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, which can make cookies tough.
5. Stir in chocolate chips: Fold in the semisweet chocolate chips by hand for an extra burst of chocolate in every bite.
6. Scoop the cookies: Use a cookie scoop to portion the dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart. This allows for spreading.
7. Bake: Bake for 10 to 12 minutes. You want the edges set but centers still soft. They will continue to cook slightly on the baking sheet.
8. Cool: Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely before frosting.
9. Make the frosting: In a medium saucepan, combine evaporated milk, brown sugar, egg yolks, and butter. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly. When it bubbles and thickens approximately 8 to 10 minutes, remove from heat.
10. Finish the frosting: Stir in vanilla, shredded coconut, and toasted pecans. Let it sit for 5 minutes to thicken before using.
11. Frost the cookies: Once the cookies are cool, spoon about a tablespoon of frosting onto each one. Use a spatula to spread it gently. Let the frosting set before stacking or serving.

Nutrition per serving

Description

German chocolate cookies are like a bite-sized celebration of one of America’s most beloved cakes. Imagine deep, fudgy chocolate cookies with a soft, brownie-like center, topped with a luscious, sticky coconut pecan frosting. Each bite delivers the rich essence of toasted nuts and sweetened shredded coconut against the backdrop of indulgent chocolate. These cookies are decadent without being overly sweet, with flavors that dance between rustic charm and gourmet flair.

They bring to mind cozy holidays, grandmother’s kitchen, or that first sweet bite at a Southern bake sale. The texture is a beautiful balance too — soft and chewy cookie base with a gentle crunch from the toasted pecans in the frosting. They are showstoppers on a cookie tray, often vanishing before any other dessert. Whether you’re making them for a holiday party or just to enjoy with coffee, these cookies feel like pure comfort in edible form.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll love how these German chocolate cookies highlight all the flavors of the classic cake but in a quicker, simpler form. No need for stacking cake layers or fiddling with frosting tips — this recipe serves up all the nostalgia with much less effort. The cookie dough can even be made ahead or frozen, letting you prep in advance and bake when you’re ready.

These cookies are incredibly versatile. They are perfect for gifting, bringing to a potluck, or freezing for later sweet cravings. Plus, since the topping is assembled on the stovetop, it is easy to control its thickness and sweetness. The cookies are indulgent enough for special occasions yet simple enough for weekday baking.

Serving and Storage Tips

Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. If you prefer a slightly firmer texture, refrigerate them and allow to soften a bit at room temperature before serving.

To freeze, arrange cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe container and store for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for about 1 hour. The frosting may soften slightly, but the flavor remains delicious.

For make-ahead prep, the cookie dough can be scooped and frozen raw. Bake from frozen, adding 1 to 2 minutes to the bake time. The frosting can also be made a day ahead and refrigerated, then warmed gently before spreading.

Course, Cuisine, Keywords

Course: Dessert, Cookies

Cuisine: American

Keywords: german chocolate cookies, coconut pecan cookie, holiday cookies, chocolate cookie recipe

Recipe Notes

For extra flavor, always use good-quality cocoa powder and toast the pecans just before adding them to the frosting. The fragrance and warmth truly elevate the final dessert.

FAQ

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German Chocolate Cookies

German chocolate cookies are bite-sized versions of the beloved cake: deep, fudgy chocolate cookies with a chewy, brownie-like center, crowned by luscious coconut pecan frosting. They embody the comforting flavors of chocolate, toasted pecans, and coconut, perfect for holidays, potlucks, gifting, or everyday indulgence.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 12 minutes mins

Total Time 32 minutes mins

Course Dessert, Cookies

Cuisine American

Servings 24 cookies

Calories 270 kcal

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 1 cup unsalted butter softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup packed light brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
• For the frosting:
• 3/4 cup evaporated milk
• 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
• 3 large egg yolks
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups sweetened shredded coconut
• 1 cup chopped pecans toasted

Instructions

 

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
• In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
• Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing just until combined.
• Fold in semisweet chocolate chips.
• Using a cookie scoop, drop dough onto prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart.
• Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until edges are set but centers are still soft. Remove from oven and allow to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks.
• While cookies cool, prepare the frosting. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, whisk together evaporated milk, brown sugar, egg yolks, and butter. Cook, stirring constantly, until thickened and bubbling, about 8 to 10 minutes.
• Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract, shredded coconut, and toasted pecans. Let cool slightly to thicken.
• Spoon a generous tablespoon of frosting onto each cooled cookie. Use a spatula to spread gently over the tops. Allow frosting to set before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 270kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 3gFat: 16gSodium: 110mgFiber: 2gSugar: 22g

Keyword german chocolate cookies, coconut pecan cookie, holiday cookies, chocolate cookie recipe

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