When you think of German Chocolate Cake, the rich combination of chocolate, coconut, and pecans likely comes to mind. It’s a dessert beloved for its layers of moist cake and indulgent frosting, offering a perfect balance of sweetness and crunch. But what if you could take that same delicious flavor and make it into a cookie? Enter German Chocolate Cake Cookies, a unique and mouthwatering treat that combines the flavors of the classic cake in a portable, easy-to-eat form.
In this article, we’ll explore everything there is to know about German Chocolate Cake Cookies—from the history of the famous cake, the transformation into a cookie, a step-by-step recipe, helpful tips, and some creative variations. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just getting started in the kitchen, these cookies are a must-try for anyone with a sweet tooth.
Table of Contents
What Are German Chocolate Cake Cookies?
German Chocolate Cake Cookies are a delicious hybrid dessert that combines the classic flavors of a German Chocolate Cake in the form of a chewy, gooey cookie. They are typically made with chocolate cookie dough that’s enriched with coconut and pecans, which are the key ingredients in the famous cake’s frosting. These cookies are perfect for those who love the rich, indulgent taste of German Chocolate Cake but prefer a quicker, easier-to-make option.
The cookie base is slightly thick, providing the chewy texture that pairs beautifully with the sweet and slightly nutty coconut-pecan topping. These cookies offer the same satisfying crunch and sweetness of the cake but in a more bite-sized, cookie-friendly version.
The Origins of German Chocolate Cake
Although German Chocolate Cake is often assumed to be of German origin, the truth is quite different. The cake was actually named after an American man, Samuel German, who developed a type of dark baking chocolate in 1852 for the Baker’s Chocolate Company. This chocolate, known as Baker’s German’s Sweet Chocolate, became widely popular in the 1950s when a recipe using this chocolate was published in a Dallas newspaper.
The recipe, called German’s Chocolate Cake, featured a rich, moist chocolate cake with a creamy coconut-pecan frosting. The cake quickly became a hit, and its name eventually evolved into German Chocolate Cake—a name that stuck despite the chocolate’s connection to Samuel German, not Germany.
Today, German Chocolate Cake is a beloved dessert in the United States, with its signature coconut-pecan topping and fudgy chocolate cake base.
Why German Chocolate Cake Cookies?
So, why turn the iconic German Chocolate Cake into a cookie? The answer is simple: convenience and portability. While traditional German Chocolate Cake is often saved for special occasions and requires careful layering and frosting, German Chocolate Cake Cookies can be enjoyed anytime, anywhere.
Cookies are also easier to store and transport, making them perfect for parties, bake sales, or simply as a sweet snack. They also offer the same satisfying texture of the cake in a more bite-sized form, giving you all the flavors of the original without the need to slice and serve a full cake.
How to Make German Chocolate Cake Cookies: A Step-by-Step Recipe
Now that you know why these cookies are such a hit, let’s dive into the recipe. This version of German Chocolate Cake Cookies is rich, chewy, and bursting with the flavors of chocolate, coconut, and pecans. Here’s everything you need to create these mouthwatering treats.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 2 ¼ cups (280g) |
| Unsweetened cocoa powder | ⅓ cup (40g) |
| Baking soda | 1 tsp |
| Salt | ½ tsp |
| Unsalted butter, softened | ½ cup (115g) |
| Brown sugar, packed | 1 cup (200g) |
| Granulated sugar | ½ cup (100g) |
| Eggs | 2 large |
| Vanilla extract | 2 tsp |
| Semi-sweet chocolate chips | 1 cup (170g) |
| Sweetened shredded coconut | 1 cup (80g) |
| Chopped pecans | 1 cup (120g) |
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Baking Sheets
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent the cookies from sticking.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Set this dry mixture aside while you prepare the wet ingredients.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. You can use a hand mixer or stand mixer for this step. It typically takes about 3-4 minutes.
Step 4: Add the Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
Step 5: Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough cookies.
Step 6: Add the Chocolate Chips, Coconut, and Pecans
Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, shredded coconut, and chopped pecans. These ingredients are what give the cookies their signature texture and flavor, so make sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 7: Scoop the Dough
Using a cookie scoop or a tablespoon, scoop out the dough and place it onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing each cookie about 2 inches apart. The dough will be thick, so you may need to gently press it down slightly to flatten it.
Step 8: Bake the Cookies
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are firm but the centers are still slightly soft. Remember, the cookies will continue to cook a bit as they cool on the baking sheet, so don’t overbake them.
Step 9: Cool and Enjoy
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, enjoy the decadent flavors of German Chocolate Cake in cookie form!
Tips for Perfect German Chocolate Cake Cookies
To make sure your German Chocolate Cake Cookies turn out perfectly every time, here are a few helpful tips:
1. Use Room Temperature Ingredients
Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature before you begin mixing. Room temperature ingredients combine better and result in a smoother cookie dough.
2. Don’t Overmix the Dough
Once you add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, so be gentle when folding everything together.
3. Chill the Dough (Optional)
For thicker, chewier cookies, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This will help the cookies hold their shape and prevent them from spreading too much during baking.
4. Adjust the Coconut and Pecans
If you prefer more coconut or pecans, feel free to increase the amounts. The coconut adds a chewy texture, while the pecans bring a satisfying crunch.
5. Store Properly
Once baked and cooled, store your German Chocolate Cake Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also freeze the dough for later use—just scoop the dough into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer bag.
Creative Variations of German Chocolate Cake Cookies
While the classic German Chocolate Cake Cookies are a treat on their own, you can always put a fun twist on the recipe to suit your tastes. Here are a few variations you can try:
1. German Chocolate Cake Cookie Bars
Instead of making individual cookies, you can spread the dough in a baking pan and bake it as a bar cookie. This method is perfect for feeding a crowd or when you want to skip the cookie scooping process.
2. Double Chocolate German Chocolate Cake Cookies
For extra chocolate flavor, add a bit of melted chocolate to the dough in addition to the cocoa powder. This will create a richer, more intense chocolate flavor in the cookies.
3. Gluten-Free German Chocolate Cake Cookies
To make a gluten-free version of these cookies, simply swap the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check that your chocolate chips and other ingredients are also gluten-free.
4. Vegan German Chocolate Cake Cookies
If you’re following a vegan diet, you can replace the butter with coconut oil and the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon of ground flax seeds mixed with 3 tablespoons of water). Use dairy-free chocolate chips to keep the recipe fully plant-based.
Final Thoughts on German Chocolate Cake Cookies
German Chocolate Cake Cookies are a wonderful and creative twist on the beloved classic cake. With their chewy texture, rich chocolate flavor, and sweet coconut-pecan topping, they’re a perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a special event or simply satisfying a craving, these cookies are sure to impress.
By following the simple recipe and tips provided, you’ll be able to create a batch of German Chocolate Cake Cookies that rival the original cake itself. So grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a delicious, indulgent treat that combines the best of both worlds! Click here to More
