Get ready to meet your new favorite bake sale treat—German Chocolate Cake Cookies are bite-sized morsels that capture all the joy of the classic layered cake, but in an easy, shareable cookie! Imagine fudgy chocolate cookies crowned with a gooey coconut-pecan topping, every bite a symphony of rich, sweet, and nutty flavors. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or it’s your first time using cake mix for cookies, this recipe is like a warm hug and a chocolatey party wrapped into one irresistible dessert.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the short ingredient list fool you! Each component is essential in bringing out the signature taste and texture of German Chocolate Cake Cookies. Together, they create a beautifully balanced cookie with layers of chocolate, coconut, and nutty crunch.
- German chocolate cake mix: The shortcut star that infuses deep chocolate flavor and keeps these cookies soft and chewy.
- Large eggs: Give structure and richness to the cookie dough, making sure every bite is tender.
- Vegetable oil: Keeps the cookies moist and gives them that lovely, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Add extra chocolatey bursts and elevate the gooey factor.
- Sweetened shredded coconut: Classic and chewy, this brings tropical, sweet depth to the topping.
- Chopped pecans: Toasty nuts add a satisfying crunch and rich, buttery notes to each cookie.
- Sweetened condensed milk: Binds the topping together while adding creamy, caramel-like sweetness that perfectly complements the coconut and pecans.
How to Make German Chocolate Cake Cookies
Step 1: Prep the Baking Sheet and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Line your baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent any sticking. This small step makes your cookie-baking experience much easier—and gives you golden bottoms every time!
Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough
In a large bowl, combine the German chocolate cake mix, eggs, and vegetable oil. Stir everything together until a thick, cohesive dough forms. It might seem a bit dense, but that’s exactly what you want for soft, fudgy cookies!
Step 3: Add Chocolate Chips
Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, making sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough. This ensures that every cookie is dotted with gooey, melted chocolate pools once baked.
Step 4: Prepare the Coconut-Pecan Topping
In a smaller bowl, stir together the sweetened condensed milk, shredded coconut, and chopped pecans. This creates a rich, sticky topping that brings those classic German Chocolate Cake vibes.
Step 5: Shape and Fill the Cookies
Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough and drop them onto your lined baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each one. Gently flatten each dough ball and use your thumb or the back of a spoon to create a small indentation in the center—this will cradle the delicious topping!
Step 6: Add the Topping
Spoon approximately one teaspoon of the coconut-pecan mixture into each well you made in the dough. Don’t be shy—pile it high! This is where all the best flavors meet.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Pop the tray into your preheated oven and bake for 10–12 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges are set and the tops turn a beautiful golden color. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes; this helps them firm up before transferring them to a wire rack.
How to Serve German Chocolate Cake Cookies
Garnishes
These cookies look beautiful as they are, but for an extra wow factor, drizzle cooled cookies with melted chocolate. A sprinkle of extra toasted coconut or a dusting of powdered sugar can make them even more eye-catching for parties and gatherings.
Side Dishes
If you’re turning dessert time into a celebration, pair your German Chocolate Cake Cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cold glass of milk. Coffee or a creamy latte also pairs perfectly with the rich, chocolatey flavors and coconutty crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack the cookies on a tiered cake stand or arrange them in a pretty tin lined with parchment for a gift. For an elegant dessert table, serve the cookies with chocolate-dipped strawberries or colorful fruit skewers to balance the sweetness and add variety.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your German Chocolate Cake Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft, chewy, and delicious for up to five days—make sure the coconut topping is nestled safely so nothing dries out.
Freezing
Yes, you can absolutely freeze these cookies! Once they’re fully cooled, arrange them in a single layer between sheets of parchment paper in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep well for up to two months. Just thaw at room temperature when cravings strike.
Reheating
To mimic the just-baked experience, pop a cookie into the microwave for about 10 seconds. This softens the chocolate chips and brings back some of that fresh-from-the-oven magic without drying out the coconut topping.
FAQs
Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?
While German chocolate cake mix gives these cookies their authentic flavor, you can experiment with other chocolate cake mixes for a slightly different twist. Just keep in mind, the taste might be a little less classic but still delicious!
Are there nut-free alternatives for the topping?
Absolutely! If you need a nut-free version, simply omit the pecans from the topping. You could add extra coconut or even a handful of mini chocolate chips to keep the topping interesting and safe for those with allergies.
Can I make German Chocolate Cake Cookies gluten-free?
Yes—you can try using your favorite gluten-free chocolate cake mix and follow the same instructions. The cookies should turn out wonderfully chewy and decadent, though texture may vary slightly depending on the brand of cake mix you use.
How do I keep the cookies from spreading too much?
If you notice that your cookies are spreading more than you’d like, make sure your dough isn’t too warm before baking. If it feels sticky or soft, chill it in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes before shaping and baking your cookies.
Can I double this recipe for a crowd?
Definitely! This recipe is easy to double—or even triple—for parties, potlucks, or holiday cookie trays. Just make sure to bake in batches so every cookie gets its chance to bake evenly.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about sharing German Chocolate Cake Cookies—the creamy, chocolate-dipped nostalgia of a classic cake in a bite-sized treat. Grab your supplies and share the love with friends, family, or just your own sweet tooth. Happy baking!
Print
German Chocolate Cake Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich flavors of a classic German chocolate cake in cookie form with these easy and delicious German Chocolate Cake Cookies.
Ingredients
Main Cookie Dough:
- 1 box German chocolate cake mix
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Coconut-Pecan Topping:
- 1/2 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix Cookie Dough: In a large bowl, combine cake mix, eggs, and vegetable oil. Stir in chocolate chips.
- Prepare Topping: In a small bowl, mix condensed milk, coconut, and pecans.
- Shape and Bake: Scoop dough onto the baking sheet, flatten, make an indentation, and top with coconut-pecan mixture. Bake for 10–12 minutes.
- Cool and Serve: Allow cookies to cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
- Drizzle with melted chocolate for added decadence.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 13g
- Sodium: 110mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
