German Chocolate Cookies Recipe

If you’re a fan of German Chocolate Cake, you’re going to love these German Chocolate Cookies! These delightful treats bring all the rich, indulgent flavors of the classic cake into a portable, hand-held form. With a soft, chewy cookie base filled with gooey caramel, coconut, and pecans, each bite is a delicious blend of textures and flavors. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies are sure to impress your friends and family. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a party, or just because, this recipe is a must-try!

Ingredients

For the Cookie Dough:

  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened 🧈
  • 1 cup granulated sugar 🧂
  • 1 cup brown sugar 🍂
  • 2 large eggs 🥚
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract 🍨
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour 🌾
  • 1 tsp baking soda 🥄
  • ½ tsp baking powder 💥
  • ½ tsp salt 🧂
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips 🍫
  • 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut 🥥
  • 1 cup chopped pecans 🌰

the Filling:

  • 1 cup sweetened condensed milk 🥛
  • 1 cup caramel bits 🍬
  • ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder 🍫

Topping:

  • Melted chocolate for drizzling 🍫

Instructions

1️⃣ Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. 🔥

2️⃣ Make Cookie Dough: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, and mix until well combined. 🍶

3️⃣ Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. 🌾

4️⃣ Add Mix-ins: Fold in the chocolate chips, shredded coconut, and chopped pecans until evenly distributed. 🍫🥥🌰

5️⃣ Shape Cookies: Take about 2 tablespoons of cookie dough and flatten it slightly. Place a small amount of the sweetened condensed milk mixture in the center, then fold the dough around it to encase the filling completely. Form into a ball. Repeat with the remaining dough. 🍪

6️⃣ Bake: Place the cookie dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving enough space between them. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden but the center is still soft. ⏳

7️⃣ Cool and Decorate: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Drizzle melted chocolate over the top of the cookies. 🌬️🍫

8️⃣ Serve: Enjoy your German Chocolate Cookies warm or at room temperature. Perfect with a glass of milk! 🥛🍪

Notes

  • Storage: Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies for up to 3 months.
  • Filling Variation: If you want to switch things up, try adding a bit of Nutella or peanut butter to the filling for an extra indulgent treat.
  • Nut Allergies: If you have nut allergies, feel free to omit the pecans or replace them with a nut-free alternative like sunflower seeds or toasted oats.

FAQs

1. Can I use dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet chocolate chips?

  • Absolutely! Dark chocolate will add a richer flavor to the cookies. Just keep in mind that it may slightly increase the bitterness, which pairs nicely with the sweet filling.

2. What can I use if I don’t have caramel bits?

  • You can substitute caramel bits with soft caramel candies cut into small pieces. Just ensure they’re evenly distributed throughout the filling mixture.

3. How can I make these cookies vegan?

  • Substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative, use flax eggs (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water per egg), and replace sweetened condensed milk with coconut condensed milk. Also, make sure your chocolate chips and caramel bits are dairy-free.

4. Can I make the dough in advance?

  • Yes, you can prepare the cookie dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 48 hours. Let it come to room temperature before baking for the best results.

Conclusion

These German Chocolate Cookies are the perfect blend of flavors and textures, offering a rich, satisfying treat that’s sure to become a favorite. With their gooey centers and delightful mix of chocolate, coconut, and pecans, they’re an excellent choice for any dessert table. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just getting started, this recipe is easy to follow and yields impressive results. Give them a try, and you might find yourself baking these again and again!

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