One of my favorite cakes is the always reliable German chocolate cake with coconut-pecan frosting. Not very creative, I know. But, what can I say? I like what I like. Unfortunately for me, coconut is most definitely not what Quinn likes.
I snuck in baking these cookies while Quinn was still enjoying our amazingly chocolate Christmas dessert. As much as he’s been enjoying it, I felt pretty sure that he wouldn’t mind. Or notice, for that matter.
The selling point for me is that all the components of a German chocolate cake are squeezed compactly into a cookie. It’s all there – chocolate, pecans, coconut. While they may not taste just like the cake, they are perfectly delicious on their own merit.
I love the chewiness and super chocolate-y-ness of these cookies. They are plenty rich, too. And plentiful. The recipe, which was supposed to make 3 dozen, made 5 dozen. I think I need to seek out some coconut-loving neighbors. So, if anyone’s interested, I have a few dozen of these to spare.
Ingredients
- 2 & 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- pinch salt
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup shredded sweetened coconut
- 1 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375°. Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone liners.
Whisk together flour, cocoa, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Using an electric mixer, beat together butter and both sugars. Mix in eggs and vanilla. Gradually add flour mixture, mixing until just combined. Stir in chocolate chips, coconut, and pecans.
Drop dough by tablespoonfuls onto prepared baking sheets. Bake 8-10 minutes. Cool on wire racks.
Notes
This recipe can be made into bars by pressing the dough into a buttered 8-inch square baking pan. Bake 20-25 minutes.
Recipe adapted from Food Network.
December 29th, 2011 at 7:24 pm
Imagine that. I actually thought I was all “cookied” out after Christmas but these just turned my interest right back on. Back to the oven I go!
December 30th, 2011 at 8:47 am
As if I needed another excuse to make MORE cookies!
December 30th, 2011 at 12:38 pm
I love cake turned cookie – do you really want to fatten me up more after christmas
!!!
December 30th, 2011 at 1:18 pm
German chocolate cake is my favorite too! And I also suffer from a family who doesn’t care for coconut. More for us I guess!
December 30th, 2011 at 1:58 pm
I’ve always wanted to make a German Chocolate Cake. The thought of baking one intimidates me a little. I’d rather make your cookie version!
December 30th, 2011 at 5:49 pm
just when you thought you couldn’t find anymore cookie recipes! I’m so intrigued!
December 30th, 2011 at 11:53 pm
Yuuuuum these look awesome!
January 1st, 2012 at 1:27 pm
I am SO making these! I buy a box of Samoas from the Girl Scouts every year to get the taste of German Chocolate Cake in cookie form. These look way better — and I can make them all year. No need to wait for GS cookie season.
January 1st, 2012 at 3:23 pm
Woow I really fell in love with your website and also with this cookie recipe! I am a big fan of chewy cookies and I tried out a few recipes!
I am from Germany and I am so excited to try out this recipe!
January 8th, 2012 at 3:05 pm
Oh, yum! I love german chocolate cake, but I’d rather not have a whole cake lying around for me to eat..
These cookies might just be the next best thing..will definitely have to try soon! They look delicious.
December 29th, 2012 at 1:22 pm
I am definitely going to try these cookies soon but sans the coconut. We do not like coconut in our food! How do you think the cookies will taste without?
December 29th, 2012 at 4:11 pm
Pooja, they’ll be just fine without the coconut. You might add more nuts and/or chocolate chips.
January 3rd, 2013 at 6:10 am
Thanks, Jennifer! Will try doing that. Having tried a few recipes of yours, I am kinda sure this will be a winner too!