There are few desserts my family likes more than a homemade GERMAN CHOCOLATE CAKE. That was my Mom’s specialty and is the dessert my Chicago daughter always requests when she comes home to visit. It’s a very rich cake but we manage to polish the whole thing eating one small sliver at a time. The combination of German chocolate, coconut, pecans and a rich, buttery frosting is irresistible and I don’t think I’ve ever met anyone who doesn’t like it. I am at the stage in life when cookies are the perfect dessert… easy to make…even in small quantities… easy to share with friends and family…they freeze well so half the batch doesn’t get stale before I can eat them…and they make lovely little gifts.
I’ve made GCC MACARONS and BROWNIES and when I saw this recipe for sandwich cookies I couldn’t wait to try it. The cookies have all the flavor of the cake with a good helping of coconut and pecans mixed in. They are delicious by themselves and would make super ice cream sandwiches with some good vanilla ice cream scooped between 2 of the cookies.
The coconut pecan filling is made with sweetened condensed milk instead of evaporated and makes a thick filling that is sturdy enough for the cookies. I swear, these are like eating a hand-held slice of German Chocolate Cake. They would be perfect for summer picnics and cookouts where a cake would be too cumbersome and messy. Despite their richness I just can’t leave these cookies alone. I have to put what’s left of the batch into the freezer so I don’t end up eating them all…a half cookie at a time. This is one of the best cookie recipes I have tried in a long time. …you have to try them.
Did you notice the personalized cutting board in the first picture? It was a Christmas gift from my daughter, also a blogger at MAKING MEMORIES WITH YOUR KIDS. “Wives with Knives” is carved on the top of the board and it is so pretty sitting on my kitchen counter. It was such a thoughtful gift…one that I use every single day. Thanks, Erin. I love it.
This fantastic recipe for German Chocolate Cake Sandwich Cookies was found at CHOCOLATE MOOSEY.
This post is linked to FOODIE FRIDAY at Rattlebridge Farm. If you are looking for a wonderful selection of St. Patrick’s Day recipes you will find them here.
- 2 cups flour
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 eggs
- 4 ounces German chocolate, chopped into small chunks
- 1 cup sweetened flaked coconut
- 1 cup pecans, chopped
- 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
- 2 egg yolks
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cut into tablespoons
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1⅓ cup sweetened flaked coconut
- 1 cup pecans, chopped
- For the cookies: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In another large bowl, cream together the butter and both sugars until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Beat in the vanilla and eggs. Gradually beat in the flour mixture until combined. Stir in the chocolate, coconut, and pecans. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
- Once the dough is chilled, line 2 cookie sheets with parchment paper.* Roll the dough into 1½-inch balls (I used #40 scoop) and place onto cookie sheets. Chill for at least 15 minutes.
- Meanwhile, preheat oven to 375F. Bake the cookies 10-12 minutes or until firm on the edges. Let cool on the sheets for a few minutes before removing to cooling racks to cool completely.
- While the cookies are cooling, make the filling: In a medium saucepan, heat the milk, yolks, and butter until the butter melts. Whisk often because the mixture burns easily. Once the butter melts, heat the mixture until it bubbles, whisking constantly. Cook a few more minutes until thickened. Remove from the heat and whisk in vanilla, coconut, and pecans. Let cool completely.
- Once everything is cool, assemble the cookies: Place a spoonful or two of filling onto one cookie and top with another cookie. Repeat with the remaining cookies. Store in an airtight container.
These are super monster cookies!!!!!! Give me lots of milk for dunking.
They are very rich so milk is perfect. Hope you try the recipe, Debra. It’s so good.
Cathy recently posted..German Chocolate Cake Sandwich Cookies
These cookies look fantastic Cathy. My mom used to make German chocolate cake and I remember it well. As a non-baker I’ve never attempted the cake, but I just might be able to pull these off 🙂
Sam
Sam @ My Carolina Kitchen recently posted..Smoked Salmon Tartare on Cucumber Rounds Featured on IVillage’s 10 Easy & Elegant Dinner-Party Recipes for Non-Cooks
The cake can be touchy, but these cookies turn out every time. If you love the flavors of a GCC you will like these cookies, Sam. They are on the decadent side but worth every calorie.
Cathy recently posted..German Chocolate Cake Sandwich Cookies
One of my sons birthday cake requests each year was German Chocolate cake. Your cookies look and sound wonderful and I would love it if you would come link to my new linky party called Tasty Tuesday!
Penny
Penny @ The Comforts of Home recently posted..Tasty Tuesday #1
I noticed your board right away ..and had a feeling..:) God Bless our kids:) and their kids etc..:)
Sweet dear thoughtful gift:)
And the cookies look like a delectable treat!
Monique recently posted..Beenanan Pie~
Seriously drooling here Cathy! German Chocolate Cake is my very favorite cake. These cookies look AMAZING!
Pam recently posted..Basmati Rice with Garlic, Pine Nuts, and Fresh Parsley
This looks like the ultimate cookie— great recipe Cathy — it reminds me of a Pepperidge Farm cookie that I used to love, and I don’t think they sell it anymore. I can’t wait to try this one.
sue/the view from great island recently posted..Minimal Monday: Blood Orangeade
These look amazing. I love coconut and chocolate together. Add pecans and a creamy filling – oh my!
Liz@Virtually Homemade recently posted..Sugar Dipped Meyer Lemon Muffins with Blackberries
I pinned these before I finished reading the post. Love the board.
Cathy, I just feel weak looking at these cookies. I am saving the recipe for a day that I am much, much weaker. 🙂 And that beautiful, personalized board….I love it. Perfect gift for you.
Susan recently posted..This is our Rachel
These are so clever! My family will just gobble these up. Pinned.
cheri recently posted..Sunflower Seed Candies
My daughter’s favorite cake in a cookie! I’m going to fwd her the link… they look yummy!
Karen recently posted..Pumpkin Roll
What a clever way to have German Chocolate, but in a different form.
Looks delicious!
Marilyn recently posted..Eye Candy
I need a few of these to help heal the bobo on my head where I whacked it on the shelf!
I’m sure they would make me feel much better!
Yup, I must make these cookies. I’ll leave half plain for the hubby and the rest for me! Thank goodness I can hide them in the freezer 🙂
These cookies look amazing & I so much love your tasty alternative filling too,….Waw, even!!!!!! Xxx
Sophie recently posted..My Dad’s wholemeal spelt apple tart!
These do sound delicious, Cathy! Since my husband doesn’t like German chocolate cake and I do this would be a great way to get my fix in a mini fashion. Beautiful board and very thoughtful gift.
Susan recently posted..Hearty Chicken Soup and a Favorite New Cutting Board
Cathy! You are killing me here. I am stuck in the house in the rain with NO cookies! Argh! Give a girl a break and at least UPS me some! 😉
xo
Sheila
Ha!…would if I could, Sheila. They are so good and dangerous to have in the cookie jar….if you know what I mean.
Cathy recently posted..German Chocolate Cake Sandwich Cookies
Cathy: I wish you hadn’t posted this recipe but, since you did, I’m making them as soon as I can gather the ingredients!! I love German chocolate cake and think you’re right about a cookie (or two) being the perfect amount.
Best,
Bonnie
These cookies have to be amazing! While you’re packing some up for Sheila… it’s closer to my house:@)
PS-Your cutting board is gorgeous! What a great gift-enjoy!
Oh, what a fun idea Cathy! We’re crazy about German chocolate cake and I think putting all the flavors together in a cookie is just brilliant! The filling is the crowning glory!
Chris @ The Café Sucré Farine recently posted..Lemon Chess Tart w/ Shortbread Crust
My mother made the cake all the time as well. It turned out to be my sons favorite and he always asked for it in his birthday….as recently as last year! Love the cookie idea….will have to make them for him.
Barbara recently posted..Ina First Fridays: ÃŽleFlottante (Floating Island)
German chocolate cake has always been a favorite of mine as it is very popular in Texas where I grew up. I know I would really like your cookies.
Karen (Back Road Journal) recently posted..Braised Beef Stroganoff
They look so delicious! 🙂 My wife love German Chocolate Cake, she would love these cookies! I am excited about finding your recipe and your site. I linked to you from Susan – Savoring Time in the Kitchen, glad I did. You have some wonderful recipes!
Michael
michael recently posted..Best Ever Strawberry Pie
Welcome, Michael. It’s a pleasure to meet you. I was so impressed by your beautiful cutting board on Susan’s blog and was very happy to find your website. Your boards would make wonderful gifts and would be a pleasure to own. Thanks for visiting my blog and for leaving such a nice comment.
Cathy recently posted..Irish Potato Rolls
These look fabulous! I always scrape off the frosting with just a little bit of cake when it comes to German Chocolate. We used to make brownies like these but I bet these cookies would be even better. I am drooling over how thick that frosting is. If I weren’t stuffed from Sunday overindulgence, I would go whip up a batch right now!
Jacqueline recently posted..Wearin’ Of The Green Table
I forgot to mention how beautiful your cutting board is! How fun is that to have your name carved into it. It is certainly a conversation piece!
Jacqueline recently posted..Wearin’ Of The Green Table
I can’t wait to make these cookies! They were TO DIE FOR!!! I’m going to double the filling recipe, though. Is that horrible??? =o) Thanks for sharing! And so glad you like your cutting board =o)
Erin @ Making Memories recently posted..Mustache Birthday Party Invitations {Printables} and the Party Preparations Begin