German Chocolate Cookies (2024)

Rich German chocolate cookies are soft and chewy chocolate cookies that are packed with sweet coconut, melty chocolate pieces, and pecans.

These cookies are the easiest way to enjoy the flavors of German chocolate cake without making a cake.

The recipe is based on the chocolate version of my chewy brown sugar chocolate chip cookies. They’re rich chocolate cookies packed with sweet shredded coconut, pecans, and chunks of melty chocolate.

Aside from tasting great, the cookies are also really easy to make! They can be made in one bowl, and there’s no mixer required to whip up these yummy cookies.

“Thank you for sharing this recipe. I made these cookies today and they are perfect! Definitely will be adding these to our “favourites” list. Pecans, chocolate and coconut- what’s not to love? Delicious 😋” – Keri

Ingredient notes and substitutions

• Butter: I use salted butter int this recipe. You could use unsalted butter, but if using unsalted butter, I recommend increasing the salt by 1/4 teaspoon.
• Brown sugar: Either light brown sugar or dark brown sugar will work. Dark brown sugar will give you slightly richer flavor.
• Egg yolk: The fat from the extra yolk helps to make the cookies chewier.
• Flour:Correctly measuring the ingredients is key. I suggest either weighing the ingredients or aerating the flour (sifting or fluffing) and then scooping and leveling. Packing in too much flour will cause the cookies not to spread or to be dry and crumbly.
• Unsweetened cocoa powder: I haven’t tried using Dutch processed cocoa powder in this recipe.
• Kosher salt:Kosher salt isn’t as salty as table salt. Sea salt makes a good substitution. If you’d like to use table salt, just use a scant 1/2 teaspoon.
• Coconut: If you’d like, you can use unsweetened shredded coconut for cookies that are slightly less sweet.
• Pecans: Or use chopped walnuts if you prefer.
• Chocolate: German’s sweet chocolate is the traditional chocolate for German chocolate cake. However, semisweet chocolate will also work.

How to make German chocolate cookies

Here you’ll find step-by-step photos showing how to make this recipe. The full recipe is given below.

Step 1: Begin by melting the butter.

Step 2: Add the brown sugar, and stir in. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes.

Step 3: Stir in the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla.

Step 4: Add the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Stir in just until combined.

Step 5: Add the coconut, pecans, and chopped chocolate. Stir in just until incorporated.

Step 6: Scoop 1.5 tablespoons (medium cookie scoop) onto the prepared cookie sheets.

Step 7: Bake until the edges are just set but the cookies are soft in the middle, about 8-10 minutes Slightly underbaking will help to keep the cookies soft and chewy.

More chocolate cookie recipes!

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