German Chocolate Whoopie Pies

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These German Chocolate Whoopie Pies transform the classic cake into delightful handheld treats that combine rich chocolate cookies with the iconic coconut-pecan filling. They’re perfect for parties, potlucks, or anytime you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. The contrast between the soft, cake-like cookies and the sweet, textured filling creates an irresistible dessert that captures all the flavors of the traditional cake in a fun, portable format.

Pure Comfort

There’s something incredibly nostalgic about the combination of chocolate, coconut, and pecans that makes these whoopie pies the ultimate comfort dessert. The soft, pillowy chocolate cookies yield gently to reveal the sweet, caramel-like coconut-pecan filling, creating that moment of pure joy with each bite. These treats evoke memories of special occasions and family gatherings while adding a modern twist that makes them even more satisfying to share and enjoy.

Ingredients

What You Need

For the Chocolate Cookies:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 4 oz semi-sweet chocolate, melted and cooled

For the Coconut-Pecan Filling:

• 1 cup evaporated milk
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 3 large egg yolks, lightly beaten
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cut into pieces
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups sweetened shredded coconut
• 1 cup chopped pecans, toasted
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Time to Cook

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes (includes filling and cookie baking)
• Cooling Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
• Yield: 12-15 whoopie pies

Steps to Make It

For the Chocolate Cookies:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat butter and brown sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
4. Add the egg and vanilla extract, beating until well combined.
5. Gradually mix in the melted chocolate.
6. Reduce mixer speed to low. Add the flour mixture in three additions, alternating with buttermilk, beginning and ending with flour mixture. Mix just until combined.
7. Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded tablespoons of batter onto prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
8. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until cookies spring back when lightly touched. Allow to cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.

For the Coconut-Pecan Filling:

1. In a medium saucepan, combine evaporated milk, sugar, egg yolks, butter, and salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture thickens and reaches 175°F on a candy thermometer, about 10-12 minutes.
2. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract, coconut, and pecans.
3. Transfer to a bowl and allow to cool completely, about 30 minutes at room temperature or 15 minutes in the refrigerator, stirring occasionally.

To Assemble:

1. Match cookies of similar size into pairs.
2. Spread about 2 tablespoons of the coconut-pecan filling onto the flat side of one cookie from each pair.
3. Top with the second cookie, flat side down, pressing gently to spread the filling to the edges.
4. Allow whoopie pies to set for about 30 minutes before serving.

Make It Perfect

For the most delicious German Chocolate Whoopie Pies, make sure your butter is truly at room temperature for both the cookies and filling this ensures proper creaming and a smooth texture. When making the filling, constant stirring is crucial to prevent the egg yolks from curdling, and using a candy thermometer helps achieve the perfect consistency. For uniformly sized cookies, use a cookie scoop or measuring spoon to portion the batter. Toast the pecans before adding them to the filling to enhance their flavor. Allow the cookies to cool completely before filling them, and let the filling cool to room temperature so it’s thick enough to stay in place but still spreadable.

Mix It Up

These whoopie pies are wonderfully adaptable. For a twist, add 1/2 teaspoon of espresso powder to the cookie batter to enhance the chocolate flavor without adding coffee taste. You can substitute almond extract for vanilla in the filling for a subtle flavor variation. For a more decadent version, drizzle the tops with melted chocolate or add a thin layer of chocolate ganache to the cookies before adding the coconut-pecan filling. If you’re not a fan of pecans, walnuts or even macadamia nuts make excellent substitutes. For a less sweet version, use unsweetened coconut in the filling and adjust the sugar to taste.

Perfect Partners

Serve these German Chocolate Whoopie Pies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an over-the-top dessert experience. For a sophisticated pairing, offer them alongside a glass of port wine or a rich coffee with a splash of cream. At a dessert table, they complement fruit-based desserts beautifully, creating a nice balance of flavors. For a themed dessert spread, pair them with other classic American desserts like apple pie or brownies. These whoopie pies also make an excellent addition to a coffee break, especially when served with a strong cold brew or a spiced chai latte.

Busy Day Hero

These whoopie pies are perfect for those hectic days when you need a special dessert but time is limited. The batter comes together quickly, and while the cookies bake, you can prepare the filling. To save even more time, bake the cookies a day ahead and store them in an airtight container, then assemble them just before serving. Premeasuring all ingredients before starting will streamline the process. For an even quicker version on truly busy days, you can use a boxed chocolate cake mix as the base for the cookies (just reduce the liquid called for on the box by about 1/4 cup to achieve the right consistency).

Work Ahead

These German Chocolate Whoopie Pies are ideal for make-ahead preparation. The cookies can be baked up to 2 days in advance and stored in an airtight container at room temperature. The coconut-pecan filling can be made a day ahead and refrigerated just bring it to room temperature before using so it’s spreadable. You can even fully assemble the whoopie pies up to 24 hours before serving; keep them in a single layer in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and bring to room temperature about 30 minutes before serving for the best flavor and texture.

Save Some For Later

Leftover whoopie pies will keep for up to 3 days stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Place sheets of parchment or wax paper between layers to prevent sticking. For longer storage, these treats freeze beautifully for up to 2 months. To freeze, place the assembled whoopie pies on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then wrap each one individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or for about 2 hours at room temperature before enjoying.

Everyone’s Happy

These German Chocolate Whoopie Pies are a crowd-pleaser that appeals to multiple generations. Kids love the fun, sandwich-cookie format and sweet filling, while adults appreciate the sophisticated flavor combination that pays homage to the classic cake. They’re elegant enough for special occasions but approachable enough for family dessert. For those with nut allergies, the pecans can be omitted entirely or replaced with sunflower seeds for a similar texture. You can also make mini versions for smaller appetites or larger ones for true dessert lovers.

Good For You Too

While these whoopie pies are definitely a treat, they do offer some nutritional benefits. Pecans provide heart-healthy fats, protein, and fiber, while dark chocolate contains antioxidants. You can boost the nutritional profile by using whole wheat pastry flour for half of the all-purpose flour, reducing the sugar slightly, or incorporating unsweetened coconut instead of sweetened. For a lower-fat version, you can replace half the butter in the cookies with unsweetened applesauce. Remember, enjoying treats in moderation is part of a balanced approach to eating, and these homemade whoopie pies contain fewer preservatives than store-bought versions.

Easy Clean Up

To minimize clean-up, line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. When making the coconut-pecan filling, use a non-stick saucepan to prevent the mixture from sticking and creating difficult-to-clean residue. If you have them, use disposable piping bags to portion the filling onto the cookies for mess-free assembly. Measure dry ingredients over a separate small bowl or a piece of parchment paper to catch spills. And here’s a pro tip: fill a sink with hot, soapy water before you begin baking, so you can drop utensils and bowls in as you finish with them, preventing ingredients from hardening and making final clean-up much easier.

Switch It Up

The versatility of this recipe allows for endless variations. Create a black forest version by adding dried cherries to the filling. For a spiced version, incorporate cinnamon and a pinch of cayenne into the cookie batter. Make a mocha variation by adding espresso powder to both the cookies and the filling. During the holidays, add a hint of peppermint extract and some crushed candy canes on top. For a tropical twist, mix in some diced dried pineapple to the coconut-pecan filling. You could even transform these into ice cream sandwiches by using a slightly thinner layer of the coconut-pecan filling and adding a small scoop of vanilla ice cream when serving.

Simply Perfect

What makes these German Chocolate Whoopie Pies simply perfect is how they capture the essence of the classic cake while offering a new way to enjoy those beloved flavors. The balance of moist, tender chocolate cookies with the sweet, textured coconut-pecan filling creates a dessert that’s greater than the sum of its parts. They’re special enough for celebrations but simple enough for everyday treats. The individual portions make serving easy, and their portability makes them perfect for picnics, potlucks, or gifting. Once you master this recipe, it will become a go-to dessert that friends and family will request time and again.

FAQs 7

1. Can I make these whoopie pies gluten-free? Yes, you can substitute a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour. The texture may be slightly different, but they will still be delicious.
2. Why did my filling turn out grainy? This usually happens if the mixture is cooked too quickly or at too high a temperature. Keep the heat at medium and stir constantly to achieve a smooth texture.
3. Can I use pre-packaged coconut pecan frosting instead of making it from scratch? While it won’t have the same homemade quality, you can use store-bought German chocolate cake frosting as a time-saving alternative. You may want to stir in some extra toasted pecans for texture.
4. How can I prevent my whoopie pies from spreading too much during baking? If your batter seems too thin, chill it for 30 minutes before scooping and baking. Also, make sure your baking sheets are completely cool before adding a new batch of cookies.
5. Can I make these without eggs? For the cookies, you can substitute 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce for the egg. For the filling, which relies on egg yolks for thickening, you could try a vegan coconut caramel recipe as an alternative.
6. My cookies came out too dry. What went wrong? Overbaking is the most common culprit for dry cookies. They should just spring back when lightly touched. Also, measure your flour by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling off, rather than scooping directly from the bag.
7. How far in advance can I make these for a party? You can make the components 2-3 days ahead and assemble up to 24 hours before the event. Store assembled whoopie pies in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before serving.

Conclusion

These German Chocolate Whoopie Pies bring together the best of both worlds: the beloved flavors of traditional German chocolate cake and the fun, portable format of whoopie pies. With their rich chocolate cookies embracing the sweet, nutty coconut-pecan filling, they’re bound to become a new favorite in your dessert repertoire. Whether you’re serving them at a special occasion, bringing them to a potluck, or simply treating your family to something special on a weeknight, these whoopie pies deliver big flavor and big smiles. The combination of textures and flavors creates a dessert experience that’s greater than the sum of its parts. So preheat that oven, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a modern twist on a classic favorite that will have everyone asking for seconds and for your recipe