why make this recipe
German Chocolate Whoopie Pies are a delightful treat that combines the rich flavors of chocolate with a unique coconut-pecan filling. These cookies are soft, cake-like, and filled with a creamy frosting, making them an irresistible dessert for anyone with a sweet tooth. The flavors come together beautifully to create a tasty and satisfying dessert that feels special. Whether you’re hosting a party, celebrating a birthday, or just want to indulge yourself, these whoopie pies offer comfort and joy in every bite.
how to make German Chocolate Whoopie Pies
Making German Chocolate Whoopie Pies is a fun and straightforward process. The recipe consists of two main parts: the cookies and the filling. The cookies are made from a lovely chocolate batter, and the filling is a creamy mixture with coconut and pecans. When combined, they create perfect little sandwiches that are sure to please anyone.
Ingredients
For the cookies:
- 200 g flour
- 50 g cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 115 g butter, softened
- 150 g brown sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 120 ml buttermilk
For the filling:
- 2 egg yolks
- 120 ml condensed milk
- 75 g brown sugar
- 60 g butter
- 100 g shredded coconut
- 80 g chopped pecans
- 1/2 tsp vanilla
Directions
Preheat your oven: Start by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F). This is important to ensure your cookies bake evenly.
Mix the dry ingredients: In a bowl, combine the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Stir them together until everything is well mixed.
Cream the butter and sugar: In a separate large mixing bowl, take the softened butter and brown sugar. Using a mixer, cream them together at medium speed until the mixture is smooth and fluffy.
Add the egg and vanilla: Next, crack in the egg and add the vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Mix again until fully incorporated.
Combine dry ingredients and buttermilk: Now, alternately add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture while pouring in the buttermilk. Start with the dry ingredients, then add some buttermilk, and repeat until everything is combined.
Scoop the cookie batter: Use a tablespoon or a cookie scoop to form round mounds of the batter. Place these mounds on a lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Bake the cookies: Put the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Bake the cookies for about 10 to 12 minutes. They should be firm around the edges, and the tops should spring back lightly when tapped.
Cool the cookies: Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare the filling: In a saucepan, heat the egg yolks, condensed milk, brown sugar, and butter over medium heat. Stir continuously until the mixture thickens and becomes glossy. This may take about 10 minutes.
Add coconut and pecans: Once thickened, remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in the shredded coconut, chopped pecans, and vanilla extract. Allow the filling to cool until it is spreadable.
Assemble the whoopie pies: Take one cookie and spoon a generous amount of the filling onto its flat side. Top it with another cookie, flat side down, creating a sandwich. Press gently to help the filling spread slightly.
Let them set: Allow the assembled whoopie pies to sit for a moment so the filling can set up a little.
how to serve German Chocolate Whoopie Pies
Serving German Chocolate Whoopie Pies is simple. You can present them on a nice platter or simply leave them on a clean countertop for guests to enjoy. They are best served slightly chilled or at room temperature. These pies make for an excellent dessert at parties or gatherings. For a fun touch, you can garnish the platter with chocolate shavings or a sprinkle of powdered sugar.
Additionally, since these whoopie pies are quite rich, serving them with a glass of milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream can enhance the experience.
how to store German Chocolate Whoopie Pies
To keep your German Chocolate Whoopie Pies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last for about 3 to 5 days. If you want to keep them for a longer time, you can refrigerate them. Make sure to place parchment paper between the layers to prevent them from sticking together. They will stay fresh for about a week in the fridge.
If you need to store them longer, consider freezing the pies. Place them in a freezer-safe container or a resealable plastic bag. They can be frozen for up to a month. To enjoy, simply thaw them in the refrigerator or at room temperature before serving.
tips to make German Chocolate Whoopie Pies
Be precise with your measurements: Baking is a science, so measure your ingredients accurately with a kitchen scale or measuring cups for the best results.
Don’t overmix the batter: When combining the dry ingredients with the wet mix, mix just until everything is combined to keep your cookies soft and tender.
Cool completely before filling: Ensure the cookies completely cool down before adding the filling. This helps prevent the filling from melting and makes assembly easier.
Adjust the filling sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet filling, you can reduce the amount of brown sugar in the filling. Taste it as you make it to find your desired sweetness.
Experiment with the filling: Try adding different nuts or flavors to the filling, like almond extract or mini chocolate chips, for a twist on the classic recipe.
variation
If you’re looking to switch things up, consider these variations for your German Chocolate Whoopie Pies:
Peanut Butter Filling: Substitute the coconut and pecans with peanut butter. Use a creamy peanut butter as the filling for a rich and nutty flavor.
Chocolate Cream Filling: Replace the coconut and pecans with a simple chocolate ganache made from heavy cream and chocolate for a rich chocolate experience.
Fruit Additions: Incorporate some crushed pineapple or chopped cherries into the filling for a fruity twist. Just make sure to drain any excess juice.
FAQs
1. Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
Yes, you can use regular milk, but for the best results, add a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to your milk and let it sit for about 5 minutes. This will mimic the acidity of buttermilk and help your cookies rise properly.
2. Can I make the cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake the cookies a day or two in advance. Just keep them in an airtight container until you’re ready to assemble them. The filling can also be made ahead and stored in the fridge until you need it.
3. How do I make my whoopie pies softer?
To make your whoopie pies softer, avoid overbaking the cookies. They should be soft and puffy when you take them out of the oven. Also, make sure your butter is softened properly and not melted, as this can affect the texture.
4. What can I substitute for shredded coconut?
If you’re not a fan of coconut, you can omit it entirely or substitute it with crushed graham crackers or finely chopped nuts for added texture.
5. Can I use gluten-free flour?
Yes, you can try using a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to use a blend that includes xanthan gum or another binding agent to help the cookies hold together.
German Chocolate Whoopie Pies are not only delicious but also fun to make and share. With this simple recipe, you can create a tasty dessert that everyone will love. Enjoy the rich flavors and delightful texture of these whoopie pies anytime you crave something sweet!
Print
German Chocolate Whoopie Pies
- Total Time: 42 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful chocolate cookies filled with a creamy coconut-pecan frosting, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 200 g flour
- 50 g cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 115 g butter, softened
- 150 g brown sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 120 ml buttermilk
- 2 egg yolks
- 120 ml condensed milk
- 75 g brown sugar
- 60 g butter
- 100 g shredded coconut
- 80 g chopped pecans
- 1/2 tsp vanilla
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- In a bowl, combine flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Cream softened butter and brown sugar until smooth and fluffy.
- Add egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.
- Alternately add dry ingredients and buttermilk to the wet mixture.
- Scoop mounds of batter onto a lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until firm around the edges.
- Let cookies cool on a baking sheet then transfer to a wire rack.
- In a saucepan, heat egg yolks, condensed milk, brown sugar, and butter, stirring until thickened.
- Remove from heat and stir in coconut, pecans, and vanilla.
- Assemble the pies by placing the filling between two cookies.
- Let the assembled pies sit before serving.
Notes
For best results, measure ingredients accurately. Allow cookies to cool completely before filling.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 whoopie pie
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: whoopie pies, chocolate dessert, coconut pecan filling