German Chocolate Whoopie Pies

Let’s dive into something that’s going to knock your socks off: German Chocolate Whoopie Pies! Picture this: two soft, cakey cookies that are sweet and a little chewy, sandwiched together with a rich and decadent coconut-pecan frosting that’s basically a party in your mouth. These little pies are everything you love about German Chocolate cake, but in a handheld, irresistible form. The combination of the soft cookie and the sticky, sweet frosting creates a dessert that’s beyond delicious—trust me, one bite and you’ll be hooked!

Why You’ll Love German Chocolate Whoopie Pies

Unforgettable Flavor:

German Chocolate Whoopie Pies bring the best of both worlds—soft, fluffy cookies with a rich, nutty, and coconut-packed filling. It’s like taking a bite of a classic German Chocolate cake, but with an added twist of portability and fun!

Perfect Balance of Sweetness:

The sweetness of the chocolate cake pairs perfectly with the coconut-pecan filling, creating a harmonious flavor combo that’s not too overwhelming. It’s just the right amount of indulgence.

Fun to Make:

These whoopie pies are a blast to prepare, especially if you love getting your hands dirty in the kitchen! The process of making the cookies and frosting is easy, and the result is totally impressive.

Crowd-Pleaser:

If you’re looking to wow your friends, family, or co-workers, these whoopie pies are your ticket to instant popularity. They’re the type of dessert that disappears quickly because everyone just wants one more bite.

Great for Any Occasion:

From birthdays to casual get-togethers or just as an afternoon treat, these whoopie pies can fit any occasion. Plus, they look super cute, so they’re always a hit at parties or dessert tables!

Ingredients in German Chocolate Whoopie Pies

Here’s a look at the simple ingredients that come together to create these decadent treats:

For the Whoopie Pie Cookies:

• Flour: The base of your cookies, giving them structure.
• Cocoa Powder: For that rich, deep chocolate flavor that makes these cookies so irresistible.
• Baking Soda: Helps the cookies rise perfectly, keeping them light and airy.
• Salt: Balances out the sweetness and enhances the flavor of the chocolate.
• Butter: Adds a richness to the cookies, making them tender and soft.
• Granulated Sugar: For the perfect sweetness in every bite.
• Brown Sugar: Deepens the flavor and moisture of the cookies.
• Eggs: Gives the dough structure and helps it hold together.
• Buttermilk: For tang and texture that helps create a soft, fluffy cookie.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and enhances all the other flavors.

For the Coconut-Pecan Frosting:

• Sweetened Condensed Milk: Gives the frosting a thick, creamy consistency and sweetness.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps thicken the frosting.
• Egg Yolks: Thickens the frosting and gives it a smooth texture.
• Vanilla Extract: A touch of vanilla adds depth of flavor.
• Sweetened Shredded Coconut: The signature ingredient that gives the frosting its chewy texture.
• Chopped Pecans: Adds a nutty crunch and richness to the filling.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s make these indulgent German Chocolate Whoopie Pies come to life!

Prepare Your Baking Equipment:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This will prevent the cookies from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.

Make the Cookie Dough:

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside. In another bowl, beat together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.

Add the Dry Ingredients:

Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want the dough to stay soft and light.

Shape the Cookies:

Use a spoon or cookie scoop to drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. These cookies will spread a little as they bake, so leave enough room for them to puff up.

Bake the Cookies:

Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Make the Coconut-Pecan Frosting:

While the cookies are cooling, it’s time to make the frosting! In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the sweetened condensed milk and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Whisk in the egg yolks and cook, stirring constantly, for 3-4 minutes until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract, coconut, and chopped pecans. Let the frosting cool for a bit—it should thicken as it cools.

Assemble the Whoopie Pies:

Once your cookies are completely cooled, spread a generous amount of the coconut-pecan frosting onto the flat side of one cookie. Top with another cookie to form a sandwich. Press gently to make sure the frosting sticks and the pies hold together.

Serve and Enjoy:

These whoopie pies are best enjoyed the day you make them, but you can store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Serve them at a party or enjoy them as a sweet treat with a cup of coffee or tea.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 350
Total Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 65mg
Sodium: 130mg
Total Carbohydrate: 49g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 39g
Protein: 3g
Vitamin A: 8%
Vitamin C: 0%
Calcium: 2%
Iron: 10%

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

How to Serve German Chocolate Whoopie Pies

These whoopie pies are perfect for any occasion—whether you’re serving them at a birthday party, family dinner, or just as an after-school snack. Here are a few serving ideas to take them to the next level:

With a Cold Glass of Milk:

Nothing pairs better with a sweet, chocolatey dessert than a cold glass of milk. It’s the ultimate comfort combination.

As a Party Dessert:

Serve these at your next gathering or potluck. Not only are they delicious, but they look so pretty when stacked on a dessert table!

With a Cup of Coffee or Tea:

Enjoy these whoopie pies with a hot beverage for a cozy, indulgent treat. The rich filling and soft cookies complement the warmth of coffee or tea perfectly.

For the Sweet Tooth:

If you’re craving something a little extra, drizzle melted chocolate or caramel over the top of the whoopie pies before serving for an added touch of decadence.

Additional Tips

• Keep Your Cookies Soft: Make sure you don’t overbake the cookies, as they should be soft and chewy. Check them at 8 minutes to avoid overbaking.
• Customize the Frosting: If you’re not a fan of coconut or pecans, feel free to skip them or use your favorite mix-ins instead, such as chocolate chips or even marshmallow fluff!
• Make Them Ahead: These whoopie pies can be made a day in advance—just store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
• Freezing Option: If you want to save some for later, freeze the assembled whoopie pies in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Let them thaw before serving.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use regular chocolate chips instead of cocoa powder for the cookies?
A1: While cocoa powder gives the cookies their distinct flavor, you could use melted chocolate chips as a substitute if you prefer. The texture may change slightly, but the cookies will still be delicious.

Q2: Can I make the frosting ahead of time?
A2: Yes, you can prepare the frosting ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just make sure to bring it back to room temperature before using.

Q3: Can I make these whoopie pies gluten-free?
A3: You can try using a gluten-free flour blend in place of the regular flour, but it may affect the texture. Make sure to use one with a 1:1 ratio.

Q4: Can I skip the pecans in the frosting?
A4: Absolutely! You can omit the pecans or replace them with something else, like chopped walnuts or even some mini chocolate chips for a different texture.

Q5: Can I freeze the cookie dough?
A5: Yes! You can freeze the cookie dough for up to a month. When you’re ready to bake, just let the dough thaw before scooping and baking.

Q6: How do I keep the whoopie pies from getting too sticky?
A6: Make sure the cookies are completely cooled before adding the frosting, and keep the pies refrigerated if it’s a hot day.

Q7: Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
A7: Yes, you can use regular milk, but buttermilk helps give the cookies a soft and tender texture. If you don’t have buttermilk, add 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to regular milk to mimic the acidity.

Q8: Can I use other frosting in place of coconut-pecan?
A8: Absolutely! You can use any frosting you like—cream cheese frosting, chocolate ganache, or even vanilla buttercream would work great with these cookies.

Q9: Can I make these whoopie pies mini-sized?
A9: Yes! Simply scoop smaller portions of dough and bake for 6-8 minutes. The mini pies will be just as delicious!

Q10: How long do the whoopie pies stay fresh?
A10: These whoopie pies stay fresh for up to 3 days if stored in an airtight container at room temperature, or up to a week in the fridge.

Conclusion

German Chocolate Whoopie Pies are a perfect, indulgent treat that combines everything you love about German Chocolate cake into a handheld dessert. With soft, chocolatey cookies and rich coconut-pecan frosting, these little pies are sure to be a hit at any gathering or a sweet personal treat. So, roll up your sleeves, get in the kitchen, and let’s make something that’s both fun to make and even more fun to eat!

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