Are you ready to indulge in a treat that combines rich chocolate with a delightful coconut-pecan filling? German Chocolate Whoopie Pies are not only incredibly delicious but also fun to make! With their soft, fudgy chocolate cookies sandwiched together with a creamy, sweet filling, they’re perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a family gathering, a cozy dessert night, or even just a little self-care on a Tuesday! Did you know that the name “whoopie pies” is believed to come from the joy they bring? People would shout “whoopie!” upon receiving these delightful treats. If you love cookies like our Easy Chocolate Chip Cookies, you’ll definitely want to add these whoopie pies to your dessert repertoire. So roll up your sleeves and let’s dive into this treat that the whole family will love!
What are German Chocolate Whoopie Pies?
You may be wondering, what’s in a name? German Chocolate Whoopie Pies might sound fancy, but the name actually has a fun backstory. They merge the luscious flavors of German chocolate cake (which, may I add, has nothing to do with Germany) with the whimsical nature of whoopie pies. Have you ever heard the saying, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach”? Well, these treats are practically a love letter to chocolate lovers everywhere! With a name like that, how can you resist? Give this recipe a try, and I assure you, “whoopie” is what you’ll say with every bite!
Why You’ll Love This
Who wouldn’t love a dessert that’s both easy to make and utterly scrumptious? The main highlight of these German Chocolate Whoopie Pies is the rich chocolate flavor brought to life through every bite, thanks to our simple yet powerful ingredients. Making these at home not only saves you the cost of buying gourmet desserts but also allows your kitchen to smell heavenly with the aroma of fresh-baked cookies. The filling is a delightful mix of evaporated milk, coconut, and pecans, creating a burst of sweet flavors that are absolutely irresistible! If you’re fond of cake-like treats, you might also want to check out our Moist Carrot Cake, which has a flair of its own. So why wait? Give these whoopie pies a whirl and enjoy the homemade magic!
How to Make
Quick Overview
German Chocolate Whoopie Pies are not just easy; they are a chocolate lover’s dream! With a preparation time of just about 25 minutes, you’ll have a delicious dessert ready in no time. The combination of soft cookies and a rich filling makes these treats satisfying and fulfilling for all ages.
Ingredients Needed
To create these mouthwatering treats, you’ll need the following ingredients. Here’s a high-quality image to help you gather everything beforehand:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup evaporated milk
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (for filling)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (for filling)
- 2 large egg yolks
- 3/4 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for filling)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare your baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, beat together the softened unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until fluffy.
- Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing well to combine.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, combining until well blended.
- Scoop the dough into small balls and place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cookies are set. Let them cool completely on a wire rack.
For the Filling:
- In a saucepan over medium heat, whisk together evaporated milk, brown sugar, unsalted butter, and egg yolks.
- Cook, stirring constantly, until thickened (about 8-10 minutes).
- Remove from heat and stir in the shredded coconut, chopped pecans, and vanilla extract. Let cool to room temperature.
- To assemble, spread a generous spoonful of filling on the flat side of one cookie, then top with another cookie.
- Repeat with the remaining cookies until all are assembled.
What to Serve German Chocolate Whoopie Pies With
These delicious whoopie pies pair wonderfully with a variety of drinks and sides! Consider serving them with a cup of freshly brewed coffee, herbal tea, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a complete dessert experience. They’re also delightful alongside a fresh fruit salad or a rich chocolate mousse, adding different textures and flavors to your dessert table.
Top Tips for Perfecting
To elevate your German Chocolate Whoopie Pies even further:
- Experiment with flavors: Add a pinch of cinnamon to the dough for a warm twist.
- Use a cookie scoop: This helps achieve uniform-sized cookies for even baking.
- Don’t overbake: Keep an eye on your cookies to ensure they remain soft and chewy.
- Customize your filling: Try adding mini chocolate chips or toasting the coconut for an extra crunch.
Storing and Reheating Tips
To keep your German Chocolate Whoopie Pies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, they can be refrigerated for up to a week. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature or warm them in the microwave for a few seconds for that fresh-baked taste again.
FAQs
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the cookies and filling a day in advance; just assemble them before serving.
What if I don’t have pecans?
Feel free to substitute with walnuts or leave them out entirely for a different flavor.
Can I use a cake mix instead?
Absolutely! For a shortcut, use a chocolate cake mix as a base, just follow the instructions on the box for cake-like whoopie pies.
Conclusion
German Chocolate Whoopie Pies are a fun, flavorful dessert that brings a bit of joy into any day. They’re not only delicious but also simple to make, making them perfect for baking with family or for impressing friends at your next gathering. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to bake up a batch of these delightful treats. Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll be saying, “Whoopie!” with every mouthful!
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup evaporated milk
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (for filling)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (for filling)
- 2 large egg yolks
- 3/4 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for filling)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, beat butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until fluffy.
- Add eggs and vanilla extract, mixing well.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing until well combined.
- Scoop dough into small balls and place on baking sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, then let cool completely on a wire rack.
- For the filling: In a saucepan over medium heat, whisk evaporated milk, brown sugar, butter, and egg yolks.
- Cook, stirring constantly, until thickened (about 8-10 minutes).
- Remove from heat and stir in shredded coconut, chopped pecans, and vanilla extract. Let cool.
- To assemble, spread filling on the flat side of one cookie and top with another cookie.
- Repeat with remaining cookies. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to 2 months.