Irresistible German Chocolate Whoopie Pies Recipe

These German Chocolate Whoopie Pies are rich, chocolatey, and filled with a creamy coconut-pecan filling, making them the perfect handheld dessert. With soft, cake-like chocolate cookies sandwiched around the traditional German chocolate frosting, these whoopie pies are ideal for parties, potlucks, or any time you’re craving a sweet treat. The combination of moist chocolate and nutty, caramel-like filling is absolutely irresistible.

German Chocolate Whoopie Pies

I love making these German chocolate whoopie pies because they take all the best parts of a German chocolate cake and turn them into fun, portable treats. The soft, rich chocolate cookies have a cake-like texture, and the coconut-pecan filling is sweet, nutty, and just the right amount of gooey. These pies are perfect for satisfying your chocolate cravings, and they’re easy to make ahead for special occasions or just a simple dessert.

These whoopie pies pair perfectly with a warm drink like Rich and Creamy Tomato Basil Soup Recipe for a cozy meal, or enjoy them alongside Heavenly Banana Walnut Cream Cake Recipe for an extra indulgent dessert spread.

Why You’ll Love These German Chocolate Whoopie Pies

• Rich and Chocolatey: The soft, cake-like chocolate cookies are perfectly rich and decadent.
• Nutty and Sweet Filling: The coconut-pecan filling adds texture and sweetness that complements the chocolate.
• Perfect for Sharing: These whoopie pies are great for parties, family gatherings, or as a fun treat to share.
• Portable and Fun: The handheld format makes them easy to serve and enjoy without any mess.

Main Ingredients for German Chocolate Whoopie Pies

1. Cocoa Powder – Adds deep chocolate flavor to the soft cookies.
2. Butter – Provides richness and moisture for the cookies and the filling.
3. Buttermilk – Keeps the cookies soft and adds a slight tang for balance.
4. Coconut and Pecans – Essential for the classic German chocolate filling, adding texture and flavor.
5. Brown Sugar – Adds sweetness and a slight caramel flavor to the filling.

Step-by-Step Instructions for German Chocolate Whoopie Pies Recipe

Here’s how to make these rich and decadent whoopie pies step by step:

For the Chocolate Cookies

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
   • Tip: Lining the baking sheets helps prevent the cookies from sticking and ensures even baking.
2. Make the Cookie Batter: In a large bowl, cream together 1/2 cup of softened butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and beat until well combined.
   • Pro Tip: Make sure the butter is softened but not melted for the best texture in the cookies.
3. Add Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with 1/2 cup of buttermilk. Mix until just combined.
   • Tip: Don’t overmix the batter—this helps keep the cookies soft and tender.
4. Scoop the Cookies: Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop 1-2 tablespoon-sized portions of batter onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
   • Pro Tip: For perfectly round cookies, use a piping bag to pipe the batter onto the baking sheets.
5. Bake the Cookies: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cookies are set and spring back when touched. Let them cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

For the Coconut-Pecan Filling

6. Prepare the Filling: In a medium saucepan, combine 1/2 cup of evaporated milk, 1/2 cup of brown sugar, and 1/4 cup of butter. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and begins to bubble, about 5-7 minutes.
   • Pro Tip: Stir continuously to prevent the mixture from sticking or burning.
7. Add Coconut and Pecans: Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in 1/2 cup of shredded sweetened coconut and 1/2 cup of chopped pecans. Let the filling cool to room temperature before using.
   • Tip: For a slightly toasted flavor, you can toast the coconut and pecans before adding them to the filling.

Assembling the Whoopie Pies

8. Assemble the Pies: Once the cookies have cooled, spread a generous spoonful of the coconut-pecan filling onto the flat side of half of the cookies. Top with the remaining cookies to create sandwich pies.
   • Pro Tip: Chill the whoopie pies in the refrigerator for 15 minutes before serving to allow the filling to set.
9. Serve and Enjoy: Serve these German chocolate whoopie pies at room temperature or chilled for a refreshing treat.
   • Serving Idea: Pair these pies with a glass of cold milk or a cup of hot coffee for the perfect indulgent snack.

Extra Tips and Variations

• Add Chocolate Chips: For extra chocolatey goodness, stir mini chocolate chips into the cookie batter.
• Make it Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make these pies gluten-free.
• How to Store: Store the whoopie pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Refrigerate if you prefer them chilled.
• How to Freeze: Freeze unfilled cookies in a single layer, then store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw and fill when ready to serve.

Health Benefits of German Chocolate Whoopie Pies

While these whoopie pies are indulgent, you can make small adjustments to the recipe to lighten them up. For example, use a sugar substitute, reduce the amount of butter, or swap the sweetened coconut for unsweetened coconut to reduce sugar content. The pecans also add a healthy dose of protein and healthy fats.

• Rich in Protein and Healthy Fats: Pecans are full of healthy fats and protein, supporting heart health.
• Customizable for Healthier Options: You can reduce the sugar or butter content for a lighter version of these whoopie pies.