Sink your teeth into a true chocolate-lovers’ dream with these German Chocolate Whoopie Pies. Each bite brings together soft, pillowy chocolate cakes and an utterly irresistible coconut-pecan frosting—a playful twist on the beloved German chocolate cake, in single-sized form. Whether you’re baking for a special celebration or simply want to treat yourself, the rich flavors and unique texture of these whoopie pies will have everyone begging for seconds.

German Chocolate Whoopie Pies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The charm of German Chocolate Whoopie Pies lies in a handful of classic ingredients, each bringing depth and character. Get ready: every item on this list plays a key role, from making the chocolate cakes supremely tender to achieving that signature gooey, nutty filling.

All-purpose flour: Provides structure for light, cakey cookies that are moist but hold their shape.
Unsweetened cocoa powder: Delivers deep chocolate flavor without extra sweetness—choose a good, dark variety for best results.
Baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and ensures that classic, cake-like texture.
Salt: A little goes a long way to enhance the chocolate and balance sweetness.
Unsalted butter (softened): Lends richness to both the cookies and the frosting, so let it come to room temperature for ideal mixing.
Light brown sugar (packed): Adds moisture, softness, and a lovely hint of caramel thanks to its molasses content.
Egg: Binds all the cookie ingredients together for structure and chew.
Vanilla extract: Essential for layered flavor in both cookie and filling; pure vanilla makes a difference!
Buttermilk: Makes the cookies incredibly tender, with a subtle tang that balances the rich chocolate.
Evaporated milk: Base for the classic German chocolate frosting, lending creaminess and depth.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the coconut-pecan filling and helps it set.
Egg yolk: Thickens and enriches the filling for a lush, custardy texture.
Sweetened shredded coconut: Brings chewy, tropical goodness to every bite of frosting.
Chopped pecans: Add crunch, flavor, and a nutty aroma—toast them for extra depth!

How to Make German Chocolate Whoopie Pies

Step 1: Prep Your Tools and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper—this not only prevents sticking but also ensures every cookie bakes up with a soft, cake-like texture. Gather all your ingredients so that you can move smoothly from step to step; a bit of prep always leads to baking success!

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisking aerates the dry ingredients, zaps any lumps, and evenly distributes the leavening and salt for perfectly risen, tender whoopie pies. This easy step ensures flavor and texture shine in your finished cookies.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

Grab a large mixing bowl and beat the softened butter with the light brown sugar. Cream until the mixture looks pale and fluffy—this step adds air, making the cookies soft and giving them their signature rise. Once creamed, beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully blended.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Now, alternate adding the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry stuff. Mix gently after each addition—over-mixing can toughen your cookies, so just blend until things look uniform. Enjoy the rich chocolatey aroma filling your kitchen!

Step 5: Shape and Bake

Drop heaping tablespoons of batter onto your prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each mound. The batter is thick and will spread a bit while baking. Slide the sheets into your preheated oven and bake for 10–12 minutes—cookies are ready when the tops spring back after a gentle touch. Let them cool on the sheets for five minutes, then move to a wire rack to chill completely.

Step 6: Make the German Chocolate Coconut-Pecan Frosting

While your cookies cool, bring together the filling. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine evaporated milk, granulated sugar, butter, and the egg yolk. Stir constantly as the mixture gently thickens—about 10 minutes. Remove from heat, then stir in vanilla, coconut, and chopped pecans. Let this decadent, nutty coconut frosting cool to room temperature; it will firm up beautifully, making your sandwich filling delightfully spreadable.

Step 7: Assemble the Whoopie Pies

To build each German Chocolate Whoopie Pie, spread a generous spoonful of filling on the bottom (flat side) of a cooled cookie, then top with a matching cookie to create a joyful sandwich. Continue until you’ve used all your cookies and filling—try not to sneak too many tastes along the way!

How to Serve German Chocolate Whoopie Pies

Garnishes

A little garnish can turn a great treat into something show-stopping! Try sprinkling more toasted coconut or drizzling a bit of melted chocolate over the finished pies. Even a light dusting of powdered sugar adds a pretty, bakery-caliber touch to your German Chocolate Whoopie Pies that guests won’t forget.

Side Dishes

These whoopie pies shine as a standalone dessert, but they play beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. For a refreshing contrast, serve with a cup of hot coffee, cold milk, or homemade iced tea to balance the pie’s rich, chocolate-coconut flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack the whoopie pies on a tiered cake stand for a festive display, or wrap each individually in parchment for a grab-and-go treat at picnics or parties. For a summer twist, turn a whoopie pie into a decadent ice cream sandwich by adding a small scoop of coconut or chocolate chip ice cream just before serving. However you serve them, German Chocolate Whoopie Pies are bound to be the talk of the table!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your German Chocolate Whoopie Pies soft and fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If your kitchen is particularly warm, pop them in the fridge to keep the filling set, but make sure to let them come back to room temp before eating for the best texture.

Freezing

Whoopie pies freeze like a dream! Wrap each sandwich individually in plastic wrap and stash them in a freezer-safe zip-top bag. When you’re ready for a sweet fix, let them thaw at room temperature for about an hour, and they’ll taste almost as good as the day you made them.

Reheating

If you prefer your German Chocolate Whoopie Pies a little warm and extra gooey, pop them (unwrapped) in the microwave for about 10 seconds. The chocolate gets fudgey and the filling just starts to melt—a quick trick to recreate that “fresh from the oven” feeling.

FAQs

Can I make German Chocolate Whoopie Pies gluten free?

Absolutely! Swap the all-purpose flour for a cup-for-cup gluten free baking blend. Just double-check that all other ingredients are certified gluten free if you’re baking for someone with sensitivities.

What if I don’t have buttermilk on hand?

No worries—simply add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to a measuring cup, then fill it with milk to the 1-cup line. Let it sit for a few minutes, and you’ll have a perfectly tangy buttermilk substitute.

Can I use store-bought German chocolate frosting instead?

While homemade filling really makes these whoopie pies special, you can absolutely use a ready-made German chocolate coconut-pecan frosting in a pinch. Just be sure to choose a thick, chunky style for best results.

Are these whoopie pies very sweet?

German Chocolate Whoopie Pies are sweet but well-balanced thanks to the deep cocoa cookies and nutty, chewy filling. If you prefer a less-sweet treat, use unsweetened coconut and reduce the sugar in the filling slightly.

How long will the filled whoopie pies stay fresh?

Assembled whoopie pies are best within two days if kept in an airtight container. If you need them to last longer, store the cookies and filling separately, then assemble just before serving for ultimate freshness.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a lifelong German chocolate fan or in the mood for something playfully indulgent, these German Chocolate Whoopie Pies make for a truly memorable treat. I hope you’ll whip up a batch soon—there’s nothing quite like seeing friends and family light up at the first bite!

German Chocolate Whoopie Pies Recipe

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4.7 from 5 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 10–12 whoopie pies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the rich flavors of these German Chocolate Whoopie Pies. Chocolate sandwich cookies filled with a decadent German Chocolate Coconut-Pecan Frosting, these treats are a delightful combination of sweet and nutty goodness.

Ingredients

Scale

Cookies:

1¾ cups all-purpose flour
½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1½ teaspoons baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
1 cup light brown sugar (packed)
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup buttermilk

Filling (German Chocolate Coconut-Pecan Frosting):

½ cup evaporated milk
½ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup unsalted butter
1 large egg yolk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¾ cup sweetened shredded coconut
½ cup chopped pecans

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Instructions

Preheat and Prepare: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Mix Dry Ingredients: Whisk flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Add egg and vanilla.
Combine Ingredients: Mix in dry ingredients and buttermilk alternately until just combined.
Bake: Drop batter onto baking sheets and bake for 10–12 minutes.
Make Filling: Cook evaporated milk, sugar, butter, and egg yolk until thick. Stir in vanilla, coconut, and pecans.
Assemble: Spread filling on cookies to make sandwiches.

Notes

You can make the cookies a day ahead and fill them the next day.
Store assembled whoopie pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American