Contents

Decadent German Chocolate Cookie Bars: A Chewy, Chocolatey Delight

Prepare to fall in love with these incredibly delectable and chewy German Chocolate Cookie Bars. We’ve captured all the beloved flavors of a classic German chocolate cake and transformed them into a convenient, irresistible cookie bar form. Each bite delivers a rich blend of sweetened coconut, crunchy pecans, and sweet German chocolate chunks, all nestled within a perfectly baked chocolate cookie base. These bars are a heavenly treat, guaranteed to please any dessert lover and become a new family favorite. Forget the fuss of a layer cake; these cookie bars offer pure indulgence with minimal effort.

Why These German Chocolate Cookie Bars Are a Must-Try

There are countless reasons why these German Chocolate Cookie Bars will quickly become your go-to dessert:

Effortless Indulgence: Experience the luxurious flavor of German chocolate cake without the time-consuming process of baking and frosting a multi-layered cake. Our recipe is incredibly easy to follow, often requiring just one bowl for mixing, which means less clean-up and more time to enjoy your masterpiece!
Irresistible Texture and Flavor: Each bar boasts a fudgy, chewy texture, packed with delightful pockets of melty German chocolate chunks. The harmonious combination of sweet coconut and toasted pecans creates an unparalleled sensory experience in every single bite. It’s a symphony of textures and tastes that truly elevates the humble cookie bar.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Baked in a standard 9×13-inch pan, this recipe yields plenty of generous servings, making it ideal for family gatherings, potlucks, parties, or simply satisfying a sweet craving. They’re easy to transport and share, making you the hero of any event.
Year-Round Delight: If you’re a fan of the classic trio of chocolate, coconut, and pecans, these cookie bars are the ultimate treat, perfect for enjoying at any time of the year. Whether it’s a summer picnic or a cozy winter evening, their rich flavor always hits the spot.

The Enduring Appeal of German Chocolate Flavor

The distinctive flavor profile known as “German Chocolate” is often mistakenly thought to originate from Germany. In reality, it derives its name from an American baker, Samuel German, who developed a type of dark baking chocolate for Baker’s Chocolate Company in 1852. His creation, Baker’s German’s Sweet Chocolate, became the signature ingredient in what we now know as German chocolate cake, famous for its rich, sweet chocolate paired with a gooey coconut-pecan frosting. Our cookie bars pay homage to this iconic dessert, simplifying the form but keeping the complex, beloved flavors intact. The balance of sweet, nutty, and chocolatey goodness is what makes this combination so universally adored, and these cookie bars truly deliver on that promise.

Ingredients for Irresistible German Chocolate Cookie Bars

Crafting these heavenly bars starts with a selection of common pantry staples, ensuring that deliciousness is always within reach. Here’s what you’ll need:

Cookie Bar Base

1 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 ½ cups brown sugar, packed (for a rich, molasses flavor)
1 large egg (helps bind and add richness)
1 egg yolk (for extra chewiness and fudginess)
1 tablespoon vanilla extract (enhances all flavors)
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (the structural foundation)
⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (for deep chocolate flavor)
1 teaspoon baking soda (for perfect lift and texture)
½ teaspoon salt (balances sweetness and amplifies flavor)

The Signature Topping Elements

1 cup sweetened shredded coconut (the classic German chocolate element; add more to tops for extra toasted coconut goodness)
½ cup chopped pecans (for nutty crunch; add more to tops if desired)
3 ounces German chocolate, chopped – for an authentic taste. You can also use semi-sweet chocolate and add an extra ounce chopped to the top of the cookie bars for a total of 4 ounces.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Bake German Chocolate Cookie Bars

Follow these simple instructions to create your batch of irresistible German Chocolate Cookie Bars:

Prepare Your Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. This makes for effortless removal of the cooled bars. Lightly spray the parchment paper and exposed pan areas with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter (ensure it’s cooled to room temperature) and packed brown sugar. Whisk thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This forms the rich, chewy base of your cookie bars.
Add Eggs and Vanilla: Introduce the large egg and the extra egg yolk to the butter-sugar mixture. Whisk until fully incorporated. Next, stir in the vanilla extract, mixing again until fragrant and evenly distributed.
Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt to the wet mixture. Whisk gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookie bars. A few streaks of flour are acceptable at this stage.
Fold in the Goodies: Using a rubber spatula, carefully fold in the sweetened shredded coconut, chopped pecans, and German chocolate chunks. Distribute them evenly throughout the dough. For an extra touch, you can reserve a small amount of coconut, whole pecans, and chocolate chunks to sprinkle on top before baking.
Spread the Dough: Transfer the thick cookie dough mixture into your prepared 9×13-inch pan. Using your fingers or the back of a rubber spatula, spread the dough evenly across the bottom of the pan. The mixture will be thick, so a little pressure is needed to ensure it reaches all corners.
Bake and Cool: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs. Avoid overbaking to maintain their fudgy texture. Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow the cookie bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares. This step is crucial for clean cuts and helps them set properly.

Pro Tips for Baking Success

Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your eggs are at room temperature. This helps them incorporate more smoothly into the batter, leading to a more consistent texture in your cookie bars.
Do Not Overmix: Once you add the flour, mix only until just combined. Overmixing develops gluten, which can make your cookie bars tough instead of soft and chewy.
Quality Chocolate Matters: Using good quality German chocolate or semi-sweet chocolate will significantly impact the flavor. Choose a brand you enjoy eating on its own.
Toasted Pecans: For an enhanced nutty flavor, lightly toast your pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes before chopping and adding them to the dough. Let them cool completely before mixing.
Cool Completely: Patience is key! Allow the cookie bars to cool entirely before cutting. This prevents crumbling and ensures neat, attractive squares.

Storage and Freshness

To keep your German Chocolate Cookie Bars fresh and delicious for as long as possible:

Room Temperature: Store the cooled cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature. When stored properly, they will maintain their delightful taste and texture for 3-4 days.
Refrigeration: For extended freshness, you can store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. If refrigerated, allow them to come to room temperature or gently warm them before serving for the best texture.
Freezing: These cookie bars also freeze beautifully. Wrap individual bars or the entire slab tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.

Exciting Variations to Explore

While these German Chocolate Cookie Bars are perfect as is, feel free to experiment with these delicious twists:

Caramel Dream: For an extra layer of decadence, add some caramel bits or chopped caramel candies to your batter. The melty caramel will create a truly gooey, rich treat that’s hard to resist!
A la Mode Perfection: Elevate your dessert experience by warming a bar slightly in the microwave, then topping it with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream. Drizzle with warm hot fudge or a luscious salted caramel sauce – or both! A sprinkle of extra pecans will complete this drool-worthy creation.
White Chocolate Swirl: For a delightful contrast and a sweeter profile, switch out the German chocolate chunks for white chocolate chunks. This offers a yummy twist on the classic flavor combination.
Spiced Up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or a tiny dash of cayenne pepper to the dry ingredients for a subtle warmth and depth of flavor that complements the chocolate beautifully.
Nutty Alternatives: If pecans aren’t your favorite, try walnuts or even macadamia nuts for a different crunch and flavor. Ensure they are chopped to a similar size.

Frequently Asked Questions About German Chocolate Cookie Bars

Here are answers to some common questions about making and enjoying these delightful cookie bars:

What makes these cookie bars “German Chocolate”?

These bars are inspired by the classic American German chocolate cake, which features a specific combination of sweet chocolate with a rich coconut-pecan frosting. Our bars integrate these flavors directly into the cookie dough, creating a fudgy bar loaded with chocolate chunks, shredded coconut, and chopped pecans.

Can I use milk chocolate instead of German or semi-sweet chocolate?

While you can use milk chocolate, it will result in a significantly sweeter bar. German chocolate or semi-sweet chocolate provides a richer, more balanced flavor that cuts through the sweetness of the brown sugar and shredded coconut. If you prefer a very sweet dessert, milk chocolate can be an option.

My cookie bars are dry. What went wrong?

Dry cookie bars are often a sign of overbaking. Keep a close eye on them towards the end of the baking time. They should still look slightly soft in the center when you pull them out, as they will continue to set as they cool. An internal temperature of around 190-200°F (88-93°C) is usually perfect.

Can I make these gluten-free?

You can experiment with a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Results may vary slightly in texture, but many readers have had success with gluten-free alternatives in similar recipes.

How can I make sure the coconut and pecans don’t sink to the bottom?

A common trick is to lightly toss the coconut and pecans with a tablespoon of the all-purpose flour before folding them into the batter. This light coating helps them suspend more evenly throughout the dough during baking.

German Chocolate Cookie Bars Recipe Summary

Author: Kim Lange

These delectable, chewy German Chocolate Cookie Bars have all the deliciousness of a German chocolate cake, transformed into a convenient cookie bar form. Packed with sweetened coconut, pecans, and sweet German chocolate chunks in a baked chocolate bar, these bars are a heavenly treat sure to please everyone.

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Course: Dessert

Servings: 20 Servings

Ingredients

German Chocolate Cookie Bars

1 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 ½ cups brown sugar, packed
1 large egg
1 egg yolk
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
½ cup chopped pecans
4 ounces German chocolate, chopped – can also use semi-sweet chocolate

Instructions

German Chocolate Cookie Bars

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 9×13 pan with parchment paper (for easy removal), spray pan lightly with non-stick cooking spray.
In a large mixing bowl, add the brown sugar and room temperature melted butter and whisk together well.
Add egg and egg yolk and whisk, then add the vanilla extract and mix again.
Add flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt and whisk together until just combined.
Fold in the coconut, pecans, and chocolate chunks using a rubber spatula.
Transfer to your prepared pan and spread the cookie dough mixture out evenly. You can use your fingers or use the back of the rubber spatula, as the mixture will be thick.
Bake for 20-25 minutes and let cookie bars cool before cutting into them.

Keyword: bars, chocolate, coconut, German chocolate, pecans

In conclusion, these German Chocolate Cookie Bars are the perfect fusion of rich, chocolatey goodness and the signature nutty, coconut flavor profile of German chocolate cake. They offer all the beloved taste with a fraction of the effort, making them an ideal treat for any occasion. So, gather your ingredients, grab a mixing bowl, and get ready to bake some truly delicious, crowd-pleasing treats. Happy baking!

Don’t forget to share your baking adventures with us on Pinterest, Instagram, and Facebook!

More Decadent Dessert Recipes You’ll Love

German Chocolate Brownies
Caramel Apple Spice Snack Cake
75 Heavenly Chocolate Dessert Recipes
Best-Ever Coconut White Chocolate Chip Cookies
German Spiced Apple Cake
25 Heavenly Desserts
Easy Microwave Coconut Fudge