German Chocolate Cookie Bars

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

German Chocolate Cookie Bars bring together the best of both worlds: the rich, nutty, and coconut-filled topping of a traditional German chocolate cake with the chewy, buttery texture of a cookie bar. These bars are a fun and easy twist on the classic German chocolate cake, and they’re perfect for anyone who loves chocolate, coconut, and nuts. With a soft, slightly gooey center, crunchy edges, and a sweet, caramelized coconut topping, these cookie bars are sure to be a hit at any gathering or as a special treat for yourself!

Ingredients

For the Cookie Base:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 3/4 cup granulated sugar

• 3/4 cup packed brown sugar

• 2 large eggs

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

For the Topping:

• 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut

• 1/2 cup chopped pecans (or walnuts)

• 1/2 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)

• 1/2 cup evaporated milk

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

For the Cookie Base:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.

2. Make the Cookie Dough: In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until creamy and smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until fully combined.

4. Add Chocolate Chips: Stir in the semi-sweet chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the dough.

5. Spread the Dough: Spread the cookie dough evenly into the prepared baking pan, pressing it down with a spatula to create a uniform layer.

For the Topping:

6. Prepare the Topping: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the shredded coconut, chopped pecans, caramel sauce, and evaporated milk. Stir frequently until the mixture is bubbly and the coconut and pecans are evenly coated in the caramel sauce. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.

7. Add the Topping to the Cookie Base: Pour the coconut-pecan topping evenly over the cookie dough in the pan, spreading it out gently with a spatula.

8. Bake: Bake the cookie bars in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean (except for the caramel topping).

9. Cool and Slice: Allow the cookie bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing them into squares or rectangles. The bars will firm up as they cool.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12-16 bars

• Prep time: 15 minutes

• Cook time: 30-35 minutes

• Total time: 45-50 minutes

Variations

• Nut-Free: If you prefer, you can leave out the nuts or use a nut-free alternative like sunflower seeds.

• Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free butter and a dairy-free caramel sauce to make this recipe vegan and dairy-free.

• More Chocolate: Add more chocolate chips or drizzle melted chocolate on top for an extra chocolatey treat.

• Different Nuts: Try using almonds or macadamia nuts in place of pecans for a twist on the flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days.

• Freezing: These cookie bars freeze well! Once they’ve cooled, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and store in the freezer for up to 2 months. To thaw, simply let them sit at room temperature for 30 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Yes! These cookie bars can be made a day or two ahead of time and stored in an airtight container. They will stay fresh and delicious.

2. Can I use coconut milk instead of evaporated milk?

While coconut milk can work in a pinch, the evaporated milk gives the topping a richer, thicker texture. You can use coconut milk for a slightly different flavor, but the consistency may be slightly thinner.

3. Can I use store-bought cookie dough for the base?

Yes, you can use store-bought chocolate chip cookie dough to save time. Just spread it into the pan and follow the same steps for adding the topping.

4. Can I use sweetened condensed milk instead of evaporated milk?

Sweetened condensed milk will make the topping sweeter and thicker, but it works well as a substitute if you prefer a more caramelized topping.

5. Can I make these bars without nuts?

Yes, if you have nut allergies or simply don’t like nuts, you can omit them from the topping and just use the coconut and caramel sauce for a delicious alternative.

6. How can I make the topping thicker?

If you prefer a thicker topping, reduce the amount of evaporated milk or simmer the mixture a little longer before adding it to the cookie base.

7. Can I freeze the dough before baking?

Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough and the topping separately for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to bake, thaw the dough in the fridge overnight, spread it into the pan, and add the topping before baking as usual.

8. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can double the recipe and bake in a larger pan (such as a 9×13-inch pan or two 8×8-inch pans). Just be sure to adjust the baking time accordingly.

9. Can I use a different type of chocolate in the dough?

Yes, you can swap the semi-sweet chocolate chips with milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate, depending on your preferences.

10. Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that works for baking to make these cookie bars gluten-free.

Conclusion

German Chocolate Cookie Bars offer all the indulgent flavors of a traditional German chocolate cake in a fun, easy-to-make cookie bar form. With a rich, buttery cookie base, sweet coconut-pecan topping, and a chewy, gooey texture, these bars are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. Whether you’re serving them at a party, enjoying them as a dessert, or sharing them with family and friends, these cookie bars will be a hit every time!