Made with only six ingredients, these easy German chocolate cake mix cookies are so chewy, gooey, and delicious! Loaded with shredded coconut, pecans, and dark chocolate chips, these cookies are ready from start to finish in just 30 minutes!
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The Easiest Cookies Made with Boxed Cake Mix!
These easy German chocolate cake mix cookies are inspired by traditional German chocolate cake, which is topped with pecans, shredded coconut, and chocolate frosting. And in these cookies, we’re adding all those delicious flavors without the hassle of baking and decorating an entire layer cake, similar to my fudgy German chocolate cake brownies.
Perhaps best of all, this easy no chill chocolate cookie recipe is made with the pre-mixed ingredients in a store bought box of German chocolate cake mix. And listen up, I know I usually make all my desserts from scratch. But sometimes you need cookies ASAP in a pinch! For those dire situations, I present to you the holy grail of cake mix cookies.
Growing up in Germany, I never saw “German chocolate cake”. And believe it or not, that’s because this cake isn’t German at all! German chocolate cake actually originated in Texas in the 1950's. Long story short, a Dallas baker created and named the recipe "German's chocolate cake" because it was made with a very specific type of chocolate. That chocolate was named after its creator, an American baker whose last name was literally "German".
Hungry for more easy cookies inspired by cakes? Try red velvet Oreo cookies, festive birthday cake cookies, and Black Forest cake cookies.
Why You'll Love These Cookies
- The dough comes together in just one mixing bowl which means less dishes!
- The addition of cake mix makes this recipe super easy and great for kids and beginners.
- The cookie dough does not need to be chilled in the fridge or freezer.
- Only 6 ingredients are needed!
- No fancy equipment like a stand mixer or hand mixer is needed.
Let's Gather Our Ingredients
- Eggs
- Vegetable oil - Normally I add butter to cookies. However, vegetable oil makes cookies softer and more cake-like.
- German chocolate cake mix - I usually use the brands Betty Crocker or Duncan Hines.
- Chopped pecans
- Sweetened shredded coconut - I don’t recommend using unsweetened coconut which is drier and could pull moisture of out your cookies.
- Chocolate chips - I like using dark chocolate chips for a rich flavor, but you can also use semi sweet chocolate chips
Time to Bake Our German Chocolate Cake Cookies!
Below is the process to make this recipe. For the full step-by-step directions and ingredient quantities, scroll down to the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
1. Whisk the eggs and vegetable oil in a mixing bowl.
2. Add the box of cake and mix until it’s combined.
3. Fold in the pecans, shredded coconut, and chocolate chips.
5. Bake for 12 to 14 minutes at 350°F, on a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Shape the cookie dough into equal-sized 12 balls.
6. Cool the cookies on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack.
Carissa's Kitchen Tip
You can press a few extra pieces of chopped pecans and chocolate chips on the top of each cookie dough ball just before it's baked, for a professional bakery look.
Recipe Tips
- Mixing: This chocolate cake cookie dough is pretty thick, but just stir it gently in big scooping motions with a large spoon.
- Chilling: I tested this recipe with chilled dough too, and it didn’t make much difference in the texture or flavor. Save time and bake your cookies straight away!
- Even Baking: Make sure all your cookies are the same size, so they bake evenly at the same time. I use a large cookie scoop to shape the dough.
Variations
- Drizzle your cookies with a little melted chocolate.
- Go all-out and spread some small batch chocolate frosting on top.
- If you don't like pecans, you can substitute other chopped nuts like walnuts, hazelnuts, or almonds.
Storage
- Room Temperature: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container or freezer safe bag in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature.
Related Recipes
Looking for more no chill cookie recipes like this? Try these:
German Chocolate Cake Mix Cookies
Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 1 box German chocolate cake mix (13.25 oz) (I usually use the brands Betty Crocker & Duncan Hines)
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs and vegetable oil. Add the box of cake and mix until it’s combined. Fold in the chopped pecans, shredded coconut, and chocolate chips.
- Use a large cookie scoop or two large spoons to shape the dough into balls. Spread them out on your prepared baking sheet at least 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 12 to 14 minutes. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a couple minutes, then transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely. Enjoy!!
Notes
- Mixing: The dough is pretty thick, but just stir it gently in big scooping motions with a large spoon or silicone spatula.
- Chilling: I tested this recipe with chilled dough too, and it didn’t make much difference in the texture or flavor. So save time and bake your cookies straight away.
- Even Baking: Make sure all your cookies are the same size, so they bake evenly at the same time.
- Storing: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
rusty
That made for some right fine vittles. Weren't even as much as a crumb left on their plates!
Thank you.
Carissa Erzen
Haha I love to hear that! Thanks for stopping by! 🙂
Mila
Totally recommend this, turned out amazing!
Shanon
This is the perfect cookie for chocolate lovers!