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Chocolate Turtle Cookies

Chocolate Turtle Cookies

Chocolate Turtle Cookies are a decadent dessert combining rich chocolate, gooey caramel, and crunchy pecans in a soft, buttery cookie base. Perfect for holidays, parties, or cozy nights, these cookies offer a perfect balance of textures and flavors that are easy to make and customizable to suit different tastes and dietary needs.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, melted
  • 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Mix-ins

  • 1 cup melted chocolate or chocolate chips
  • 3/4 cup caramel bits or chopped soft caramel squares
  • 3/4 cup chopped pecans

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Gather all ingredients measured and ready. Melt the butter gently and chop the pecans and caramel pieces into small, manageable bits for even distribution.
  2. Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, cream together the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
  3. Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined to avoid overworking the dough.
  4. Fold in Chocolate, Caramel, and Pecans: Gently fold in the chocolate bits or chips, chopped caramel, and pecans, ensuring an even distribution without breaking the dough’s texture.
  5. Scoop and Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Scoop cookie dough onto a prepared baking sheet, spacing evenly. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are golden but centers remain soft.
  6. Cool and Enjoy: Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This resting time helps the cookies set perfectly with melty caramel and crisp edges.

Notes

  • Use high-quality chocolate for best flavor.
  • Mix just until combined to keep cookies tender and soft.
  • Melt butter carefully to avoid greasy dough.
  • Chill dough for 30 minutes if you want thicker, chewier cookies.
  • Watch baking time closely; slight underbaking yields gooey centers.
  • Substitute pecans with sunflower seeds or omit for nut-free version.
  • Use dark chocolate chips for a richer taste.
  • Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top for added flavor.
  • For vegan adaptation, use plant-based butter and flax egg substitute.
  • Add cinnamon or cayenne pepper for a spiced twist.
  • Store leftovers in airtight container up to 5 days. Freeze individually wrapped cookies for up to 3 months.
  • Reheat in a low oven (300°F/150°C) for 5 minutes to restore freshness.

Nutrition

Keywords: Chocolate Turtle Cookies, caramel cookies, pecan cookies, chocolaty cookies, easy cookie recipe, gooey caramel cookies, holiday cookies