Rich, chewy, and utterly decadent, Turtle Cookies bring together all the best flavors of the beloved turtle candies—caramel, chocolate, and pecans—in a soft cookie form. These cookies are perfect for special occasions, holiday treats, or just indulging in a sweet moment at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Incredible Flavor: Each bite is a combination of rich chocolate, buttery caramel, and crunchy pecans.
Simple to Make: No complicated steps—just mix, bake, and top for an impressive dessert.
Perfect Texture: Soft and chewy cookies with gooey caramel and a delightful crunch on top.
Versatile: Easy to adapt with different nuts, chocolate types, or toppings to suit your tastes.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Great for prepping ahead of time and storing for later enjoyment.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/3 cup cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup chopped pecans
12 soft caramels, melted
1/2 cup additional chopped pecans for topping
1/4 cup melted chocolate for drizzle
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Set this mixture aside.
In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Fold in the chocolate chips and chopped pecans.
Scoop the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing the cookies about 2 inches apart. Gently flatten each cookie slightly.
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers remain soft. Cool the cookies on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Once cooled, drizzle melted caramel over each cookie, sprinkle with additional chopped pecans, and finish with a drizzle of melted chocolate.
Allow the toppings to set before serving or storing.
Servings and Timing
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes
Servings: 18 cookies
Calories: Approximately 185 kcal per cookie
Variations
Nut-Free Option: Substitute chopped pecans with sunflower seeds or omit them entirely.
Chocolate Variety: Use dark chocolate or white chocolate chips for a twist.
Salted Caramel: Add a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the caramel drizzle for a sweet-salty contrast.
Mini Cookies: Make smaller cookies by using a teaspoon to scoop dough, adjusting the baking time to 8-10 minutes.
Gluten-Free: Swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Storage/Reheating
Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Freezing: Freeze the baked cookies (without toppings) in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature, then add caramel and chocolate before serving.
Reheating: Warm cookies slightly in the microwave (10-15 seconds) to soften the caramel before serving.
Related Recipes:
FAQs
How do I keep the cookies from spreading too much?
Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to help the cookies hold their shape.
Can I use homemade caramel instead of store-bought?
Absolutely! Homemade caramel will add an extra touch of flavor and richness.
What’s the best way to melt caramel?
I recommend melting soft caramels in a microwave-safe bowl with a splash of milk or cream, stirring every 15 seconds until smooth.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can easily double the ingredients to make a larger batch. Be sure to bake in batches to avoid overcrowding the baking sheet.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 48 hours before baking.
Conclusion
Turtle cookies are a delightful treat that combine the richness of chocolate, the gooeyness of caramel, and the crunch of pecans into one irresistible dessert. Whether you’re making them for a festive gathering or a simple afternoon snack, these cookies are sure to impress. Try them today and savor the magic of turtle candies in cookie form.
📖 Recipe:
Print
Turtle Cookies
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 18 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the decadent flavors of Turtle Cookies—soft, chewy cookies packed with rich chocolate, gooey caramel, and crunchy pecans. Perfect for holidays, parties, or an indulgent treat at home.
Ingredients
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/3 cup cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup chopped pecans
12 soft caramels, melted
1/2 cup additional chopped pecans for topping
1/4 cup melted chocolate for drizzle
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Whisk flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl.
- In a large bowl, cream butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add egg and vanilla, mixing until fully combined.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until just combined.
- Fold in chocolate chips and chopped pecans.
- Scoop dough onto the baking sheet, spacing 2 inches apart, and flatten slightly.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, cool for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
- Drizzle melted caramel, sprinkle with additional pecans, and drizzle melted chocolate.
Allow toppings to set before serving.
Notes
Chill dough for 30 minutes to prevent cookies from spreading.
For extra flair, sprinkle sea salt over caramel drizzle.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days or refrigerate for a week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 18 cookies
- Calories: 185 kcal
