Description
Chocolate Turtle Cookies are a rich and indulgent treat featuring a fudgy chocolate base, gooey caramel center, and crunchy pecans. Perfect for holidays, gifting, or satisfying a sweet craving.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 cup pecans, chopped
- 20 soft caramels, unwrapped
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract and milk.
- Combine: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a thick dough forms.
- Shape and Coat: Roll the dough into balls and coat them in chopped pecans, pressing gently to adhere.
- Create Indentations: Use your thumb or the back of a spoon to create a small indentation in each cookie.
- Bake: Arrange the cookies on the prepared baking sheet and bake for about 10-12 minutes.
- Prepare Caramel: While the cookies bake, melt the caramels with heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring until smooth.
- Fill Cookies: Once baked, fill each indentation with a spoonful of caramel and let the cookies cool completely.
- Optional Drizzle: Melt chocolate chips and drizzle over the cookies for extra indulgence.
- Enjoy: Allow the cookies to set before serving.
Notes
- Nut-Free Version: Skip pecans or replace them with crushed pretzels for a salty crunch.
- Sea Salt Caramel: Sprinkle flaky sea salt over caramel for a gourmet touch.
- Dark Chocolate Lovers: Use dark chocolate chips for an intense chocolate flavor.
- Alternative Nuts: Try almonds or walnuts instead of pecans.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: dessert , cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Chocolate Turtle Cookies, caramel pecan cookies, fudgy chocolate cookies, holiday cookie recipe, easy homemade cookies