Chocolate Turtle Cookies are a sumptuous treat that combine the beloved flavors of chocolate, caramel, and pecans in a rich, decadent cookie that’s perfect for the holiday season or as a special treat year-round. Inspired by turtle candies, these cookies feature a soft, chocolate cookie base that is slightly chewy and deeply flavored with cocoa. Each cookie is topped with a melty caramel dollop and a sprinkling of crunchy pecans, then drizzled with more chocolate to finish. The result is a visually impressive cookie that tastes as good as it looks, offering a satisfying blend of textures and tastes that chocolate and caramel lovers will adore.
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
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 24 caramel candies (such as Kraft Caramels), unwrapped
- 3 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1/2 cup pecans, chopped
- 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
Directions:
- Prepare the cookie dough:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract. Gradually add the flour mixture to the creamed mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Chill the dough:
- Cover and chill the dough for at least 30 minutes to make it easier to handle.
- Preheat the oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Form and bake the cookies:
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Flatten each ball slightly with your thumb or the back of a spoon, creating a small indent in the center.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are firm. Remove from the oven and, if the indents have puffed up, gently press them down again. Let the cookies cool on the pans for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
- Prepare the caramel topping:
- In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the caramel candies and heavy cream. Stir until the caramels are melted and the mixture is smooth. Spoon the caramel into the indents of each cookie. Sprinkle with chopped pecans.
- Drizzle with chocolate:
- In a small microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips and vegetable oil together in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth. Drizzle the melted chocolate over the cookies.
- Set and serve:
- Allow the cookies to set until the caramel and chocolate are firm. Store in an airtight container between layers of parchment paper.
Chocolate Turtle Cookies are not just a treat for the palate but also a feast for the eyes, making them a fantastic gift or a show-stopping addition to any cookie platter. Their rich, gooey, and crunchy textures make them irresistibly tempting and a sure favorite at any gathering.
