Turtle Cookie Bars

Turtle Cookie Bars are a decadent dessert that combines all the beloved flavors of classic turtle candies—chocolate, caramel, and pecans—into an easy-to-make bar form. With a buttery cookie crust, gooey caramel center, crunchy pecans, and a drizzle of melted chocolate, these bars are a treat for both the eyes and the taste buds. Perfect for holiday platters, bake sales, or just indulging at home, Turtle Cookie Bars are as impressive as they are delicious, offering the perfect balance of chewy, crunchy, and sweet.

Ingredients

For the Base:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Topping:

• 1 cup caramel sauce or soft caramels melted with 2 tablespoons heavy cream
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil or butter (optional, for chocolate drizzle)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper or grease it well.
2. Make the Base: In a large bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until combined.
3. Bake the Base: Spread the cookie dough evenly into the prepared baking dish. Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the center is set. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
4. Add the Caramel Layer: Pour the caramel sauce over the cooled cookie base, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Sprinkle the chopped pecans over the caramel layer.
5. Melt the Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips and coconut oil (if using) in 20-second intervals, stirring until smooth. Drizzle the melted chocolate over the top of the bars.
6. Cool and Set: Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature, or place them in the refrigerator to set faster.
7. Slice and Serve: Once set, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper and slice into squares or rectangles. Serve and enjoy!

Turtle Cookie Bars are a rich, indulgent dessert that will satisfy any sweet tooth. Their layered textures and flavors make them a standout treat for any occasion!