Turtle Cookies

If you’re looking for a cookie recipe that takes texture to a whole new level, these turtle cookies are a wonderful choice for your next baking day. They combine rich flavors of chocolate, caramel and toasted pecans in a soft, chewy cookie. They’re easy to prepare and sure to please kids and adults alike. Semisweet chocolate and caramel bits, with the satisfying crunch of toasted pecans, create an indulgent treat.

Whether for a holiday cookie platter or a simple family treat, these cookies are a guaranteed hit.

Ingredients for Turtle Cookies

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• Unsalted butter: The unsalted butter provides a rich, creamy base for the cookie dough, ensuring a tender and flavorful cookie. For a dairy-free option, you can use plant-based butter.
• Semisweet chocolate chips: These chocolate chips melt to create a luscious chocolatey base for the cookies.
• Sweetened condensed milk: This ingredient adds sweetness and a creamy texture to the dough. For a lighter option, you can use fat-free sweetened condensed milk.
• Vanilla extract: Pure vanilla enhances the overall flavor of the cookies.
• All-purpose flour: Flour provides the structure for the cookies, ensuring they hold their shape while baking. For a gluten-free option, use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour.
• Chopped pecans, toasted: Pecans add a delightful crunch and a nutty flavor to the cookies. You can substitute walnuts or omit the nuts altogether for those with nut allergies.
• Caramel bits: These bits melt into gooey pockets of caramel throughout the cookies. If you can’t find caramel bits, try chopped soft caramels instead.
• Semisweet chocolate chips (for icing): When melted, these chocolate chips create a decadent drizzle over the cookies. Use dark chocolate chips for a richer flavor.
• Shortening: Shortening helps the icing to set properly and gives it a smooth texture.

Directions

Step 1: Melt the butter 

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Preheat the oven to 350°F. Microwave the unsalted butter on high until melted. This will create a smooth, creamy base for the cookie dough.

Editor’s Tip: Melting the butter in short bursts and stirring in between can prevent it from overheating and creating an oily texture.

Step 2: Create the chocolate mixture 

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Add the semisweet chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk to the melted butter; microwave until the chocolate chips are completely melted, stirring every 30 seconds. Then, add in the vanilla extract.

Editor’s Tip: Stirring the mixture frequently helps achieve a smooth, even consistency without burning the chocolate.

Step 3: Mix the dough 

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Mix the all-purpose flour into the chocolate mixture and stir well until fully combined. Stir in the toasted pecans and caramel bits to distribute them evenly throughout the dough.

Step 4: Form and bake the cookies 

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Drop the dough by tablespoonfuls 2 inches apart onto parchment-lined baking sheets. Bake at 350° until the edges are set, 7 to 9 minutes. Cool on the pans for two minutes before moving to wire racks to cool completely.

Editor’s Tip: A cookie scoop ensures that uniform-sized cookies bake evenly.

Step 5: Ice the cookies 

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For the icing, microwave the semisweet chocolate chips and shortening on high until melted. Drizzle the melted chocolate mixture over the cooled cookies for a finishing touch.

Editor’s Tip: To achieve a smooth chocolate drizzle, use a small piping bag or a resealable bag with a corner snipped off.

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Recipe Variations

• Switch up the chocolate: Use dark chocolate for a different flavor profile. Dark chocolate chips will add an intense chocolate flavor, or, for a vegan version, use dairy-free chocolate chips.
• Incorporate nuts: Add chopped almonds, walnuts or macadamia nuts for extra crunch and flavor. These nuts can be used in place of or in addition to the pecans. 
• Enhance with spices: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dough for a warm, spicy twist.

How to Store Turtle Cookies

Keep the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. Properly stored, they will remain fresh for up to one week.

How do you freeze turtle cookies?

To freeze turtle cookies, place the baked and cooled cookies in a single layer on a sheet tray and freeze until solid. Transfer the frozen cookies to a freezer-safe bag or container and store them for up to three months. To enjoy, thaw at room temperature and, if desired, warm in a low oven for a few minutes before serving.

Recipe Tips for Pecan Turtle Cookies

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How do you toast pecans?

To toast pecans, spread them on a sheet tray in a single layer and bake at 350° for 5 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are fragrant and slightly darker in color.

Why are they called turtle cookies? 

Turtle cookies are named after turtle candies, which feature caramel, pecans and chocolate.

Which ingredients are essential in turtle cookies?

Essential ingredients in these chocolate turtle cookies include semisweet chocolate, caramel bits, toasted pecans and a soft cookie dough base.

How do turtle cookies differ from traditional chocolate chip cookies? 

Turtle cookies differ from traditional chocolate chip cookies because they include caramel and pecans, adding a rich and chewy texture along with the chocolate chips.