Turtle Cookies

 

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Turtle Cookies bring together all the elements of the beloved turtle candy—chocolate, caramel, and pecans—into a soft, chewy cookie. The rich cocoa flavor pairs beautifully with the gooey caramel and the slight crunch of toasted pecans. Whether you’re a chocolate lover, a caramel fan, or someone who can’t resist pecans, these cookies will satisfy your sweet tooth. Plus, they’re quick and easy to make, so you can enjoy homemade treats without spending hours in the kitchen!

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup butter, softened
• 1/4 cup shortening
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2/3 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 11-ounce bag of caramels, chopped into small pieces
• 2/3 cup chopped pecans

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, beat the butter and shortening together until well-combined.
3. Add the brown sugar and granulated sugar, and beat until the mixture is light and fluffy.
4. Mix in the eggs and vanilla extract. Scrape down the bowl as needed to ensure everything is evenly combined.
5. Add the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Stir just until the dough is combined—be careful not to overmix.
6. Cover the dough and chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
7. Once chilled, scoop the dough into 1.5-tablespoon-sized portions and roll them into balls.
8. Press pieces of caramel and chopped pecans into the outside of each dough ball.
9. Place the dough balls 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheets.
10. Bake the cookies for 8-11 minutes. The edges should be set, but the centers should still look soft and slightly underdone.
11. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire cooling rack to finish cooling.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 36 cookies
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 8-11 minutes
• Chill Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 53 minutes

Variations

• Nut-Free Version: If you have a nut allergy or prefer a nut-free version, simply omit the pecans and replace them with additional caramel bits or chocolate chips.
• Salted Caramel: For an extra flavor boost, use salted caramel bits or drizzle the finished cookies with a bit of sea salt to enhance the caramel’s sweetness.
• Different Nuts: While pecans are traditional for turtle candies, you can also use walnuts or almonds for a different nutty flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Store your Turtle Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To keep them fresh, layer the cookies with parchment paper.
• If you’d like to freeze the cookies, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about an hour before transferring them to an airtight container or zip-top bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?

Yes, you can use salted butter if that’s what you have on hand. Just be sure to reduce the salt in the recipe by about half to avoid the cookies being too salty.

Can I make these cookies without shortening?

Yes, you can replace the shortening with an additional 3/4 cup of butter if you prefer not to use shortening. The cookies may be slightly softer, but they’ll still be delicious.

What can I substitute for the caramels if I can’t find them?

If you can’t find pre-cut caramels, you can use caramel bits or cut up individual caramels into small pieces yourself. Just make sure to use a sharp knife and, for easier cutting, lightly spray the blade with nonstick spray.

Do I have to chill the dough?

Chilling the dough helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking and prevents them from spreading too much. If you’re short on time, you can skip this step, but chilling is recommended for the best results.

Can I add more caramel to the cookies?

Definitely! If you want extra gooey caramel, feel free to add more chopped caramels into the dough or even top the cookies with a drizzle of caramel sauce after they bake.

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the dough for up to 3 months, then bake as needed.

Can I freeze the baked cookies?

Yes, baked cookies can be frozen! Allow them to cool completely, then store them in an airtight container or zip-top bag in the freezer for up to 3 months.

How do I make sure my cookies don’t spread too much?

Using room temperature butter and chilling the dough are key steps to ensure the cookies hold their shape and don’t spread too much during baking.

Can I use a stand mixer for this recipe?

Yes, a stand mixer works great for this recipe. Use the paddle attachment to beat the butter and sugars together, then mix in the dry ingredients.

What’s the best way to chop caramels?

To chop caramels, I recommend using kitchen scissors or spraying a knife blade with nonstick cooking spray for easier cutting.

Conclusion

Turtle Cookies are a delectable combination of chocolate, caramel, and pecans, with a soft, chewy texture that makes them impossible to resist. These cookies are perfect for sharing at parties, gifting, or simply enjoying as a sweet treat at home. With a few simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you’ll have a batch of these irresistible cookies ready in no time.

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