January 24, 2024
Review RecipeTurtle Cookies
Enjoy our chocolate turtle cookies when you have a craving for ooey-gooey caramel and soft, chewy chocolate cookies.
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Table of Contents
These delicious turtle cookies are soft and chewy with a rich chocolate and caramel flavor. The chocolate thumbprint cookies are coated with crunchy pecans and topped with a creamy puddle of gooey caramel for the ultimate in decadence.
Turtle Cookies Ingredients
This soft chocolate cookie is rich and decadent, creating the perfect nest for the gooey caramel.
The milk chocolate glaze that tops these turtle cookies pulls all the flavors together with its creamy sweetness, balancing out the salty nuts in a delectable combination that’s simply irresistible.
For these delectable cookies, you’ll need:
- 1½ cups of all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon of baking powder
- ½ cup of unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon of salt
- ¾ cup of unsalted butter, softened
- ¼ cup of white sugar
- ¾ cup of light brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs, divided into one egg plus one yolk and the separated egg whites
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 2 cups of finely chopped pecans
- 30 caramels
- ¼ cup of heavy cream
- 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips, for chocolate drizzle
Substitutions And Additions
CARAMEL: You can also use homemade caramel in this turtle cookie recipe. You want a caramel that is thick enough to set but not hard, which would make it difficult to bite into.
PECANS: If you’re not a fan of pecans or have an allergy, you can easily substitute them with other nuts like walnuts or almonds. These nuts have a similar texture and will still give your cookies a delightful crunch. If you’re looking for a nut-free option, consider using sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds.
SEMI-SWEET CHOCOLATE CHIPS: If you prefer a different type of chocolate, feel free to swap the semi-sweet chocolate chips with milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate chips. For a fun twist, you could also use butterscotch or peanut butter chips.
VANILLA EXTRACT: If you’re looking for a more complex flavor, consider substituting the vanilla extract with almond extract. It will give your cookies a slightly nutty and unique flavor. However, almond extract is stronger than vanilla, so use about half as much.
How To Make This Turtle Cookies Recipe
With just a few simple ingredients and minimal effort, you’ll be able to whip up a batch of these delightful goodies in no time.
Once the chocolate cookie dough is made, you will coat the cookie dough balls in chopped pecans. Place them on the cookie sheet and create a thumbprint in the flattened dough. Finally, add the creamy caramel to the center of the cookies and bake.
STEP ONE: Preheat the oven to 350°F.
STEP TWO: Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Set aside.
STEP THREE: In a medium bowl, stir together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cocoa powder. Set aside.
OUR RECIPE DEVELOPER SAYS
Since these are thumbprint cookies, using just a small amount of baking powder helps the cookies to retain their compact thumbprint shape.
STEP FOUR: In a large bowl, beat the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together with an electric mixer on high speed until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
STEP FIVE: Beat in one egg plus one egg yolk (reserve the whites) and vanilla until well mixed.
STEP SIX: Pour the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients and beat just until well mixed. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and chill for at least 1 hour.
STEP SEVEN: Use a 1½ tablespoon cookie scoop to scoop the dough. Roll into balls between your hands.
STEP EIGHT: Whisk the reserved egg white in a small bowl until very frothy/foamy.
STEP NINE: Coat the dough ball in frothy egg whites, then roll in the chopped pecan pieces.
PRO TIP:
The egg whites help the pecans to stick to the dough ball and stay in place while baking.
STEP TEN: Place each of the chocolate cookie dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, 2 inches apart.
STEP ELEVEN: Using the back of a teaspoon, press about halfway down into each cookie to create an indent for the caramel.
STEP TWELVE: Bake for 11 to 13 minutes or until the bottoms look slightly browned.
PRO TIP:
Oven temperatures vary and may need to be recalibrated periodically to ensure they are accurate. Make sure to check your cookies at the lower end of the recommended baking time.
STEP THIRTEEN: Remove the cookies from the oven. If the centers have puffed while baking, use your teaspoon to gently re-press the indentation.
STEP FOURTEEN: Heat the caramels and heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl for 30 seconds at a time in the microwave. Stir until smooth.
STEP FIFTEEN: Spoon the melted caramel filling in the center of each baked cookie’s indentation. Allow them to cool completely on a wire rack.
STEP SIXTEEN: Melt the chocolate chips in the microwave, heating for 30 seconds at a time and stirring between, until melted. Drizzle the melted chocolate over the cooled cookies.
How To Serve
Nothing complements a plate of warm and delicious turtle cookies quite like a nice glass of cold milk or our extra creamy homemade hot chocolate. For an even more unforgettable experience, serve turtle cookies with a dollop of whipped cream on top.
These incredible cookies would be a welcome addition to any holiday cookie tray, along with our Christmas pinwheel cookies and snowball cookies.
Craving more delicious recipes? Our Twix cookies and chocolate pudding cookies are two extra chocolatey treats.
MORE COOKIE RECIPES
Storage
Whether you’re planning to make these cookies ahead of time, or you’re just looking to enjoy the leftovers, here’s everything you need to know about storing your homemade turtle cookies.
MAKE AHEAD: These turtle cookies are a fantastic option for make-ahead treats. Simply prepare the dough, shape the cookies, and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Instead of baking, slide the whole tray into the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
When you’re ready to bake, just preheat your oven and pop them in. This method not only saves time but also allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in an even more delicious cookie.
ON THE COUNTER: Store these easy turtle cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
IN THE FREEZER: Freeze this chewy chocolate cookie for up to 3 months, sealed in an airtight container. Label the container to make sure you enjoy your cookies at their best.
These rich chocolate cookies taste just like turtle candies in a delightful cookie form. No one will be able to resist the rich chocolate or the creamy caramel centers. We recommend trying one of these turtle cookies before you share them with anyone else because we guarantee they will disappear fast!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can I use a different type of nut for this recipe?
You could use walnuts instead of pecans to coat the outside of these cookies.
Can I freeze these pecan turtle cookies?
These turtle thumbprint cookies can be stored in the freezer for up to three months.
What are thumbprint cookies?
Thumbprint cookies are ones where the dough is rolled into balls, flattened slightly, and then, using your thumb, a slight indent is made. This is then filled with a sweet filling such as jam or caramel.
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Turtle Cookies
Enjoy our chocolate turtle cookies when you have a craving for ooey-gooey caramel and soft, chewy chocolate cookies.
Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 11 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 56 minutes
Servings 30
Ingredients
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¼ cup white sugar
- ¾ cup light brown sugar packed
- 2 large eggs, divided into one egg plus one yolk and the separated egg whites
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups pecans, finely chopped
- 30 caramels
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, for chocolate drizzle
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Set aside.
- In a medium bowl, stir together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cocoa powder. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together on high speed until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
- Beat in one egg plus one egg yolk (reserve the whites) and vanilla until well mixed.
- Pour the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients and beat just until well mixed. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and chill for at least 1 hour.
- Use a 1½ tablespoon cookie scoop to scoop the dough. Roll into balls between your hands.
- Whisk the reserved egg white in a small bowl until very frothy/foamy.
- Coat the dough ball in frothy egg whites and then roll in the chopped pecans.
- Place each ball on the prepared baking sheets, 2 inches apart.
- Using the back of a teaspoon, press about halfway down into each cookie to create an indent for the caramel.
- Bake for 11 to 13 minutes or until the bottom edges look slightly browned.
- Remove cookies from the oven. If the centers have puffed while baking, use your teaspoon to gently re-press the indentation.
- Heat the caramels and heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl for 30 seconds at a time in the microwave. Stir until smooth.
- Spoon the melted caramel in the center of each baked cookie’s indentation. Allow cookies to cool completely.
- Melt the chocolate chips in the microwave, heating for 30 seconds at a time and stirring between, until melted. Drizzle the chocolate over the cooled cookies.
Notes
- Since these are thumbprint cookies, using just a small amount of baking powder helps the cookies to retain their compact thumbprint shape.
- The egg whites help the pecans to stick to the dough ball and stay in place while baking.
- Oven temperatures vary and may need to be recalibrated periodically to ensure they are accurate. Make sure to check your cookies at the lower end of the recommended baking time.
Nutrition
Calories: 225kcal | Carbohydrates: 25g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 28mg | Sodium: 108mg | Potassium: 133mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 16g | Vitamin A: 200IU | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 37mg | Iron: 1mg
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Comments
Anna Heller says
I’ve made thumbprints before but only using preserves or jam as filling.
Tammie says
I would use homemade caramel sauce for the cookies.
Korri Cole says
Could I use MacIntosh toffee instead of the carmels, there the best Carmel flavourful ever.
Alexandra Green says
Looks delicious, I usually use ready made caramel but I’d definitely give homemade a go with this recipe.
Kim White says
These look delicious! Perfect for snacking while watching Christmas movies!
Teresa Gerber says
I would use jarred caramel sauce. Sounds yummy!!
Pam Martinez says
I would add these cookies to my Christmas cookie list
Donna Fast says
I would definitely make my own caramel for these lusciously yummy cookies!
Michelle Kagel says
Can’t wait to make these for the holidays with my kiddo – thanksgiving and Hanukkah! We’ll use pecans and my kiddo will love putting his thumbprint on them!
Lynne Pryor says
Can’t wait to try this! I am thrilled to see the caramel recipe using wrapped caramels.
Thanks for the recipe!
Széles László Gábor says
I would definitely use homemade caramel sauce for these cookies.
Carol Lafontaine says
These cookies are amazing. I made them but the only change I made was using caramel in a jar and the turned out good. I found it too much work unwrapping all those caramels.
Carol Coppola says
I would use jarred caramel.
Ashley A says
Yes I have made some print cookies before but never the turtle ones I’ve always made the jelly filled thumbprints. Looking forward to trying these Turtle thumb print cookies!
Jessica Horsey Ford says
These would be awesome at Thanksgiving!
Rose says
I love these cookies. Pecans and homemade Carmel sauce for me
Miki says
These look amazing. I’m going to make these for my neighborhood Christmas cookie exchange!
Rosalind says
I would prefer homemade caramel sauce
Angie says
Definitely use pecans…
Dale says
Would definately use pecans and maybe canned caramel just for the ease of making them.
Maureen says
These turtle cookies look really delicious. I would probably use store bought caramel because I will be making a lot of Christmas cookies. Anything to make it easier. I think they would look great on a Christmas cookie tray, I have made thumprint cookies but, not as deicious as these look. It sure beats regular thumbprint cookies with jam.
Beth Sutton says
You asked when I would serve them? Hm?Hmm?, I would have to make 2 batches. Hide one. Just for me. Doggone,they are good. Chewy, nutty, chocolatey, carmely. I would hide the 2nd batch and invite my very bestest friends to share with. They would be my ‘fix.the boo boo’, ‘my boyfriend is a jerk’ go to. They are in-cred-ible.
Patti Kasmarcik says
I love walnuts but I feel these cookies NEED the pecans!! So delish
Anne S. says
These cookies are AMAZING! Simple to prepare and bake. An ABSOLUTE crowd pleaser!
Nancy Kneiding says
Absolutely will make these cookies
Nancy Kneiding says
For these cookies would only use wrapped caramels as jarred may not set up.
Believe pecans best
Elizabeth M Heimlich says
I just made home made caramel sauce for the first time this week- I can’t belive how easy it is to make with sweetened condensed milk… Would definitely use that in this recipe!
Mary A Morris says
These cookies look delicious. I would use walnuts and I’ve made thumbprint cookies, often❣️
Mirela says
– I would use homemade caramel sauce
– I would serve these cakes on any occasion
– I would use pecans for these cookies
– we have also made cakes with a large footprint
Julia Hazlett says
Best with pecans
Cindy Wisdom says
OMG! These look so fabulous! I would use pecans, sometimes I think walnuts can have a bitter aftertaste, besides I LOVE pecans!
Janice Price says
I think walnuts would not be as good in these cookies .so I say no to walnuts
Roshunda Simmons says
These cookies look great, we are having family night tonight watching movies and I’m making these delicious cookies for the family. Thanks for sharing this great recipe.
BARBARA CUMMINGS says
YUMMY This would be great for anyone that likes Turtle candy.
Pamela J Springs says
Would you use jarred or homemade caramel sauce for these cookies? PROBABLY JARRED
When would you serve these turtle cookies? HOLIDAYS
Would you use walnuts or pecans for these cookies? WALNUTS
Have you made thumbprint cookies before? YES
Tabitha l VanHorn says
Can’t wait to try these. I would use store bought carmel. I never made homemade carmel. New addition to the holiday cookie lineup.
Martha Murphy says
How can anyone resist a recipe for turtles? Definitely making these soon.