Irresistible Chocolate Turtle Cookies – A Holiday Favorite
Chocolate Turtle Cookies are a crowd-pleasing treat that combines the richness of chocolate, the crunch of pecans, and the gooey sweetness of caramel. These cookies are not only a perfect addition to your holiday baking lineup, but they also disappear so quickly that you’ll want to bake extra! The recipe has a charming backstory—found after a Pinterest rabbit hole, leading back to America’s Test Kitchen via Pixelated Crumb. This tried-and-true recipe yields about 2 to 2 ½ dozen cookies, depending on the size you make them.
Below, you’ll find a detailed recipe, some helpful tips, and variations to make these your own!
Ingredients for Chocolate Turtle Cookies
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup cocoa powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 2/3 cup sugar
- 1 large egg, separated, plus 1 egg white
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups pecans, chopped fine
- 14 soft caramel candies
- 3 tablespoons heavy cream
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Dough:
- Combine the flour, cocoa powder, and salt in a bowl.
- Using an electric mixer on medium-high speed, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes).
- Add the egg yolk, milk, and vanilla, mixing until incorporated.
- Reduce the mixer speed to low and gradually add the flour mixture until just combined.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate until firm, about 1 hour.
- Prepare for Baking:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and adjust racks to the upper-middle and lower-middle positions.
- Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In one bowl, whisk the egg whites until frothy; in another, place the finely chopped pecans.
- Roll the chilled dough into 1-inch balls, dip each in the egg whites, and roll in the pecans to coat. Place the balls 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
- Shape and Bake:
- Using a 1/2-teaspoon measure, create an indentation in the center of each dough ball.
- Bake the cookies for 12 minutes, switching and rotating the baking sheets halfway through to ensure even cooking.
- Add the Caramel Filling:
- Microwave the caramel candies and heavy cream in a bowl, stirring occasionally, until smooth (1–2 minutes).
- After removing the cookies from the oven, gently re-press the indentations in the center.
- Fill each cookie with about 1/2 teaspoon of the caramel mixture.
- Cool and Enjoy:
- Let the cookies cool for 10 minutes on the baking sheets before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Try not to eat them all at once!
Pro Tips and Variations
- Chocolate Drizzle: For an extra layer of decadence, drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled cookies. It adds a beautiful finishing touch and even more chocolatey goodness!
- Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days (if they last that long).
- Gifting Idea: These cookies are perfect for gifting! Arrange them in a festive tin with parchment paper layers for a delightful holiday treat.
The Perfect Holiday Cookie
These Chocolate Turtle Cookies are the ultimate holiday dessert with their stunning presentation and irresistible flavor. Whether you’re baking for family gatherings or creating a homemade gift, these cookies will earn you rave reviews. They’ve become a staple in my holiday baking, and I hope they’ll become part of your traditions too.
