Delicious Chewy Turtle Cookies: Your Guide to Chocolate, Caramel & Pecan Perfection
Prepare to fall in love with these big, chewy, and exquisitely buttery Turtle Cookies, a true celebration of those iconic turtle candy flavors: decadent chocolate, luscious caramel, and crunchy pecans. These hearty, satisfying cookies are more than just a sweet treat; they’re a comforting companion, perfect for cozying up with a warm cup of coffee or tea, especially during the festive season.
Just as Rocky Road is an irresistible blend of flavors and textures in ice cream, Turtle is a symphony of delightful ingredients when transformed into a cookie. Imagine a harmonious hodgepodge of rich chocolate chips, gooey caramel bits, and earthy pecans, all nestled within a soft, chewy cookie base. These aren’t just any cookies; they are truly exceptional and deserve a place of honor alongside beloved classics like oatmeal raisin and traditional chocolate chip cookies. Their unique combination of flavors and textures makes them an instant favorite, offering a sophisticated twist on a classic dessert.
This recipe was proudly created for #ChristmasCookiesWeek! I extend my heartfelt thanks to the generous sponsor companies who provided samples and products that made this recipe possible. As always, all opinions expressed are 100% my own.
For this delectable recipe, I had the pleasure of using high-quality products from Millican Pecan Company, ensuring the freshest, most flavorful pecans; Anolon, for exceptional bakeware; and Adams Extracts & Spices, providing premium vanilla extract for that essential warm flavor. Their contributions truly elevate these cookies to another level of deliciousness.
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The Fascinating Origin of the Term “Turtle” in Confections
The inspiration behind these delightful cookies stems directly from the iconic “turtle” style candies. A box of chocolate turtles is a universally adored confection, often a safe bet when gifting chocolates because almost everyone appreciates their unique combination of flavors. This widespread appeal is a definite bonus, as it means you’re less likely to find a half-eaten candy returned to the box, a common plight of assorted chocolate selections!
The story of the original Turtle candy begins in 1916, in the bustling “windy city” of Chicago. It was there that George DeMet, founder of DeMet’s Candy Company, brought this beloved treat to life. The original Turtle candy featured a simple yet irresistible combination: luscious caramel, crunchy pecans, and a generous coating of rich chocolate. What truly set it apart, and gave it its iconic name, was its appearance. Once the pecans were enrobed in chocolate, their bumpy, irregular surface bore a striking resemblance to a turtle’s shell, a visual cue that has delighted candy lovers for over a century.
In traditional turtle candies, the pecans are carefully held together by a sticky, sweet caramel, which is then submerged in melted chocolate. This creates a compact, handheld cluster of flavors. With our interpretation in cookie form, the role of binder shifts to the cookie dough itself. This ingenious adaptation not only simplifies the process but also provides ample opportunity to be truly generous with the star ingredients: mountains of gooey caramel, an abundance of crunchy pecans, and substantial chunks of chocolate, ensuring every bite is bursting with flavor and texture.
What Makes a Cookie “Turtle”? Crafting the Perfect Balance
A truly exceptional turtle cookie is defined by its abundant filling – it must be generously packed with finely chopped pecans, substantial chunks of chocolate, and pockets of irresistibly gooey caramel. While the cookie dough serves as the crucial foundation that holds all these delicious elements together, it almost felt like an afterthought during the initial conceptualization, simply because the fillings are so dominant and exciting!
For the base of these cookies, I utilized my tried-and-true Butter Brickle Cookie recipe. This particular base is renowned for its delightful chewiness and rich, buttery flavor, characteristics that perfectly complement the sweet and nutty profile of the “turtle” components. Its robust structure ensures it can beautifully support the substantial additions of caramel, chocolate, and pecans without crumbling.
Once baked, with the nuts and chocolate creating a textured surface, the finished cookie indeed evokes the familiar, charming appearance of a turtle shell. This visual nod to its namesake candy adds to the appeal, making these cookies as delightful to look at as they are to eat. The rustic, lumpy exterior hints at the treasure trove of flavors hidden within, inviting you to take that first glorious bite.
Essential Ingredients for Your Turtle Cookies: Quality Matters
Crafting the perfect batch of Turtle Cookies begins with selecting quality ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in achieving that signature chewy texture, rich flavor, and satisfying crunch. While the detailed measurements can be found in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post, here’s a closer look at the key elements:
- Butter: Use good quality, softened butter. It forms the backbone of the cookie’s rich, buttery flavor and contributes significantly to its tender, chewy texture when properly creamed with sugar.
- Brown Sugar & Granulated Sugar: The combination of both sugars is crucial. Brown sugar adds moisture, depth of flavor (with its molasses notes), and ensures a wonderfully chewy cookie. Granulated sugar provides sweetness and helps with spread and crispness around the edges.
- Vanilla Extract: A high-quality vanilla extract is non-negotiable. It enhances all the other flavors, adding a warm, aromatic note that brings everything together. Don’t skimp on this!
- Salt: Essential for balancing the sweetness and intensifying the chocolate and caramel flavors. It prevents the cookies from tasting overly sweet and brings out their best characteristics.
- Baking Soda: This leavening agent helps the cookies rise slightly and contributes to their soft, chewy interior by reacting with the acidic brown sugar.
- Eggs: Eggs act as a binder, adding structure and moisture to the dough. They also contribute to the richness and overall texture of the cookies.
- Flour: All-purpose flour provides the structural integrity of the cookie. Sifting it with the leavening agents ensures an even distribution and a lighter texture.
- Caramel Bits: These small, chewy caramel pieces melt beautifully into pockets of gooey deliciousness throughout the cookie. They are the heart of the “turtle” flavor.
- Chocolate Chunks: Opt for good quality semi-sweet chocolate chunks. Chunks, rather than chips, provide larger pockets of melted chocolate, creating a more luxurious experience.
- Pecans: Freshly chopped pecans add an essential nutty crunch and earthy flavor that perfectly complements the sweet caramel and chocolate. Toasting them lightly before adding can elevate their flavor even further.
Using fresh, high-quality ingredients ensures that your Turtle Cookies will be nothing short of extraordinary!
Once your basic cookie dough is perfectly mixed, the real fun begins: it’s time to gently fold in all that incredible turtle goodness – the caramel, chocolate, and pecans!
For consistent and beautifully sized cookies, I highly recommend using a cookie scoop. Each scoop, roughly a tablespoon in size, creates perfect dough balls. These generously sized portions are ideal for showcasing all the delicious turtle “goodies” within.
The end result of this meticulous process can truly be encapsulated in a single word: perfection. A batch of these homemade Turtle Cookies delivers an unparalleled experience of rich flavors and varied textures that will leave everyone craving more.
Tips for Perfect Turtle Cookies Every Time
Achieving the ultimate chewy, gooey Turtle Cookie is simpler than you might think with a few key baking tips:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature. This allows them to cream together properly, creating a smooth, emulsified dough that will bake evenly and yield a tender crumb.
- Don’t Overmix: After adding the flour mixture, mix just until combined. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, leading to tough cookies. The same goes for folding in the caramel, chocolate, and pecans – be gentle!
- Quality Mix-ins: As mentioned, high-quality chocolate chunks and fresh pecans make a huge difference. Consider toasting your pecans lightly before adding them to intensify their nutty flavor.
- Parchment Paper is Your Friend: Lining your baking sheets with parchment paper prevents sticking and ensures even baking. It also makes cleanup a breeze!
- The Right Scoop: A cookie scoop ensures uniform cookies, which means they bake at the same rate. This avoids some cookies being overdone while others are underbaked.
- Watch for Doneness: This is perhaps the most crucial tip for chewy cookies. Bake for 9-10 minutes, or until the edges are just set and lightly golden, but the centers still look slightly soft. They will continue to set as they cool. Overbaking is the enemy of chewiness!
- Cool on a Rack: Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents the bottoms from getting soggy and allows for proper air circulation, preserving their perfect texture.
Serving Suggestions & Variations
While these Turtle Cookies are absolutely divine on their own, they can also be elevated in several ways:
- With a Beverage: As suggested, they’re exceptional with coffee, tea, or a glass of milk. For an extra treat, try them with hot cocoa or a festive eggnog.
- A La Mode: Serve a warm Turtle Cookie with a scoop of vanilla bean or salted caramel ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
- Gift Giving: Package these beautiful cookies in a decorative tin or box for a thoughtful homemade gift during the holidays or for any special occasion.
- Caramel Drizzle: For an extra layer of decadence, lightly warm some additional caramel sauce and drizzle it over the cooled cookies. A sprinkle of sea salt can add a gourmet touch (salted caramel turtle cookies!).
- Different Nuts: While pecans are classic, feel free to experiment with walnuts or even almonds for a slightly different flavor profile.
- White or Milk Chocolate: Swap out some of the semi-sweet chocolate for white chocolate chips or milk chocolate chunks if you prefer a sweeter, creamier chocolate flavor.
No matter how you enjoy them, these Turtle Cookies are sure to bring joy and satisfy any sweet tooth!
Love them? Pin them!
Don’t forget where you found this yummy Turtle Cookie recipe! Save it to your favorite Pinterest baking board before you go, so you can easily find it whenever a craving strikes!
More Delicious Pecan Recipes to Explore
If you, like me, adore baking with pecans, you’re in for a treat! This versatile nut adds a wonderful crunch and rich, buttery flavor to both sweet and savory dishes. I have an extensive collection of recipes that feature pecans as a star ingredient, so make sure to grab a BIG BAG of them when you next shop. You’ll want to try them all! Pecans truly elevate any dish they’re in, adding a touch of Southern charm and irresistible texture.
Here are some reader favorites that showcase the incredible versatility of pecans:
- Classic Pecan Pie (pictured above, a holiday staple!)
- Graham Cracker Toffee (addictive, buttery, and incredibly easy)
- Cinderella Cake (a delightful pumpkin bundt cake with cream cheese frosting)
- Ice Cream Sticky Rolls (a unique and sweet breakfast or brunch treat)
- Cinnamon Crunch Coffee Cake (perfect for mornings or an afternoon pick-me-up)
- Reuben Cheese Ball (a savory and surprising appetizer, great for parties!)
- Banana Bread Coffee Cake (a comforting fusion of two favorites)
- Orange Cranberry Pecan Bread (bursting with festive flavors)
- Sugared Pecans (a simple, irresistible snack or topping)
My first cookie creation shared during Christmas Cookies Week were these delightful Chocolate Sugar Kiss Cookies. They are incredibly simple to make, requiring just 4 ingredients, and are perfect for a quick yet elegant holiday treat! If you visit that recipe post, you’ll also find a comprehensive list of all the amazing prizes generously offered by our wonderful sponsors for this event: Millican Pecan Company, Adams Extracts & Spices, Anolon, and Sweets & Treats Boutique. Don’t miss out on the chance to win some fantastic baking essentials!
ENTER TO WIN Prize Packages HERE:
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You can see ALL of my COOKIE RECIPES HERE for more inspiration!
Be sure to explore the incredible cookie creations from all the other talented bloggers participating in #ChristmasCookiesWeek. Their recipes are listed right under my printable recipe card, offering a treasure trove of holiday baking ideas.
Now, without further ado, let’s dive into the full recipe for these irresistible Turtle Cookies!
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Print Recipe
Chewy Chocolate Caramel Pecan Turtle Cookies
Equipment
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KitchenAid Stand Mixer (for effortless mixing)
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KitchenAid Hand Mixer (a great alternative for smaller batches)
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Wilton Stainless Steel Cookie Scoop (for perfectly uniform cookies)
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13×18 Half Sheet Pan (durable and essential for baking batches)
Ingredients
- 1 stick salted butter (1/2 cup), softened to room temperature
- 3/4 cup dark brown sugar (packed)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 Tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs (at room temperature)
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/3 cup caramel bits (or chopped soft caramels)
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chunks (or chocolate chips)
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans (can be lightly toasted for enhanced flavor)
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line several cookie sheets with parchment paper for easy release and cleanup.
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In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set this dry mixture aside.
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In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or using a hand mixer), cream the softened butter on medium speed until it’s light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add both the brown sugar and granulated sugar, along with the vanilla extract, and continue to mix until well combined and creamy. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, mixing until fully incorporated after each addition. Gradually add the reserved flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed just until no streaks of flour remain. Be careful not to overmix. Finally, gently fold in the caramel bits, chocolate chunks, and chopped pecans until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
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Using a 1-Tablespoon sized cookie scoop, form dough balls and place them about 2 inches apart on the parchment-lined cookie sheets.
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Bake for 9-10 minutes, or until the edges are just lightly golden brown and the centers still appear slightly soft. It’s crucial not to overbake them, as this will prevent them from being wonderfully chewy!
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Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy!
Nutrition
A huge thank you to the dedicated hosts of #ChristmasCookiesWeek! More than 25 talented bloggers came together to share an incredible array of cookie recipes, perfect for all your holiday celebrations. This festive event was proudly hosted by Ellen from Family Around the Table, Christie from A Kitchen Hoor’s Adventures, and Heather from Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks. Their efforts made this week a truly sweet success!
Don’t miss a single delicious cookie recipe! Follow along on Pinterest for endless baking inspiration.
Wednesday Christmas Cookie Recipes
- Almond Shortbread Bites by A Day in the Life on the Farm
- Brown Sugar Ice Box Cookies by West Via Midwest
- Chocolate Dipped Cranberry Oatmeal Cookie by Lemon Blossoms
- Chocolate Pecan Cookie Crisps by Eat Move Make
- Christmas Checkerboard Cookies by Jolene’s Recipe Journal
- Christmas Chippity Chip Cookies by Daily Dish Recipes
- Christmas Tree Cookies by Swirls of Flavor
- Cinnamon Snowball Cookies by Jersey Girl Cooks
- French Toast Cookies by Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks
- Frosty Ginger Cookies by Cindy’s Recipes and Writings
- Ginger Snap Cookies by Devour Dinner
- Holiday Coins by Family Around the Table
- Italian Christmas Cookies by Blogghetti
- Meringue Christmas Trees Two Ways by Art of Natural Living
- New York-Style Black & Whites by Kate’s Recipe Box
- Pecan Crescent Cookies by Palatable Pastime
- Pepparkakor by That Recipe
- Peppermint Cream Cheese Crushed Oreo Cookies by Faith, Hope, Love, & Luck Survive Despite a Whiskered Accomplice
- Reindeer Haystacks by Leftovers Then Breakfast
- Salted Caramel Dark Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies by Sweet Beginnings
- Soft Italian Wedding Cookies by Making Miracles
- Sweet Potato Pecan Cookies by Karen’s Kitchen Stories
- Turtle Cookies by An Affair from the Heart
- Vegan Italian Wine Cookies by Frugal & Fit
- Whipped Chocolate Chip Shortbread Cookies by Cheese Curd In Paradise
- Zimstern – German Cinnamon Stars by A Kitchen Hoor’s Adventures