Description

Chocolate Turtle Cookies are a decadent treat featuring a perfect blend of rich chocolate, buttery caramel, and crunchy nuts. This recipe delivers gooey caramel centers, toasted nuts, and luscious chocolate chips, creating a harmonious mix of textures and flavors. Ideal for any occasion, these cookies balance sweetness and crunch beautifully, making them irresistible and perfect for sharing.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 large egg, at room temperature

Add-ins

1 cup caramel bits or soft caramel candies
3/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (toasted if desired)
1 cup chocolate chips or chunks

Instructions

Prepare the Dough: Cream the softened butter with brown sugar and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in the vanilla extract and egg until combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until a smooth dough forms.
Fold in Nuts and Chocolate: Gently fold the chopped nuts and chocolate chips into the dough, distributing them evenly without overmixing to ensure tender cookies.
Shape the Cookies and Add Caramel: Scoop the cookie dough onto parchment-lined baking trays. Press a caramel bit or soft caramel candy into the center of each dough mound and slightly flatten the surrounding dough around the caramel.
Bake to Perfection: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until edges are golden but centers remain soft. Remove from oven and let cool briefly on the tray.
Let Cookies Cool: Transfer cookies to a wire rack and cool completely to allow the caramel to set and chocolate to firm, making them easier to handle and enhancing flavor.

Notes

Use room temperature butter and eggs for smooth mixing and even texture.
Mix just until ingredients are combined to avoid tough cookies.
Opt for high-quality caramel bits or soft candies for richer flavor and better melting.
If possible, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent spreading.
Slightly underbake the cookies for a chewy center and crisp edges.
Sprinkle flaky sea salt or chopped nuts on top before baking for added flavor and presentation.
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days.
Freeze unbaked dough balls for up to three months; bake directly from frozen adding extra 2-3 minutes.
Warm cookies briefly to soften caramel and enjoy fresh-baked taste.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cookie
Calories: 190
Sugar: 15g
Sodium: 100mg
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 25mg

Keywords: Chocolate Turtle Cookies, caramel cookies, nutty cookies, chocolate and caramel dessert, easy cookies, holiday cookies