These Chocolate Turtle Cookies are a festive treat that combines rich, chocolatey goodness with gooey caramel and crunchy pecans. Based on a recipe from America’s Test Kitchen, and adapted by Pixelated Crumb, these cookies have become one of the most popular and requested treats during the holiday season. They’re truly irresistible, with their melt-in-your-mouth texture and decadent flavors, and are sure to disappear in no time.
Ingredients:
- 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 (use the yolk in the dough, save the white for dipping)
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups pecans, chopped finely
- 14 soft caramel candies
- 3 tablespoons heavy cream
Instructions:
- Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
- In a small bowl, combine the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Make the Cookie Dough:
- Using an electric mixer, beat the softened butter and sugar on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
- Add the egg yolk, milk, and vanilla extract to the mixture, beating until well incorporated.
- Reduce the mixer speed to low and gradually add the dry flour mixture. Mix until just combined.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, allowing it to firm up.
- Prep the Baking Sheets:
- Adjust the oven rack to the upper-middle and lower-middle positions, then preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Shape the Cookies:
- Whisk the reserved egg white in a small bowl until frothy.
- Place the chopped pecans in a separate shallow bowl.
- Roll the chilled dough into 1-inch balls, then dip each ball into the frothy egg white, and roll it in the chopped pecans until fully coated.
- Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart.
- Make an Indentation:
- Using a 1/2-teaspoon measure, make an indentation in the center of each cookie dough ball. Be sure not to go all the way through the dough, just enough to create a little well for the caramel.
- Bake the Cookies:
- Bake the cookies for about 12 minutes, switching the baking sheets’ positions halfway through to ensure even baking. The cookies should be set and slightly firm around the edges but soft in the middle.
- Prepare the Caramel Filling:
- While the cookies are baking, microwave the caramels and heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl. Stir occasionally until the mixture is smooth and fully melted (about 1 to 2 minutes).
- Fill with Caramel:
- Once the cookies are out of the oven, gently re-press the indentations in the center of each cookie (since they may have puffed up a little during baking).
- Spoon about 1/2 teaspoon of the caramel mixture into each indentation.
- Cool and Enjoy:
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For an extra special touch, drizzle with melted chocolate after they’ve cooled (optional but highly recommended!).
Why You’ll Love These Chocolate Turtle Cookies:
- Decadent Caramel Filling: The gooey caramel in the center of each cookie is the star of the show, complementing the rich chocolate flavor perfectly.
- Crunchy Pecans: The chopped pecans add a satisfying crunch and make these cookies feel like a luxurious treat.
- Perfect Holiday Cookie: These cookies are perfect for gift-giving, holiday parties, or as part of your annual cookie tray.
- Customizable: You can drizzle melted chocolate over the cookies for a more indulgent treat, or even top them with extra chopped pecans for more crunch.
Pro Tips:
- Chill the Dough: The dough needs to be chilled before baking to ensure the cookies hold their shape. Don’t skip this step!
- Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on your cookies while baking. They’re done when the edges are set, but the centers are still soft. They will firm up as they cool.
- Optional Chocolate Drizzle: After the cookies cool, melt some semi-sweet or milk chocolate and drizzle it over the top for an extra layer of flavor.
- Storage: Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They also freeze well for up to a month.
A Holiday Favorite:
These Chocolate Turtle Cookies are sure to become a staple in your holiday baking routine. With their rich chocolate flavor, gooey caramel center, and crunchy pecans, they offer a perfect balance of textures and tastes. Whether you’re making them for yourself or sharing them with friends and family, these cookies are guaranteed to impress and disappear quickly! Enjoy!