Chocolate Turtle Cookies are double chocolate chip cookies stuffed with caramel & pecans! Decadent Turtle Cookie recipe that everyone loves! 

Making caramel filled turtle cookies is easy and straightforward. With this chocolate cookie dough, there is minimal chilling but maximum results. You’re going to love how much fun it is to make these unique cookies and how much fun it is to bite into every caramel filled surprise.

Why You’ll Love these Turtle Cookies

These Turtle Cookies are a perfect treat for anyone who loves chocolate, caramel, and pecans. The combination of these flavors creates a delicious and irresistible cookie that is perfect for any occasion.

One of the best things about these cookies is their texture. The outside is slightly crispy, while the inside is soft and chewy. The addition of the chopped pecans adds a nice crunch to each bite, making them even more satisfying.

Another reason to love these Turtle Cookies is their versatility. They are great for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering, a holiday party, or just a sweet treat for yourself. They are also easy to make, so you can whip up a batch whenever you’re in the mood for something sweet.

These cookies are also perfect for sharing. They are sure to impress anyone who tries them, and they make a great gift for friends and family. Plus, with the addition of the caramel filling, they are a unique twist on traditional chocolate chip cookies.

Ingredient Breakdown

Dry Ingredients

The dry ingredients in this recipe include 1 1/3 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/3 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder, 1/4 tsp of kosher salt, and 1/2 tsp of baking soda. These ingredients are mixed together in a large bowl until well combined. The flour provides structure and texture to the cookies, while the cocoa powder adds a rich chocolate flavor. The salt and baking soda work together to leaven the cookies and enhance their flavor.

Wet Ingredients

The wet ingredients in this recipe include 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, 1/2 cup of packed brown sugar, 1 large egg, and 1 1/2 tsp of vanilla extract. These ingredients are creamed together in a separate large bowl until smooth. The butter and sugars provide moisture and sweetness to the cookies, while the egg and vanilla extract add richness and flavor.

Additional Ingredients

In addition to the dry and wet ingredients, this recipe also calls for 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips, 6 unwrapped soft caramel candies (halved), and 1 cup of chopped pecans. The chocolate chips are folded into the cookie dough to add extra chocolate flavor and texture. The caramel candies are placed in the center of each cookie and provide a gooey, chewy surprise when bitten into. The chopped pecans are rolled onto the outside of the cookie dough balls to add a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.

Overall, this recipe combines a variety of ingredients to create a delicious and unique cookie that is sure to please any sweet tooth.

Preparation Process

Mixing Ingredients

To begin making these delicious turtle cookies, the first step is to combine the dry ingredients in a large bowl. This includes 1 1/3 cup all-purpose flour, 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, 1/4 tsp kosher salt, and 1/2 tsp baking soda. Mix these ingredients together until they are well combined.

In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth. Then, stir in 1 large egg and 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract until just combined. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, 1/2 cup at a time, until well mixed. Finally, fold in 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips.

Refrigeration

Once the dough is mixed, cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for about 20-25 minutes. This will help the dough firm up and make it easier to handle when forming the cookies.

Forming the Cookies

When ready to bake the cookies, preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Remove the cookie dough from the refrigerator and start forming the cookies by scooping about 2 1/2 tablespoons of dough. Alternatively, a large cookie scoop can be used to make the process easier. Roll the dough with your hands to form a ball and place it on the baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining dough.

Next, flatten each cookie ball to form a disc and place a halved caramel on the center of each cookie disc. Roll the discs back up into balls with your hands, sealing the caramel inside. Then, roll the sealed cookie balls in the chopped pecans and place them back onto the baking sheet.

Baking and Cooling

Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, or until the cookies are cooked through. Once the turtle cookies have finished cooking, transfer them to a wire rack to cool. Then, enjoy these delicious treats!

Baking Instructions

Preheating Oven

Before starting to bake the turtle cookies, preheat the oven to 350° F. This will ensure that the oven is at the optimal temperature for baking the cookies.

Forming Cookies

To form the cookies, start by scooping about 2 ½ tablespoons of dough and roll it with your hands to form a ball. Flatten each cookie ball to form a disc, and place a halved caramel on the center of each cookie disc. Roll the discs back up into balls with your hands, sealing the caramel inside.

Adding Caramel

When adding the caramel to the center of the cookie, make sure it is halved and placed in the center of the flattened cookie disc. This will ensure that the caramel is evenly distributed throughout the cookie.

Pecan Roll

After adding the caramel, roll the sealed cookie balls in the chopped pecans until they are coated evenly. This will add a crunchy texture to the cookie and enhance the flavor.

Baking Time

Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, or until the cookies are cooked through. Once the turtle cookies have finished cooking, transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool.

By following these simple baking instructions, you can easily make delicious turtle cookies that are sure to impress your family and friends.

Print

Caramel Filled Turtle Cookies

Chocolate Turtle Cookies are double chocolate chip cookies stuffed with caramel & pecans! Decadent Turtle Cookie recipe that everyone loves!

Course Cookies, Dessert

Cuisine American

Keyword Chocolate Turtle Cookies

Prep Time 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes minutes

Total Time 30 minutes minutes

Servings 12 large cookies

Calories 361kcal

Author Jessica & Nellie

Ingredients

• 1 ⅓ cup all purpose flour
• ⅓ cup cocoa powder, unsweetened
• ¼ tsp kosher salt
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened at room temperature
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup packed brown sugar
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup semi sweet chocolate chips
• 6 unwrapped soft caramel candies, halved
• 1 cup pecans, chopped

Instructions

• Combine the flour, baking soda, salt and cocoa powder in a large bowl until well mixed.
• In a separate large bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar with a  spatula or mixer until smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract and egg until just combined. Add the dry ingredients to the mix, ½ cup at a time until well mixed. Fold in the chocolate chips.
• Cover the cookie dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 20- 25 minutes.
• When you are ready to prepare and bake the cookies, preheat the oven to 350° F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Pull the cookie dough from the refrigerator and start forming the cookies by scooping about 2 ½ tablespoons of dough. (Or use a large cookie scoop) Roll with your hands to form a ball and place on the baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining dough.
• Next, flatten each cookie ball to form a disc, and place a halved caramel on the center of each cookie disc. Roll the discs back up into balls with your hands, sealing the caramel inside.
• Roll the sealed cookie balls in the chopped pecans and place back onto the baking sheet.
• Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, or until the cookies are cooked through. Once the turtle cookies have finished cooking, transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool. Enjoy!

Notes

The dough can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator.

Cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to 5-7 days.

You can freeze the cookies to store for a later use, for up to 90 days. Allow to thaw fully at room temperature.

Recipe yields 12 BIG cookies. You can also use a medium cookie scoop to make 24 regular sized cookies. You will need to cut the caramel pieces in half again if you opt for this! 

Nutrition

Calories: 361kcal | Carbohydrates: 42g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 21g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Cholesterol: 37mg | Sodium: 125mg | Potassium: 199mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 26g | Vitamin A: 271IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 39mg | Iron: 2mg

Can I make turtle cookies in advance?

You can make the dough for these cookies in advance by prepping them up to the chill point and leaving them covered, in the fridge overnight.

Post-Baking Procedures

Cooling

After baking, it is important to allow the turtle cookies to cool on a wire rack before serving. This will prevent the caramel from being too hot and potentially burning your mouth. The cookies should be allowed to cool for at least 10 minutes before serving.

How to Store Turtle Cookies

If you have any leftover turtle cookies, they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To keep the cookies fresh for longer, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to a week. Before serving, allow the cookies to come to room temperature for about 10 minutes.

Can you Freeze Caramel Cookies?

Yes, you can freeze turtle cookies for up to 3 months. To freeze, place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer the cookies to a freezer-safe container or bag. When you’re ready to enjoy them, allow the cookies to thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.

It’s important to note that freezing may affect the texture of the cookies and the caramel filling may become slightly chewy. However, they will still be delicious and enjoyable.

More Fun Cookie Recipes:

• Peppermint Chocolate Sandwich Cookies
• Caramel Apple Oatmeal Cookies
• Loaded Reeses Cookies
• Butterscotch Pretzel Cookies
• M&M Halloween Cookies
• Caramel Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
• Apple Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies
• Chocolate Shortbread Cookies
• Sour Cream Sugar Cookies
• Surprise Chocolate Kiss Cookies
• Spiced Apple Cookies
• Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake Mix Cookies
• Cinnamon Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
• Rice Krispie Chocolate Chip Cookies
• Granola Chocolate Chip Cookies

Chocolate Turtle Cookies are double chocolate chip cookies stuffed with caramel & pecans! Decadent Turtle Cookie recipe that everyone loves!

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