Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Turtle Chocolate Chip Cookies combine the best of both worlds: soft, chewy chocolate chip cookies and the irresistible flavors of a turtle candy. The combination of melted chocolate, caramel, and pecans creates a rich, indulgent treat that will make every bite feel like a moment of bliss. These cookies are easy to make and are the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and crunchy, making them a favorite for any occasion.

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup caramel bits or chopped caramel
1/2 cup chopped pecans (or walnuts)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and beat until combined.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Fold in the chocolate chips, caramel bits, and chopped pecans.
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart.
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers are set.
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 18-20 cookies
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

Chocolate variety: Use milk chocolate or dark chocolate chips for a different flavor profile.
Nuts: Try other nuts such as walnuts or almonds if pecans aren’t available.
Caramel sauce: For an extra indulgent treat, drizzle warm caramel sauce over the cookies before serving.
Gluten-free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies gluten-free.
Stuffed cookies: Instead of mixing in the caramel bits, you can stuff the cookies with a piece of caramel in the center before baking for an extra gooey bite.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
Freezing: If you want to store them longer, freeze the baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They can be kept for up to 3 months.
Reheating: To reheat, microwave individual cookies for 10-15 seconds or warm them in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes for a soft, fresh-out-of-the-oven experience.

FAQs

1. Can I use regular caramel instead of caramel bits?

Yes, you can use chopped pieces of regular caramel candies. Just be sure to cut them into small pieces to ensure they melt well during baking.

2. Can I substitute the pecans with another nut?

Absolutely! Walnuts, almonds, or even macadamia nuts would work well as a substitute for pecans in this recipe.

3. How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?

Make sure your dough is chilled before baking, as this helps the cookies hold their shape. If the dough is too soft, refrigerating it for 15-20 minutes can prevent excessive spreading.

4. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just allow it to sit at room temperature for a few minutes before scooping and baking.

5. Are these cookies gluten-free?

This recipe as written contains gluten. However, you can easily make it gluten-free by using a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.

6. Can I make these cookies vegan?

To make these cookies vegan, substitute the butter with a plant-based butter and use a flax egg or another egg substitute. Choose dairy-free chocolate chips and caramel bits as well.

7. Can I add more caramel to the dough?

Yes, if you prefer an extra caramel kick, feel free to add more caramel bits to the dough. Just make sure to balance it with the chocolate and nuts.

8. How do I make sure the cookies are soft and chewy?

To achieve a soft and chewy texture, avoid overbaking the cookies. Remove them from the oven when the edges are golden but the centers are still soft.

9. Can I use a cookie scoop for uniform cookies?

Yes! A cookie scoop is a great tool for ensuring uniform-sized cookies that bake evenly.

10. How can I make these cookies look more festive?

For a holiday or special occasion, you can add sprinkles, drizzle melted chocolate over the top, or even dust with powdered sugar for an extra touch of flair.

Conclusion

Turtle Chocolate Chip Cookies are a fun and delicious way to enjoy a classic cookie with a new twist. With gooey caramel, rich chocolate chips, and crunchy pecans, they offer a perfect blend of textures and flavors that are sure to please any sweet tooth. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering or just treating yourself, these cookies are a must-try!

Turtle Chocolate Chip Cookies

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Turtle Chocolate Chip Cookies combine the best of both worlds: soft, chewy chocolate chip cookies and the irresistible flavors of turtle candy. These cookies are packed with gooey caramel, crunchy pecans, and rich chocolate, creating a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and crunchy textures. Perfect for any occasion, these indulgent treats are easy to make and sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Author: Laura
Prep Time: 15min
Cook Time: 10min
Total Time: 30min
Yield: 18-20 cookies
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Instructions

Preheat the Oven & Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Cream Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
Add Wet Ingredients: Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and beat until combined.
Combine Wet & Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
Fold in Mix-ins: Gently fold in the chocolate chips, caramel bits, and chopped pecans.
Shape Cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart.
Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers are set. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
Freezing: To store longer, freeze the baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Reheat in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes.