Name: Turtle Chocolate Chip Cookies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: For the Oatmeal Cookies:; 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature; 1 cup brown sugar, firmly packed; ¾ cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 3 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips; 1 cup caramel bits; ½ cup chopped pecans; For Decorating (optional):; 1 cup semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips, melted; Additional chocolate chips, caramel bits, and pecan halves for topping

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These cookies combine all the best elements of turtle candy—caramel, chocolate, and pecans—into a rich and chewy cookie. The decadent filling of caramel bits and chocolate chips, along with crunchy pecans, make each bite irresistible. Plus, you can easily decorate them with extra chocolate, caramel, and pecans to make them even more special!

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
1 cup brown sugar, firmly packed
¾ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup caramel bits
½ cup chopped pecans

For Decorating (optional):

1 cup semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips, melted
Additional chocolate chips, caramel bits, and pecan halves for topping

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

Directions

Prepare the oven and baking sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Cream the butter and sugars: In a large bowl, beat the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until smooth and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in vanilla extract.
Combine dry and wet ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Add chocolate chips, caramel bits, and pecans: Stir in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, caramel bits, and chopped pecans until evenly distributed.
Scoop and bake: Use a medium cookie scoop to drop dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are golden.
Decorate (optional): After baking, top the cookies with melted chocolate, extra caramel bits, and pecans for decoration. Allow to cool completely on a wire rack.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 24 cookies
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 32 minutes

Variations

Vegan version: Substitute dairy-free chocolate chips and vegan butter to make this recipe vegan.
Nut-free: Omit the pecans and substitute with your favorite dried fruit or seeds for a nut-free version.
Caramel drizzle: For extra indulgence, drizzle melted caramel over the baked cookies.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Reheating: Warm them in the microwave for 5-10 seconds to enjoy the gooey caramel and chocolate once again.

FAQs

Can I use dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet chocolate?

Yes, dark chocolate will give a more intense flavor and work beautifully in this recipe.

Can I substitute the caramel bits with caramel chews?

Yes, you can chop caramel chews into small pieces if you can’t find caramel bits.

How can I make these cookies chewier?

Use more brown sugar than granulated sugar for added moisture, and underbake the cookies slightly for a chewier texture.

Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Yes, you can freeze the dough for up to 2 months. Scoop the dough onto a baking sheet and freeze, then transfer to a bag for storage.

Can I add more nuts to the cookies?

Feel free to add extra pecans, walnuts, or even almonds to enhance the nutty flavor.

How do I keep the cookies from spreading too much?

Ensure the butter is at room temperature, not too soft, and chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.

Can I use a different type of sugar?

You can substitute dark brown sugar for a deeper flavor, but avoid using powdered sugar, as it can change the cookie’s texture.

How do I know when the cookies are done?

The cookies should be golden at the edges but soft in the center. They’ll continue cooking a bit as they cool on the baking sheet.

Can I decorate these cookies with other toppings?

Absolutely! You can decorate them with sea salt, sprinkles, or mini chocolate chips to give them a personalized touch.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the regular flour.

Conclusion

These turtle chocolate chip cookies are a must-try for anyone who loves the combination of chocolate, caramel, and nuts. With their chewy texture and rich flavor, they’re perfect for any occasion, whether you’re treating yourself or sharing with friends. Enjoy these indulgent treats that bring together all the best flavors in one bite!

Turtle Chocolate Chip Cookies

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Author: Julia
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 24 servings
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Turtle Chocolate Chip Cookies combine the irresistible flavors of caramel, chocolate, and pecans in a soft and chewy cookie. These treats are the perfect adult twist on the classic turtle candy, with gooey caramel bits, rich chocolate chips, and crunchy pecans. A delicious, indulgent dessert for any occasion!

Instructions

Prepare the oven and baking sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Cream the butter and sugars: In a large bowl, beat the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth and fluffy (about 8-10 minutes). Add eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in vanilla extract.
Combine dry and wet ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Add chocolate chips, caramel bits, and pecans: Stir in the chocolate chips, caramel bits, and chopped pecans until evenly distributed.
Scoop and bake: Use a medium cookie scoop to drop dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are golden.
Decorate (optional): After baking, top the cookies with melted chocolate, extra caramel bits, and pecans for decoration. Allow to cool completely on a wire rack.

Notes

Vegan Version: Substitute dairy-free chocolate chips and vegan butter to make this recipe vegan.

Nut-Free: Omit the pecans and substitute with your favorite dried fruit or seeds for a nut-free version.

Caramel Drizzle: For extra indulgence, drizzle melted caramel over the baked cookies.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American