Go Back
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened - 1 cup brown sugar, packed - 1/2 cup granulated sugar - 2 large eggs - 2 teaspoons vanilla extract - 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon baking soda - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips - 1 cup chopped pecans - 1 cup caramel sauce You can swap unsalted butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free option. If you have nut allergies, use sunflower seeds instead of pecans. For caramel sauce, try store-bought or homemade versions. You can even use chocolate sauce if you want a twist. {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is the perfect temperature for baking. 2. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This helps prevent sticking. 3. In a large bowl, cream together 1 cup of softened unsalted butter with 1 cup of brown sugar and 1/2 cup of granulated sugar. Mix until it’s light and fluffy. 4. Add in 2 large eggs, one at a time. Then, mix in 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. Keep mixing until everything is well blended. 1. In another bowl, whisk together 2 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. This mix is key for cookie structure. 2. Gradually add the dry mix to the wet ingredients. Stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. 3. Now, fold in 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips and 1 cup of chopped pecans. Make sure they are evenly spread throughout the dough. 1. Using a tablespoon, scoop out dough balls and place them on the prepared baking sheets. Leave space between each cookie. 2. Use your thumb or a spoon to make an indentation in the center of each cookie. This is where the caramel will go. 3. Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes. Look for light golden edges. 4. When they are done, remove them from the oven. Fill each indentation with 1 cup of caramel sauce right away. 5. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. To get the right cookie texture, I have a few key tips. First, always use room temperature butter. This helps create a creamy mix with the sugars. Next, when adding flour, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Measuring ingredients accurately is very important. Use a scale for dry ingredients if you can. This ensures you have the right amounts for perfect cookies. For brown sugar, pack it tightly into the cup. This gives you that nice, chewy texture. When it comes to baking, parchment paper is your best friend. Place it on your baking sheets to prevent sticking. It also helps the cookies bake evenly. If you run out, greasing the sheets works too, but parchment is safer. After baking, let the cookies cool on the sheets for five minutes. This helps set their shape. If you move them too soon, they may break. Once cooled a bit, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. For serving, arrange the cookies on a nice platter. You can drizzle extra caramel sauce over the top for a tasty look. Sprinkle some chopped pecans for a crunchy touch. This makes your cookies not just delicious, but also fun to see. Pro Tips Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for a smoother batter and better incorporation of ingredients. Chill the Dough: If the dough feels too soft to scoop, chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to make it easier to handle. Experiment with Caramel: Try different types of caramel sauce, such as salted caramel, for a unique flavor twist. Storage Tips: Store cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness, and they can be frozen for up to 3 months. {{image_2}} You can switch up the flavors in your Chocolate Caramel Turtle Cookies. Try using dark chocolate chips for a rich taste. White chocolate can add a fun twist, too. Feel free to mix in different nuts. Walnuts can give a nice crunch, while almonds add a sweet touch. Experimenting with flavors makes each batch unique. If you need gluten-free cookies, you can swap out the all-purpose flour. Use a gluten-free blend instead. This way, everyone can enjoy the treats. For a vegan version, replace the butter with coconut oil and use flax eggs. This keeps the cookies tasty and friendly for all diets. You can make these cookies fit any season. For holidays, add festive sprinkles or use holiday-shaped cookie cutters. In fall, add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth. In winter, mix in peppermint bits for a refreshing twist. Seasonal flavors can make your cookies even more special. To keep your Chocolate Caramel Turtle Cookies fresh, follow these simple tips: - Let the cookies cool completely before storing. - Place cookies in an airtight container. - Store at room temperature for up to one week. - For longer freshness, put a piece of bread in the container. This helps keep them soft. Use a sturdy, airtight container made of plastic or glass. A metal tin works too, but be careful. Metal can trap moisture. Keep the container in a cool, dry place, away from sunlight. You can freeze your cookie dough for later use. Here’s how: - Scoop cookie dough balls onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. - Freeze the dough balls for about 1 hour until firm. - Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. When you are ready to bake, just take the dough out. Thaw the cookie balls in the fridge for a few hours. Then bake as usual. You may need to add a minute or two to the baking time. Freeze extra cookies the same way. Wrap them well, and they can last for up to three months. What are Chocolate Caramel Turtle Cookies? Chocolate Caramel Turtle Cookies are soft, chewy cookies filled with chocolate chips, pecans, and caramel. They offer a delightful mix of flavors and textures in each bite. The cookie base is rich and buttery, while the caramel adds a sweet, gooey center. The pecans provide a satisfying crunch. How long do these cookies last? These cookies can last up to one week when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them. They will stay fresh for about three months in the freezer. Can I make the dough ahead of time? Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time. Prepare the dough and place it in an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to 48 hours. You can also freeze the dough for longer storage. Just scoop it into balls and freeze. Why are my cookies spreading too much? If your cookies spread too much, check if your butter was too soft. It should be softened, not melted. Also, make sure you measured flour correctly. Too little flour can cause spreading. Chilling the dough for about 30 minutes can help firm it up. What to do if cookies are too dry? If your cookies turn out too dry, it might be due to overbaking or too much flour. Always check the baking time, and be sure to measure flour correctly. If they are dry, try adding a bit of melted butter to the batch to moisten them. Overview of calorie count per cookie Each Chocolate Caramel Turtle Cookie has about 150 calories. This makes them a sweet treat, but moderation is key. Breakdown of main ingredients' nutritional benefits - Butter: Adds richness and flavor, provides fat for texture. - Brown Sugar: Contributes moisture and gives a slight molasses taste. - Pecans: Offer healthy fats, protein, and fiber, making the cookies more filling. - Chocolate Chips: Provide antioxidants and a boost of sweetness. - Caramel Sauce: Adds delicious flavor but is high in sugar, so enjoy sparingly. This article covered how to make Chocolate Caramel Turtle Cookies. We looked at the ingredients, substitutions, and a step-by-step guide to baking. I shared tips for texture, storage, and fun variations. These cookies are not just tasty but simple to make. Use these ideas for delightful treats anytime. Enjoy the amazing flavors of these cookies with family and friends. Happy baking!

Decadent Chocolate Caramel Turtle Cookies

Delicious cookies filled with chocolate chips, pecans, and caramel sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 24
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1 2/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2.5 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1 cup chopped pecans
  • 1 cup caramel sauce

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
  • In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
  • Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
  • Fold in the chocolate chips and chopped pecans until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
  • Using a tablespoon, scoop out dough balls and place them on the prepared baking sheets, leaving enough space between each cookie to spread.
  • Using your thumb or the back of a spoon, make an indentation in the center of each cookie.
  • Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are light golden brown. Remove the cookies from the oven and immediately fill each indentation with caramel sauce.
  • Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Arrange the cookies on a beautiful platter, drizzle extra caramel sauce over the top, and sprinkle some chopped pecans for a decorative touch.
Keyword caramel, chocolate, cookies, pecans